Instant Pot BBQ Chicken couldn't get any easier with this recipe! Takes doctored-up bbq sauce to the next level. Perfect quick and easy 30-minute meal!
Instant Pot shredded bbq chicken is always a winner because you can have pull-apart chicken in 30 minutes, compared to hours in the oven or the slow cooker.
The best part is all of the ingredients you can find in the pantry and spice cabinet!
What I love about this recipe:
- Pull-apart, shredded, juicy chicken in 30 minutes!
- Perfect for game day and feeding a large crowd, double or triple the ingredients.
- It takes normal bbq sauce to the next level by adding a few ingredients!
what to serve with pulled bbq chicken
Pulled bbq chicken is perfect with almost any side dish you can think of!
TOPPINGS:
✔ More bbq sauce
✔ Coleslaw
✔ Perfect on top of buns or without
SIDE DISHES:
All of my side dish recipes are here, but here are a few I think that would be delicious:
✔ Collard Greens with Bacon
✔ Air Fryer Asparagus
✔ Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes
✔ Air Fryer Baked Potato
ingredients needed for instant pot bbq chicken:
- Chicken Breasts - Can be thawed, slightly thawed, or frozen.
- Oil - Any type will work besides sesame oil.
- Smoked Paprika - Adds the perfect amount of smokiness to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cumin
- Salt
- Dry Mustard - A must-have with any bbq!
- BBQ Sauce - Your favorite bbq sauce.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT SHREDDED BBQ CHICKEN
STEP 1: Mix your seasoning and spices in a small bowl.
STEP 2: Rub your chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
STEP 3: With the instant pot on the saute mode, add your oil and allow the pot insert to get hot. Add the chicken breasts and saute on each side for 2 minutes. Next, add the bbq sauce on top of the chicken.
STEP 4: Place the lid on the instant pot making sure the valve is in the sealing position. Press manual (high pressure) and set to 13 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
STEP 5: Remove the lid on the instant pot and shred the chicken breasts. If you think the sauce is too liquidity, reduce the sauce by pressing the saute mode for 2-3 minutes.
RECIPE TIPS AND VARIATIONS
- Storage - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating - You can reheat shredded bbq chicken in the microwave or stovetop.
- Switch up the flavor - Try different bbq sauces. For example, I've used Sweet Baby Ray's and a Carolina bbq. Both are delicious!
frequently asked questions:
Yes, it does. I have never received a burn notice on my instant pot with only using bbq sauce as the liquid.
I like to do 13 minutes if I'm sauteing them for 2 minutes on each side. If skipping the sauteing, 15 minutes is perfect.
Absolutely! That's why I love the instant pot. Skip the sauteing and pressure cook for 25 minutes, then naturally release for 10 minutes.
freezer meal instructions
This instant pot bbq chicken is the perfect freezer meal! You can either prep this before cooking or after cooking. For best results, use within 4-6 months.
TO FREEZE BEFORE COOKING:
- Prepare all ingredients, rub onto the chicken breasts, and place into a freezer bag or freezer-friendly container.
- Freeze.
- When ready to cook, add to the instant pot. If you are cooking from frozen, the chicken breasts will need additional cooking time. Frozen chicken breasts can be thawed before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator 24-48 hours beforehand.
TO FREEZE AFTER COOKING:
- Prepare recipe as directed.
- Allow the shredded chicken to cool to room temperature.
- Package in freezer bags or a freezer-friendly container.
- Freeze.
- Shredded chicken can be reheat in the microwave or the oven.
recommended tools
- Instant Pot - I have used this exact instant pot for years!
- Tongs - My favorite pair of tongs. Perfect for shredded chicken.
more easy dinner recipes:
If you loved this recipe, here are a few more dinner recipes you will love!
You can check out all of my instant pot recipes here or see a few of our readers’ favorites below:
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken couldn't get any easier with this recipe! Takes doctored-up bbq sauce to the next level. Perfect quick and easy 30-minute meal!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup bbq sauce
-
Mix your seasoning and spices in a small bowl.
-
Rub your chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
-
With the instant pot on the saute mode, add your oil and allow the pot insert to get hot. Add the chicken breasts and saute on each side for 2 minutes. Next, add the bbq sauce on top of the chicken.
-
Place the lid on the instant pot making sure the valve is in the sealing position. Press manual (high pressure) and set to 13 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
How to cook frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot:
- First rub the frozen chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.
- Skip the sauteing of the chicken breasts, and follow directions as directed but cook for 25 minutes instead of 13 minutes.
Nutrition information:
Nutrition information is calculated with the shredded chicken and bbq sauce only.
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