Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Your Ultimate Recipe for Tender, Juicy Shredded Goodness
Unlock the secret to sweet, tangy, and fall-apart tender BBQ chicken in minutes with your Instant Pot. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or effortless entertaining, this versatile shredded chicken is ideal for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or simply enjoying with a fork.
There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about a meal featuring succulent, shredded meat drenched in a rich, flavorful barbecue sauce. While pulled pork classics like Smoked Pork Butt or cozy Instant Pot Country Style Ribs are always a hit, sometimes you need a quicker, lighter, yet equally delicious alternative. That’s where our Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe shines. It delivers all the sweet and tangy notes you crave, with chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, all ready in a fraction of the time.
Why the Instant Pot is Your BBQ Chicken Game-Changer
Since welcoming the Instant Pot into my kitchen, I’ve been continually amazed by its ability to transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals, especially when it comes to poultry. Unlike traditional slow-cooking methods that can sometimes leave chicken feeling dry and fibrous, the Instant Pot excels at locking in moisture, ensuring consistently juicy and flavorful results every time. This is precisely why it’s fantastic for recipes like Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, where maintaining juicy meat is crucial for a truly satisfying dish.
Many home cooks, myself included, have experienced the frustration of dry chicken from a crock pot, even with ample liquid and careful timing. The Instant Pot, however, works its magic by cooking under high pressure, which not only drastically reduces cooking time but also creates a moist, steamy environment. This pressure cooking method tenderizes the chicken beautifully, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors of the BBQ sauce without losing any of its natural juiciness. The result is perfectly tender, fall-apart chicken that’s moist from edge to edge, making it the ideal base for our sensational Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.
Making delicious shredded BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot couldn’t be simpler. You have the flexibility to use either a quick homemade barbecue sauce, which comes together in about 5 minutes with staple pantry ingredients, or your favorite store-bought jarred sauce for an even faster prep. Both options promise a mouthwatering meal that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in mere minutes.
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
For detailed measurements and full instructions, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the COMPLETE PRINTABLE recipe card.
This recipe calls for simple ingredients, easily found in any grocery store, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are our go-to for ease of shredding and lean protein. However, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, darker meat. Just ensure they are boneless to keep cooking times consistent.
- Water: A small amount of water is essential at the bottom of the Instant Pot to help it come to pressure correctly and prevent any “burn” warnings. It also helps create that moist cooking environment.
- Ketchup: Forms the sweet and tangy base of our homemade BBQ sauce, providing classic flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses-rich sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the vinegar and ketchup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Crucial for that signature BBQ tang and acidity, which also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a deep, savory, umami flavor complexity that elevates the sauce.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Introduces a subtle kick and robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with barbecue.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
While our homemade sauce recipe is fantastic and easy, you absolutely have the option to use your preferred store-bought barbecue sauce. This is a great shortcut for those extra busy days!
How To Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and tender shredded BBQ chicken in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for the homemade barbecue sauce (ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and black pepper). Whisk them together until well combined. This ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Place Chicken in Instant Pot: Add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) to the base of your Instant Pot. The true beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: you can use either fresh or frozen chicken, with only a slight adjustment in cooking time.
- Add Water: Pour in a little water (3/4 cup is usually sufficient) around the chicken. This crucial step helps the Instant Pot come to pressure efficiently and prevents the dreaded “burn” warning, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
- Sauce the Chicken: Evenly pour your prepared barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts. No need to stir extensively; the pressure cooking process will help distribute the flavors.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting (High Pressure) and set the timer for 15 minutes for fresh chicken. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to 20 minutes to ensure they cook through completely.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. This natural release period helps keep the chicken extra tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the vent to the “Venting” position until all remaining pressure is released and the float valve drops.
- Shred and Serve: Once the lid can be safely unlocked, open the Instant Pot. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it thoroughly with the rich, flavorful barbecue sauce. The chicken will be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart.
The best part about making Instant Pot BBQ chicken is this adaptability: you can genuinely start with fresh or frozen chicken breasts. You can even use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture and flavor profile. Just remember that bone-in chicken will require different cooking times, so stick to boneless for this recipe.
Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot
One of the Instant Pot’s most incredible features is its ability to cook food directly from frozen, saving you precious thawing time. For frozen chicken breasts, it will generally take approximately 20 minutes under high pressure. The exact time can vary slightly depending on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces. If you have thinner, individually separated frozen chicken breasts, they might cook closer to 15 minutes. However, with many chicken breasts sold in stores today being quite substantial – often 2 inches thick and close to a pound each – I find that 20 minutes under pressure is the optimal time for thoroughly cooked, yet still perfectly tender, results.
Always ensure there’s sufficient liquid at the bottom of the pot when cooking frozen items to prevent scorching and help the pot come to pressure quickly. The 3/4 cup of water specified in this recipe is usually enough to achieve this, even with frozen chicken.
How To Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken: Versatile Meal Ideas
The versatility of Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is one of its greatest assets. This sweet and savory shredded meat can be transformed into countless delicious meals:
- Classic Sandwiches: Serve piled high on a toasted hamburger bun or an English muffin for a comforting meal. Add a slice of cheese or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.
- BBQ Chicken Wraps: Combine with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe a dollop of ranch dressing in a tortilla for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Spoon generously over a hot, fluffy baked potato with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, and extra cheese.
- Salad Topping: A fantastic protein boost for any green salad. Its robust flavor can turn a simple salad into a complete meal.
- Quesadillas: Layer with cheese between two tortillas and grill until golden brown for a cheesy, savory treat.
- BBQ Chicken Nachos: The ultimate party appetizer! Pile over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho fixings.
- Tacos: A fun twist on taco night, offering a unique flavor profile to your usual suspects.
- Pizza Topping: Use as a delicious, savory topping on homemade or store-bought pizza crust.
- Sliders: Perfect for game day or gatherings, mini buns make for easy-to-eat portions.
What Goes With BBQ Chicken: Perfect Side Dish Pairings
To complete your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken meal, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly:
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these are a healthier alternative to fries and a great accompaniment.
- Simple Tossed Salad: A fresh, crisp salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the BBQ chicken.
- Homemade Baked Beans: A classic BBQ pairing, offering a sweet and savory counterpoint.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Cornbread: A southern staple that pairs wonderfully with any BBQ dish.
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: Easy to make and offer a sweet, earthy balance to the meal.
- Coleslaw: Creamy, crunchy coleslaw is a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A hearty and comforting side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot offers unmatched speed and tenderness, you can certainly adapt this recipe for other cooking methods. To make it in a slow cooker, simply mix the sauce ingredients, pour over chicken breasts in your crockpot, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable. For oven preparation, place chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and can be shredded.
Yes, definitely! This is a wonderfully flexible recipe. While our homemade sauce recipe provides a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, feel free to use any barbecue sauce you love. You could try my favorite Homemade Barbecue Sauce, experiment with a sweeter version like Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce, or simply grab a bottle of your favorite brand from the store. Adjusting the type of sauce allows you to customize the flavor profile to your exact preference – from smoky to spicy, or extra sweet.
This Instant Pot BBQ chicken is fantastic for meal prepping! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. And yes, it freezes exceptionally well! Once cooked and shredded, let the chicken cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. This makes it perfect for having quick, delicious meals ready on demand.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a delicious, satisfying meal in mere minutes. What’s even better is how easily you can double the recipe without needing to adjust the cooking time significantly. This means you can prepare a larger batch for easy meal prep, transforming the leftovers into exciting new dishes throughout the week – think BBQ chicken pizza one night and loaded nachos the next!
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try
- Chicken Salad with Grapes
- Smoked Chicken Breast
- Instant Pot Crack Chicken
- Sour Cream Enchiladas
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup water
Barbecue Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Place chicken in the base of the Instant Pot. Pour in 3/4 cup of water around the chicken to help the pot come to pressure and prevent burning.
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In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce: ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and black pepper. Pour the delicious sauce evenly over the chicken.
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Close and seal the lid for the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook under high pressure for 15 minutes for fresh chicken breasts. For frozen chicken breasts, increase the pressure cook time to 20 minutes.
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Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Once the lid unlocks, remove chicken and use two forks to shred it directly in the pot, tossing it thoroughly with the rich barbecue sauce until well coated.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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