Print

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 25 reviews

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender shredded chicken infused with rich barbecue sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish, it combines the ease of pressure cooking with a homemade BBQ sauce blend for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

BBQ Sauce Mix

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Chicken and Broth

  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Prepare BBQ Sauce Mix: In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well mixed to create the flavorful sauce base.
  2. Add Chicken and Stock: Pour the chicken stock into the Instant Pot, then add the chicken breasts, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the pot.
  3. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts without stirring, ensuring the sauce layers on top.
  4. Pressure Cook Chicken: Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to remove remaining pressure.
  5. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks until tender and well pulled apart.
  6. Reduce Sauce: Switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the remaining liquid until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency to better coat the shredded chicken.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce in the Instant Pot and toss thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken with the BBQ sauce.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add smoked paprika or chili powder to the BBQ sauce mix.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
  • Use fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
  • The shredded chicken is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over rice or salads.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • You can freeze the cooked shredded chicken for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.