Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is saucy, tender, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner. The standout feature of this dish is its versatility; not only does it shine as a BBQ chicken sandwich, but the leftovers are also great in tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, and even on pizza!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and a short cooking duration, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of spices and BBQ sauce creates a mouth-watering flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Usage: Perfect for sandwiches or as a topping for various dishes, making it an ideal meal for different occasions.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers can be easily stored and used in multiple recipes throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing Option: This recipe serves up to 8 people, making it great for parties or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes all the difference when preparing Instant Pot BBQ Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Forks (for shredding chicken)

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up the cooking process while keeping flavors locked in.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for the sauce without clumps.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients before adding them to the pot.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt (use ½ teaspoon if using water instead of broth)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
– burger buns (if desired, for serving)

How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In your Instant Pot, combine the chicken broth, ½ cup of the BBQ sauce (reserve the remaining BBQ sauce), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the sauce mixture. Ensure they are fully submerged for optimal flavor.

Step 3: Seal and Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to sealing. Set your cook time to 16 minutes at high pressure. Note that this timing works for both fresh and frozen chicken.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Do not touch any buttons; simply let it rest.

Step 5: Venting Steam

Carefully move the steam release valve to venting once those 10 minutes have passed. Wait until all steam escapes and the pin drops down before opening the lid.

Step 6: Check Chicken Temperature

Using an instant-read thermometer, ensure that your chicken has reached at least 165°F. This is crucial for food safety.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl or cutting board. Let it rest briefly before shredding with two forks or using your fingers. Mix some of the pot liquid back into the shredded chicken along with up to an additional ½ cup of BBQ sauce.

Serve your delicious BBQ chicken on burger buns with extra BBQ sauce on top or enjoy it however you like!

How to Serve Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

On Burger Buns

• Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on soft burger buns for a classic sandwich.
• Add coleslaw for crunch and creaminess.

In Tacos

• Fill soft or hard taco shells with the BBQ chicken.
• Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing twist.

As Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with pulled BBQ chicken, cheese, and jalapeños.
• Drizzle with sour cream and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

In Quesadillas

• Place the BBQ chicken between tortillas with cheese.
• Cook until crispy and golden, then slice into wedges for easy sharing.

On Salads

• Toss the BBQ chicken over mixed greens for a hearty salad.
• Add corn, black beans, and avocado for extra flavor.

On Pizza

• Use the shredded chicken as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza crust.
• Combine with red onions and mozzarella cheese for a unique flavor profile.

How to Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

To make your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken even better, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right cut: Boneless skinless chicken thighs tend to stay more tender than breasts during cooking.
• Use low sodium broth: This helps control saltiness while enhancing flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Let it rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit in the sauce before serving to absorb all the flavors.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce after cooking and add more spices or sauce according to your preference.
• Shred efficiently: Using a stand mixer can save time when shredding larger batches of chicken.
• Customize toppings: Offer various toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or different cheeses to suit everyone’s taste.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken enhances your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of BBQ chicken.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that complements savory dishes perfectly.
3. Baked Beans: A classic pairing that adds protein and fiber while enhancing the barbecue theme.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides comfort and makes for a filling side dish option.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: The cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with BBQ flavors.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add color and nutrients to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth or sauce can lead to a watery final product. Stick to the recipe measurements for best results.
• Skipping the natural pressure release: Releasing pressure too quickly can make the chicken tough. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before venting for a tender texture.
• Not checking chicken temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
• Overcooking the chicken: While the Instant Pot is forgiving, cooking for too long can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Neglecting to shred properly: Not shredding the chicken well can result in uneven flavor distribution. Shred thoroughly and mix with enough sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

• Place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure you remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot BBQ Chicken?

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is tender, flavorful shredded chicken made quickly in an Instant Pot with BBQ sauce and spices, perfect for various dishes.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! The cook time remains the same whether using fresh or frozen chicken, making it convenient if you’re short on time.

How do I customize my BBQ sauce?

Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or honey for sweetness. You can also try different store-bought sauces that suit your taste preference.

What dishes can I make with leftovers?

Leftover Instant Pot BBQ Chicken works great in tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, and even as a pizza topping.

How long does it take to cook?

The total time includes about 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure plus 16 minutes of cooking time.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Serve it on burger buns or use it in various dishes like tacos or salads. Feel free to customize the flavors according to your taste!