Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Imagine stepping into your kitchen, where the enticing aroma of sweet and smoky barbecue wafts through the air, making your stomach grumble in anticipation. The tender, succulent chicken is slathered in rich barbecue sauce, begging to be devoured. With just a few simple ingredients and an Instant Pot, you can transform a busy weeknight dinner into a flavorful feast. Not only is this dish quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed on its own or as a fantastic filling for sandwiches. The best part? You can whip up this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken in just under 30 minutes, making it ideal for even the most hectic nights.

Why make this recipe?

The simplicity of Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is unmatched. Using just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create an incredibly flavorful dish that cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing taste. The pressure-cooking method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy, perfect for shredding and mixing into the luscious barbeque sauce. Plus, this recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to serve it in various ways or pair it with different sides, making it an excellent choice for both casual meals and small gatherings.

Transform your dinner routine with this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, and experience the flavorful magic it brings to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sandwich buns (for serving)

Directions

1. Season the chicken: Start by generously seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat all sides for maximum flavor.
2. Sauté the chicken: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot (give it a minute), place the seasoned chicken in the pot. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown.
3. Add liquids: After browning, pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce, making sure the chicken pieces are well-coated in the sauce. The mixture should start to bubble slightly.
4. Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This time will lock in all the buttery BBQ flavors and moisture.
5. Release pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining steam.
6. Shred the chicken: Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix it thoroughly with the BBQ sauce for an even coating.
7. Serve: Spoon the BBQ chicken onto sandwich buns, adding extra BBQ sauce on top as desired. Enjoy while it’s hot!

How to Serve Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Serve your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken hot for the best flavors and texture. For a wholesome meal, plate it within a toasted sandwich bun, allowing the warm bread to soak up the sauce. To elevate your dish, consider garnishing with sliced pickles or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob, and don’t forget a refreshing beverage to wash it down.

How to Store Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

To keep your leftover BBQ chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to prolong its life, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. It should maintain quality for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to retain moisture.

Tips to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

1. Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in the seasoning overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
2. Flavor boost: Use homemade BBQ sauce or a specialty brand for a unique twist.
3. Avoid dryness: Make sure your chicken is properly coated in sauce; this will prevent drying out while cooking.
4. Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick meal prep solution.
5. Consistency shift: If you prefer thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) after shredding, and sauté for a few more minutes.
6. Additional flavors: Toss in chopped onions or bell peppers during the sauté stage to add extra veggies.
7. Diet adjustment: Use skinless chicken for a leaner option.
8. Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
9. Using leftovers: Transform leftover BBQ chicken into tacos or nachos for a fun twist.
10. Equipment tips: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, use a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Variations

BBQ Chicken Tacos

Swap the sandwich buns for corn or flour tortillas. Top with diced onions, avocado, and cilantro. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty twist.

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken

Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce for a sweet-sandy fusion. This is perfect if you enjoy a hint of sweetness alongside the smoky flavors.

Buffalo BBQ Chicken

Incorporate a half cup of buffalo sauce with your BBQ sauce for a spicy zing. Serve on a toasted roll with blue cheese crumbles and celery sticks for that classic Buffalo flavor.

BBQ Chicken Bowls

Transform the dish into a hearty bowl by serving it over brown rice or quinoa, topped with sautéed peppers and onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Mediterranean BBQ Chicken

Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano to your BBQ sauce for a fresh Mediterranean flavor. Serve wrapped in pita bread with cucumber and tomato.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to seal it well to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze the BBQ chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool before portioning it into freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, try using a combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar for a quick substitute.

How do I prevent dryness?
To maintain juiciness, ensure you have enough sauce covering the chicken during cooking. Also, avoid overcooking by carefully following pressure cooking times.

Is this gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I double/halve this recipe?
Certainly! Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you are doubling the recipe, but the 10 minutes on high pressure should remain the same.

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this satisfying and flavorful Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, and let the delicious aroma take center stage in your home!

Print