Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is not only saucy and tender but also incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for a variety of occasions, from family dinners to gatherings with friends, this dish stands out for its flavor and versatility. You can enjoy it on sandwiches, tacos, or even atop a salad, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The best part? Leftovers are just as delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With the Instant Pot, you can achieve perfectly cooked BBQ chicken without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Meals: The combination of BBQ sauce and spices creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Uses: From sandwiches to salads, this chicken can be used in various dishes, making meal prep easy.
• Quick Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for parties or family meals; this recipe serves up to 8 people easily.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Bowl (for shredded chicken)

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up the cooking process while ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your BBQ sauce mixture.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding the cooked chicken quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is saucy, tender, and so easy to make. It makes the best BBQ chicken sandwiches and is perfect for feeding a crowd! Leftover pulled chicken is also delicious in tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads and on pizza.

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

1. In your Instant Pot, combine the chicken broth, ½ cup of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Use a whisk to mix everything until well combined.

Step 2: Add Chicken

1. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce mixture you just created.

Step 3: Set Up the Instant Pot

1. Close the lid of the Instant Pot.
2. Turn the steam release valve to the sealing position.
3. Set the cook time to 16 minutes at high pressure.

Step 4: Cook Time

1. It will take about 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before cooking starts.
2. Once cooking ends, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes without touching anything.

Step 5: Release Remaining Pressure

1. After 10 minutes, carefully move the steam release valve to venting.
2. Wait until all steam escapes and the pin drops down before opening.

Step 6: Check Chicken Temperature

1. Ensure that your chicken has reached at least 165° F using an instant-read thermometer.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the pot onto a clean bowl or cutting board.
2. Let it rest briefly before shredding with two forks or your fingers.
3. Mix some of the sauce from the pot into your shredded chicken along with up to ½ cup more BBQ sauce as desired.

Serve your delicious BBQ chicken on burger buns with extra sauce or as you prefer! Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a family meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

On Burger Buns

• Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on soft burger buns for a classic sandwich experience.
• Top with coleslaw or pickles for added crunch and flavor.

In Tacos

• Use corn or flour tortillas to create tasty BBQ chicken tacos.
• Add toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and avocado for extra freshness.

As Quesadillas

• Mix shredded chicken with cheese and place between tortillas.
• Cook until crispy for a cheesy, melty treat that’s easy to share.

On Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with BBQ chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.
• Bake until everything is heated through for a fun appetizer or snack.

In Salads

• Toss shredded BBQ chicken into a fresh salad mix for a protein boost.
• Drizzle with ranch or your favorite dressing to complement the flavors.

On Pizza

• Spread the shredded chicken over pizza dough along with your favorite toppings.
• Bake until golden for a unique twist on traditional pizza night.

How to Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Achieving the perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is all about timing and technique. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dish turns out tender and flavorful every time.

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and sauce will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Don’t skip the natural release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally helps maintain moisture in the chicken.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more spices if you prefer a bolder flavor profile.
• Experiment with sauces: Try different brands or homemade BBQ sauces to find your favorite combination.
• Shred while warm: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it easier and allows it to soak up more sauce.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ chicken can enhance the meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Coleslaw: A refreshing blend of cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing adds crunch and balances the richness of BBQ chicken.
2. Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread provides a delightful contrast to savory flavors; serve warm with butter.
3. Baked Beans: Rich and smoky baked beans are a classic side that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors; consider adding bits of turkey turkey turkey bacon for extra taste.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn provide a healthy option; grill them lightly seasoned for added flavor.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is comforting and filling; try adding mustard or herbs for an extra kick.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: A comforting favorite that kids love; make it creamy or bake it until bubbly for added texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, a few common pitfalls can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the liquid requirement: Always use enough liquid in the Instant Pot. Insufficient liquid can cause the pot to burn and not reach pressure.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can lead to dry, tough meat. Follow the recommended cooking times for tender results.
• Neglecting natural pressure release: Skipping the natural pressure release can result in rubbery chicken. Allow it to rest for the specified time for best texture.
• Not checking internal temperature: Failing to ensure chicken reaches at least 165° F may lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for accurate readings.
• Omitting seasoning adjustments: If using low sodium broth or no broth, adjust salt accordingly. This ensures your dish has flavor without being overly salty.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Allow chicken to cool before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add shredded chicken with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken spicy?

You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking for an extra kick.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot using the same cooking time of 16 minutes.

What side dishes pair well with Instant Pot BBQ Chicken?

This dish goes well with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is it possible to customize the BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on burger buns, in tacos, or even as a topping on baked potatoes. The options are endless! Customize it according to your taste preferences and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.

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