Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Name: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
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 thighs; Burger buns (optional)

Posted on November 29, 2025

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This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights and festive gatherings alike. With its saucy goodness and tender texture, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even as a topping on nachos, this dish offers endless versatility. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking to whip up a quick dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time significantly, making this dish ready in under an hour.
Flavorful and Saucy: A delicious blend of spices and BBQ sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Versatile Uses: Great for sandwiches, tacos, or salads, making leftovers exciting and enjoyable.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for family gatherings or parties; everyone loves BBQ chicken!
Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken breasts, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ dishes.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most out of your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, having the right tools handy will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Instant Pot
Whisk
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Forks (for shredding)
Bowl or cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up the cooking process while infusing flavors deeply into the chicken.
Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are well combined for a smooth sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements lead to balanced flavors in your dish.
Forks: Ideal for shredding chicken effortlessly, giving you that perfect pulled texture.

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: Prepare the Sauce

Combine the chicken broth, ½ cup of the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in the Instant Pot. Use a whisk to mix until everything is well blended.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce mixture. Ensure they are well coated with the sauce.

Step 3: Cook in Instant Pot

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set it to cook on high pressure for 16 minutes. This timing applies whether your chicken is fresh or frozen.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes without touching anything.

Step 5: Vent Steam

After waiting for those crucial minutes, carefully switch the steam release valve to venting. Once all steam has escaped and the pin drops down, open the lid cautiously.

Step 6: Check Doneness

Ensure that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165° F by using an instant-read thermometer.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

Transfer the chicken onto a clean bowl or cutting board and let it rest briefly. Shred it using two forks or your hands until you achieve your desired texture. Mix some of the pot liquid into the shredded chicken along with up to an additional ½ cup of BBQ sauce.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your delicious BBQ chicken on burger buns with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your BBQ chicken experience.

On Burger Buns

Toasted Buns: Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on toasted burger buns for a hearty sandwich.
Add Toppings: Enhance with coleslaw, pickles, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

In Tacos

Soft Corn Tortillas: Fill soft corn tortillas with BBQ chicken and top with diced onions and cilantro.
Creamy Sauce: Drizzle with a creamy avocado sauce for added richness.

As Nachos

Crispy Tortilla Chips: Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with BBQ chicken, cheese, and jalapeños.
Bake Until Golden: Bake until the cheese melts and serve with salsa or guacamole.

In Quesadillas

Cheesy Quesadillas: Spread the shredded BBQ chicken between tortillas with plenty of cheese.
Grill Until Crispy: Cook on a skillet until golden brown, then slice into wedges for easy serving.

On Salads

Fresh Greens: Serve BBQ chicken over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber for a refreshing salad.
Drizzle Dressing: Top with ranch or vinaigrette dressing to complement the flavors.

As Pizza Topping

Homemade Pizza Base: Spread BBQ sauce on pizza dough, then top with shredded chicken and your favorite cheese.
Bake it Right: Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly for a delightful twist on pizza night.

How to Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Achieving the perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken requires just a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your dish turns out tender and flavorful every time.

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or thighs to enhance flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Broth: Using low sodium chicken broth adds depth to the sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture and makes shredding easier.
Adjust Cooking Time: If using larger pieces of chicken, consider increasing the cooking time slightly for consistent results.
Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile—smoky, sweet, or spicy!
Save Leftover Sauce: The remaining sauce from the pot can be used as a dipping sauce or drizzled over salads.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great suggestions that complement the flavors perfectly.

Coleslaw: A classic side that provides crunch and freshness; make it creamy or vinegar-based according to your taste.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast; serve warm with butter for extra indulgence.
Baked Beans: A hearty side that pairs well with BBQ flavors; consider adding turkey turkey turkey turkey bacon bits if desired.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add color and nutrients; grill them lightly for charred flavor.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings comfort; mix in herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
Macaroni Salad: This creamy pasta dish complements BBQ; add diced veggies for texture and taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is straightforward, but there are some common mistakes that can impact your results.

Bold ingredient measuring: Not measuring the ingredients accurately can lead to imbalance in flavors. Always use precise measurements for the best results.
Bold not sealing properly: Failing to seal the Instant Pot correctly can result in a malfunction. Ensure the lid is locked and the steam release valve is set to sealing.
Bold overcrowding the pot: Adding too much chicken can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Bold skipping natural pressure release: Not allowing natural pressure release can make chicken tough. Be patient and let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking.
Bold ignoring internal temperature: Underestimating cooking time may lead to undercooked chicken. Always check that it reaches at least 165° F before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container.
It can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make sure it cools down before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

To freeze, place the cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
It will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen.
Label containers with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth or sauce, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a bit of sauce, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add chicken with some sauce, and stir until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot BBQ Chicken?

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish made using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in barbecue sauce within an Instant Pot.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot BBQ Chicken?

The total cooking time is approximately 16 minutes high pressure plus about 15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure, making it quite efficient.

Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! The cooking time remains the same at 16 minutes high pressure.

What should I serve with Instant Pot BBQ Chicken?

This dish works well on burger buns but also pairs beautifully with salads, nachos, tacos, or simply on its own as a hearty meal.

Conclusion

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is an incredibly versatile recipe that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or serving styles to suit your taste preferences!