Quick Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky-sweet flavor. This easy one-pot dinner cooks in minutes, coating every bite of shredded chicken in rich barbecue sauce for a family favorite that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day. 

Do you want more shredded BBQ chicken recipes? Be sure and make my slow cooker Root Beer BBQ Shredded Chicken or Slow Cooker Zesty BBQ Chicken – I make this one at least twice a month at my house. So easy, so simple, and my family goes crazy for it. 

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy chicken recipe for a busy weeknight – then this easy instant pot bbq chicken is just what you need. Simple to make with a doctored up store-bought BBQ sauce and chicken breasts. 

It’s the perfect recipe if you love that barbecue flavor and want something that the entire family can enjoy together. I always serve the shredded BBQ chicken as sandwiches (think sloppy joe style) along with some BBQ sauce so everyone can drizzle more on their sandwich if wanted. 

How To Make Shredded BBQ Chicken In The Pressure Cooker (Printable Recipe Card)

Lightly spray the bottom of the Instant Pot with cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth which will help create steam for pressure cooking. 

Sprinkle the dried seasonings evenly over top the chicken breasts. 

Pour the BBQ sauce directly over the seasoned chicken, then gently spread it out so all the chicken is coated. Sprinkle the light brown sugar and apple cider vinegar on top. Don’t stir it.

Lock the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 12 minutes. 

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes (meaning leave it in the sealing position after the cook time for a natural release), then carefully switch the valve to quick release the remaining pressure and to open the pot. 

Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a large bowl or cutting board, and use two forks to shred it. 

Turn the instant pot to sauté mode, then simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes to slightly thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. 

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss it in the warm bbq sauce until fully coated and glossy. 

Spoon the saucy bbq shredded chicken onto warmed buns, over rice, or on baked potatoes.

How To Store Leftover Shredded BBQ Chicken

• Refrigerator : Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 
• Freezer : Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop. You. may need to add additional broth or BBQ sauce when reheating. 
• Uses For Leftovers : Use leftover shredded bbq chicken to make these French Bread BBQ Chicken Pizza or Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole.
• Make-Ahead Instructions : Fully prepare the recipe, then cool completely to room temperature, and store the shredded bbq chicken (with the sauce) in a covered container in the fridge. Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth and/or barbecue sauce if needed to loosen the texture. 

Pro Tips From The Kitchen

• If the chicken breasts are very large and thick in size, you may need to increase the cooking time to 14-15 minutes. I have tested this recipe using the store-bought, regular sized chicken breasts. I do know the ones you can get at Costco or Sam’s Club are much larger in size, so you may need to increase the cooking time if using those ones. 
• If you’re using frozen chicken breasts make sure they are completely thawed before adding them into the Instant Pot. I always recommend using fresh chicken breasts as that is what the recipe has been tested with, and I just think they turn out better especially in the Instant Pot recipes.
• Simmering the sauce after the cook time helps the sauce thicken so it clogs to the chicken, and it prevents a watery & thinner texture. 
• I always recommend toasting the buns (hamburger buns, brioche buns, etc.) before serving. It adds a subtle crispness and helps them hold up better to the saucy filling. I spread each half with some butter and then toast the buns in the oven on broil.
• Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce in this recipe – one that you love! The flavor of the bbq sauce you choose, really is the stand-out flavor in this bbq chicken, so make sure you use one you love. I like the Kinder’s brand and Sweet Baby Ray’s brand of barbecue sauces. Any flavor and any variety works just fine.
• When the timer beeps to signal the end of the pressure cooker time, leave the Instant Pot alone! Do not switch the venting position of the valve. Just leave everything alone, and let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. The instant pot will do a countdown on the screen. After 5 minutes there may be some pressure left, so switch the valve to the quick pressure release to release the renaming pressure. When it’s done the instant pot lid will unlock. 

Serving Suggestions For BBQ Shredded Chicken

• I always serve these sloppy joe style on top of toasted buns and with coleslaw
• Serve it alongside some Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac & Cheese
• Buy a bag of your family’s favorite frozen French fries, tater tots, or onion rings and bake them until crispy
• A great side dish is something fruity and sweet like this Pear Jello Recipe or Watergate Salad
• Crispy potato chips in a variety of flavors are always an easy side dish for bbq chicken (my kids love to put the crunchy chips inside the sandwich)
• This Fritos Corn Salad pairs perfectly with this meal
• Serve a heartier Ranch Pasta Salad or Coleslaw Pasta Salad as a side dish
• Use the shredded barbecue chicken as a baked potato topping

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Crack Chicken
• Instant Pot White Rice
• Instant Pot Spanish Rice
• Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder
• Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats