Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

hero image of the shredded 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.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword instant pot bbq chicken

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 273kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see notes)
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

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.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup chicken broth
Sprinkle the dried seasonings evenly over top the chicken breasts.
1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pour the BBQ sauce directly over the seasoned chicken, then gently spread it out so all the chicken is coated.
2 cups BBQ sauce
Sprinkle the light brown sugar and apple cider vinegar on top. Do not stir.
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
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. You can also use an electric hand mixer to shred the chicken (I love doing this!)
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.

Notes

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 the chicken breast you are using are like very large, then only use 3 of them. I used 4 normal sized chicken breasts from the grocery store. You need about 3 pounds of chicken for this recipe; anywhere from 2.5 pounds to 3 pounds is fine.
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.
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.

Nutrition