Ultimate Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Juicy, Shredded Perfection for Easy Weeknight Meals & Meal Prep
Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly simple and intensely flavorful Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe. Featuring tender, juicy chicken that practically shreds itself, all smothered in a rich, tangy, and subtly smoky barbecue sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning for quick weeknight dinners, preparing a batch for meal prep, or crafting irresistible pulled chicken sliders, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe is a Game Changer
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines convenience, incredible flavor, and versatile serving options, you’ve found it. This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken isn’t just another meal; it’s a testament to how the right kitchen appliance can elevate simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire:
- Unrivaled Juiciness & Tenderness: The Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking environment locks in moisture, ensuring that every piece of chicken, whether breast or thigh, comes out unbelievably tender and juicy. It’s so tender, it practically shreds itself with just two forks!
- Deep, Complex Flavors: While barbecue sauce is the star, a few key supporting ingredients—like Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and brown sugar—add layers of savory, smoky, and sweet notes that transform a basic BBQ chicken into a gourmet experience.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe truly shines on busy weeknights. The hands-on prep time is minimal, allowing you to get a delicious, hearty meal on the table without feeling overwhelmed. While the Instant Pot takes time to come to pressure and naturally release, this is mostly passive cooking time, freeing you up for other tasks.
- Incredibly Versatile: From classic pulled chicken sliders and hearty sandwiches to quick meal prep solutions, this BBQ chicken adapts to countless dishes. It’s fantastic for feeding a family, entertaining guests, or preparing lunches and dinners for the week ahead.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Using lean chicken and wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about serving this dish. It’s a flavorful alternative to more calorie-dense meals without sacrificing satisfaction.
The Instant Pot does the majority of the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with rich flavors under pressure, which results in a tender texture that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Get ready to enjoy perfectly cooked BBQ chicken that’s bursting with taste and incredibly easy to make. Let’s get started!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Crafting delicious BBQ chicken begins with quality ingredients. This recipe calls for a straightforward list, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. For all exact measurements, detailed ingredient lists, and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Let’s dive deeper into the key components of this recipe and discuss how you can tailor them to your preference or what you have on hand.
CHICKEN: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture
For this recipe, we strategically use a combination of both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This blend is truly the secret to achieving the perfect balance of lean meat and rich, moist dark meat. The chicken breasts provide a solid, meaty base that shreds beautifully, while the chicken thighs contribute incredible tenderness and extra moisture, preventing the dish from becoming dry. This dual approach ensures a more complex and satisfying texture and flavor profile.
- All Chicken Breast: If you prefer an all-white meat dish, you can certainly use solely chicken breasts. Be mindful that while still juicy from the Instant Pot, they might be slightly less moist than when combined with thighs.
- All Chicken Thighs: For an even richer, more succulent result, using only chicken thighs is an excellent option. They hold up wonderfully to shredding and absorb the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Bone-In Chicken: While boneless is recommended for ease of shredding, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. However, you’ll need to remove the skin and bones after cooking, which adds a bit of extra effort. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if using bone-in.
BBQ SAUCE: The Heart of the Dish
The barbecue sauce is what brings all the flavors together. We have a particular fondness for our homemade Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce, which offers a unique balance of sweet and tangy with a subtle hint of soda for added depth. However, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability.
- Store-Bought Favorites: Feel free to use your absolute favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy variety, choose one you love. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s, Kraft, or local craft BBQ sauces work wonderfully.
- Customizing Flavor: If your chosen sauce is very sweet, you might reduce the added brown sugar slightly. If it’s quite tangy, you might add a touch more sugar or a hint of honey.
AROMATICS & SEASONINGS: Building the Flavor Layers
Beyond the chicken and BBQ sauce, a few key ingredients create the deep, well-rounded flavor profile that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Onion: Finely minced onion provides a foundational aromatic sweetness and savory depth. It cooks down almost imperceptibly, contributing flavor without a strong textural presence. Using a food processor ensures a consistent, fine mince.
- Chicken Stock: Essential for building pressure in the Instant Pot and adding moisture. Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since many BBQ sauces already contain sodium.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide concentrated, savory notes that complement the fresh onion and enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. They distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami! Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, savory, slightly tangy, and complex depth that rounds out the BBQ flavor beautifully. Don’t skip this ingredient if you want that extra layer of deliciousness.
- Liquid Smoke: For an authentic, smoky barbecue flavor without needing to fire up the smoker. A small amount goes a long way, imparting a wonderful charred, outdoor grill essence. Adjust to your preference – a little creates a subtle hint, more for a stronger smoky profile.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramel note and balances the tanginess of the barbecue sauce, contributing to that classic sweet-and-savory BBQ taste. It helps create a glossy, appetizing finish.
By understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing your substitution options, you can confidently prepare this delightful Instant Pot BBQ Chicken every time!
Step-by-Step: Crafting Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through the process of making this incredibly delicious recipe. To jump directly to the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- **Prepare the Onion:** Begin by coarsely chopping one medium onion. Transfer these chopped pieces into a mini chopper or a food processor. Pulse or blend the onion until it is very finely minced. The goal is a texture that almost melts into the sauce, providing flavor without a strong chunky texture. Once minced, set the onion aside for later use.
- **Layer the Chicken and Stock:** Take out your Instant Pot and add 2 cups of chicken stock to the inner pot. Next, carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and chicken thighs into the stock. Arrange them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking, but don’t worry if they overlap slightly. The liquid should cover most of the chicken.
- **Season the Chicken:** Evenly sprinkle the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. These dry seasonings adhere well to the moist chicken. Then, drizzle ½ tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke directly over the chicken. These additions contribute significant depth and a desirable smoky undertone.
- **Add Remaining Flavorings:** Now, evenly distribute the finely minced onion you prepared earlier on top of the chicken and seasonings. Sprinkle 2 ½ teaspoons of brown sugar over everything. Finally, pour 1 cup of your preferred barbecue sauce directly over all the ingredients. It’s important not to stir the contents at this stage. Layering the ingredients like this helps prevent a “BURN” notice on your Instant Pot, especially with thicker sauces at the bottom.
- **Pressure Cook to Perfection:** Securely close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” (closed) position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 20 minutes on high pressure. Allow the Instant Pot to build pressure (this can take 10-15 minutes). Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes (Natural Release). After 10 minutes, carefully open the steam release valve to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
- **Shred and Serve:** Carefully remove the lid. Using a large spoon or ladle, spoon off a significant amount of the cooking liquid from the pot, but be sure to reserve it in a separate bowl. This liquid is packed with flavor and can be added back if the chicken appears too dry. Now, using two forks directly in the Instant Pot, shred the cooked chicken. It should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart. If the shredded chicken seems too dry for your liking, gradually add some of the reserved liquid back in, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot offers speed and exceptional tenderness, this dish can be wonderfully adapted for a slow cooker. You can use the same delicious ingredients. For specific slow cooker instructions, refer to our easy BBQ crockpot chicken recipe to guide you on cook times and settings.
Storing leftovers is straightforward. Once the chicken has cooled, transfer any remaining BBQ chicken into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even in the oven.
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly from the freezer. You will need to increase the pressure cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and how frozen it is. Ensure the chicken is separated and not a solid block if possible. The time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure will also be longer.
Liquid smoke adds a fantastic smoky depth, but if you don’t have it, the recipe will still be delicious! You can omit it or try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder for a subtle smoky flavor. Another option is to use a BBQ sauce that already has a strong smoky profile.
For a spicy kick, you have several options! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the Instant Pot along with the other seasonings. Alternatively, choose a spicy BBQ sauce from the start, or serve with extra hot sauce on the side for individual preference.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
The beauty of Instant Pot BBQ chicken lies in its incredible versatility. Once shredded and coated in that luscious sauce, the possibilities are endless for creating satisfying meals. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to inspire your next culinary creation:
- Classic Sliders & Sandwiches: This is a quintessential way to enjoy shredded BBQ chicken. Pile it high on soft slider buns or robust burger buns. Enhance the experience with a dollop of extra BBQ sauce, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. For a delightful crunch and creamy texture, add a generous scoop of homemade coleslaw.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Turn a simple baked potato into a hearty meal. Split a hot baked potato or sweet potato, fluff the inside, and load it up with warm BBQ chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions.
- BBQ Chicken Bowls: Create vibrant and customizable bowls. Start with a base of fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with a generous serving of BBQ chicken, then add your favorite fresh vegetables like corn, black beans, diced avocado, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. A drizzle of ranch dressing or a squeeze of lime juice can add another layer of flavor.
- Tacos, Quesadillas, and Wraps: This shredded chicken is perfect for Mexican-inspired dishes. Fill warm tortillas with BBQ chicken, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime for delicious tacos. For quesadillas, layer chicken and cheese between tortillas and grill until golden. Or, wrap it in large flour tortillas with your favorite salad greens for an easy, portable lunch.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use the shredded BBQ chicken as a topping for homemade pizza. Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce (instead of tomato sauce) on your pizza crust, add mozzarella cheese, the BBQ chicken, and thinly sliced red onion. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Hearty Side Dish Companion: While delicious as a main, this BBQ chicken also makes a fantastic accompaniment to other barbecue favorites. Serve it alongside grilled ribs, creamy mac and cheese, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh potato salad for the ultimate cookout spread.
- Salad Topper: For a lighter option, serve the BBQ chicken chilled and tossed into a vibrant green salad. It adds a protein-packed, flavorful punch to mixed greens, crisp vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.
- Easy Meal Prep: Portion out the cooked BBQ chicken into individual containers with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a small salad for convenient grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Instant Pot BBQ chicken is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face with its ease of preparation and unforgettable taste!
Discover More Delicious Instant Pot Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and efficiency of your Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! This versatile appliance can whip up a myriad of mouth-watering dishes with minimal fuss. Explore some of our other favorite Instant Pot recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Instant Pot Salmon: Flaky, perfectly cooked salmon in minutes.
- Instant Pot Roast Beef: Tender, savory roast beef that melts in your mouth.
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Deliciously tender pulled pork, ideal for sandwiches or tacos.
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff: A creamy, comforting classic made quick and easy.
- Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie: All the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie without the long cooking time.
- Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken: Sweet, sticky, and irresistible, perfect over rice.
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors, and sharing my culinary discoveries with all of you! To make sure you never miss out on a delicious new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered directly to your inbox every time I post something new. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your cooking adventures!
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Things You’ll Need
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Food processor or mini chopper
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Instant pot
Before You Begin
- For this recipe, we recommend using a combination of both chicken breast and chicken thighs. This blend ensures a perfect balance of tenderness and moisture, as the dark meat significantly enhances the overall flavor and juiciness. However, if you have a preference, you can certainly opt for all chicken breast for a leaner option, or all chicken thighs for an even richer, more succulent result.
- The choice of barbecue sauce is crucial for this dish. We are particularly fond of our homemade Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce, which adds a distinctive, rich flavor. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. Experiment with different flavor profiles—smoky, sweet, or tangy—to best suit your taste.
Instructions
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Coarsely chop one medium onion and place it into a mini chopper or food processor. Blend until the onion is finely minced to ensure it integrates smoothly into the sauce. Set aside for later use.
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Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the Instant Pot. Then, place all the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs into the stock, arranging them as evenly as possible.
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Evenly sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Drizzle ½ Tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke over the chicken to enhance its flavor profile.
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Distribute the finely minced onion on top of the chicken. Sprinkle with 2 ½ teaspoons of brown sugar, then carefully pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over all the ingredients. Avoid stirring to prevent any potential “BURN” notices.
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Close the lid securely and turn the steam release vent to the closed (sealing) position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. After cooking, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release before carefully opening the vent to quick release any remaining pressure.
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Once the pressure has fully released, remove the lid. Using a ladle or large spoon, carefully spoon off a good portion of the cooking liquid, reserving it in a separate bowl. Shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot with two forks until it reaches your desired consistency. If the shredded chicken appears too dry, gradually stir in some of the reserved liquid until it’s perfectly moist and saucy.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- The total time listed for this recipe includes the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, the 20 minutes of high-pressure cooking, and the 10-minute natural pressure release. This accounts for the entire process, not just the active cooking time.
- To ensure your Instant Pot BBQ chicken remains fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in a clean, airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and consume within 4 days for the best quality and safety.
- When adding ingredients to the Instant Pot, especially thicker sauces like barbecue sauce, it’s best to layer them without stirring. This helps prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot, which can trigger a “BURN” notice.
- For even easier shredding, you can remove the chicken to a large bowl or cutting board. This allows for more vigorous shredding if you prefer a very fine texture for your pulled chicken.
- Always ensure your Instant Pot’s sealing ring is properly installed and clean before cooking to guarantee it comes to pressure effectively and safely.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.