This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and summer barbecues. It's incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and a few flavorful seasonings creates tender, juicy, and delicious shredded chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes.
I love a good BBQ dinner. And while BBQ chicken on the grill is a favorite, sometimes you just don't have the time for grilling. Enter your beloved pressure cooker! I love Instant Pot recipes because they make my favorite dishes that would normally take tons of time super simple to make (even on a busy weeknight!). And BBQ chicken is no exception. This easy recipe turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful BBQ chicken each and every time and is one of my favorite ways to make this simple dish.
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Why I Love This Recipe
This easy Instant Pot barbecue chicken dish is the best. Here's why I love it.
- Simple ingredients. The main ingredient here is of course chicken, but you only need a handful of other staples for this flavor dish.
- Great for meal prep. Because BBQ chicken can be used in a variety of dishes, this is an excellent meal prep recipe. Freeze it in batches and pull it out to make sandwiches, pizzas, salads, or even instant pot chicken tacos!
- EASY. Did I mention this is incredibly easy to make? Just toss everything into the Instant Pot and it does all the work, drastically reducing the cook time compared to a slow cooker and making this an ideal choice for meal prep and last-minute dinners.
- Customizable. Choose your favorite cut of chicken (I used breasts but thighs would work well too) and add your favorite BBQ sauce to make this your own.
Key Ingredients
You need just a few ingredients to make this tender and juicy BBQ chicken. Here are the main players:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts. The star of the dish, providing lean protein. Use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Chicken broth. Chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist and adds extra flavor.
- Chopped onion. Adds a savory base flavor.
- Paprika & cayenne pepper. Bring a bit of heat and smokiness.
- Brown sugar. Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. (Note - I forgot to include the brown sugar in the photo!)
- Worcestershire sauce. Enhances the umami flavor.
- BBQ sauce. The key ingredient for that classic barbecue taste. Make your own or use your favorite store-bought sauce!
- Liquid smoke. This is optional, but I love the smoky grilled flavor it gives the chicken (without needing a grill!).
How To Make This Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Pressure cooking your BBQ chicken is the easiest way to prepare this simple recipe. Here's what you'll do:
- Prepare the Instant Pot. Add a splash of olive oil to the bottom of the pot to help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom.
- Add your ingredients. Layer the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced onion, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce in the pot.
- Set the cook time. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Natural release. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken. Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix with the sauce.
- Add extra BBQ sauce. If desired, stir in an additional ½ cup of BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Variations And Substitutions
This tender instant pot BBQ chicken recipe is perfect as is, but there are a few ways you can vary it up based on your personal preference:
- Change the type of chicken. Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the spice level. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste or add chili powder for a different kind of heat.
- Swap out the sugar. Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Use a slow cooker: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours if you prefer using a crock pot.
- Garlic. Add a teaspoon of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Adjust the cook time to 20 minutes on high pressure.
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This BBQ chicken pairs well with Instant Pot potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add a bit more flavor.
4 Sample BBQ Chicken Menus
There are so many different ways to serve this tender BBQ chicken, but if you're like me, you find it's hard sometimes to think of how to create a menu around a dish. So, here are some sample menu ideas for how to serve BBQ chicken:
Menu 1: Classic BBQ Plate
- Main course: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
- Sides: Coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread
- Dessert: Peach cobbler
Menu 2: BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Main course: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Sides: Mexican street corn and black bean salad
- Dessert: Churros
Menu 3: BBQ Chicken Salad
- Main course: BBQ Chicken Salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and ranch dressing
- Sides: Garlic bread and a cup of BBQ sauce for dipping
- Dessert: Strawberry shortcake Ice Cream!
Menu 4: BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Main course: BBQ Chicken Flatbread
- Sides: A tossed salad and garlic bread
- Dessert: Fresh Peach Pie
This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Recipe is one of my favorite go-to recipes for its simplicity and versatility. Whether you're making BBQ chicken sandwiches on brioche buns, BBQ chicken wraps, or using it in a salad, this tender, flavorful chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone (even your picky eaters!)
If you make this recipe, let me know what you think of it in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me on Instagram with a pic @frontrangefed so I can see your masterpiece!
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole
- Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich
- One-Pot Spanish Chicken And Yellow Rice
- Chicken And Shrimp Stir Fry With Garlic
- Buffalo Wild Wings Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken Mole Tacos
- Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
- Spicy Fried Chicken Drumsticks
- One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Recipe
Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup chicken broth (or water)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tbp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ cup BBQ Sauce (Divided to 1 cup and ½ cup)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the instant pot in this order: Olive oil, chicken breasts, ½ cup chicken broth, onion, paprika, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce.
- Close the lid and set the cook time to 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Allow the IP to reach full pressure (about 15 minutes. When the cook time finishes, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the chicken and transfer it to a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken and add it back to the pot.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce from the pot. If desired, add an additional ½ cup of BBQ sauce to the pot.
Notes
- Feel free to use other cuts of chicken vs. chicken breasts if you prefer.
- If you're out of chicken broth, you can substitute with water.
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Sarah Jenkins says
I love this recipe! Easy to make in the Instant Pot and perfect for a crowd! I like to make extra, and freeze if for sandwiches, pizzas, casseroles, etc.