Instant Pot Bbq Pulled Chicken Recipe

This recipe totally won me over because it’s the epitome of effortless comfort food, bringing together that smoky BBQ flavor with just a hint of sweetness, thanks to a sprinkle of brown sugar. Plus, the convenience of the Instant Pot means I can savor this tender, saucy chicken in no time, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends.

What I adore about this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is how it marries tender, juicy chicken breasts with a potent, rich flavor profile. This dish is one of my all-time favorites, built around a base of 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken; a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce; and a whisper of sweetness, courtesy of brown sugar.

Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika amplify the flavor even further, making this dish a magnificently smoky, tangy meal that packs a wallop and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts:
Rich in protein, low in fat, and keeps you satisfied longer.

Barbecue Sauce:
Imparts a sharp, sweet taste; may include sugars to achieve sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar:
Provides sour sharpness, aids in softening flesh.

Brown Sugar:
Contributes sweetness; offsets acidity and spice.

Olive Oil:
Fat that is heart-healthy aids in the retention of moisture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Power on the Instant Pot and choose the “Sauté” option. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up for a bit.

2. The chicken breasts should be seasoned with the following: salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

3. In the pot, place the chicken breasts that have been seasoned and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing them to become lightly browned. Take out the chicken and set it aside.

4. Deglaze the pot with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

5. In a mixing bowl, blend the barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Combine thoroughly to make sure everything is well integrated.

6. Ensure that the chicken breasts are well coated in the barbecue sauce mixture before returning them to the pot.

7. Fasten the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and adjust the timer to 10 minutes.

8. When the cooking duration is finished, permit a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, and then, with great care, do a quick release for any leftover pressure.

9. With great care, take off the lid; then, put the chicken in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken.

10. Put the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix it with the sauce. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté,” and let it run for 5 more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken well. Enjoy warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring cup
4. Mixing bowl
5. Cooking spoon or spatula
6. Tongs
7. Two forks

FAQ

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?Certainly! You can swap out chicken thighs for breasts. They might take a little longer to reach doneness, but they’re definitely more tender and juicy.
• What is the best way to serve pulled chicken?Chicken that has been pulled can be served on numerous culinary vehicles and is tasty in every iteration. You can have pulled chicken on buns, in tacos, or over rice. And I think it is especially good on a salad or in a baked potato.
• How long can I store the leftovers?You can keep leftover food in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Can I make this recipe if I don’t have an Instant Pot?Certainly, this recipe can be modified for either a slow cooker or stovetop method. However, it is essential to note that cooking times will differ, with the slow cooker generally requiring approximately 4-6 hours set on low, while the stovetop will necessitate a shorter time interval.
• Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?Lacking Worcestershire sauce? No worries. Soy sauce with a dash of lemon juice or vinegar can serve as a stand-in, and it won’t take any longer than it does to mix up the real thing.
• Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?Certainly! You can incorporate cayenne pepper or jalapeños in the following ways to make the chicken spicy: Beak off a piece from the whole dried cayenne pepper (which you can find in the local Mexican or Asian grocery store) and grind it with a mortar and pestle.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
To add something unexpected, swap out the barbecue sauce for buffalo wing sauce, or a combination of sriracha and honey.
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian-friendly dish that tastes just as good.
If needed, substitute white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.
Use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar to add a natural sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. Marinating for Extra Flavor For more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the barbecue sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply.

2. Adjusting the Sauce Consistency If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water) at the end while you sauté the shredded chicken. This will help thicken the sauce more quickly.

3. Layering for Smokiness To enhance the smoky flavor without adding liquid smoke, you can increase the smoked paprika to 1 teaspoon. For an added smoky layer, lightly char the chicken on a grill before searing it in the Instant Pot.

4. Using Fresh Ingredients If you have fresh onion and garlic, replacing the powders with freshly minced ingredients can enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile. Sauté the minced onion and garlic in the olive oil before adding the chicken for a robust taste.

5. Serving Suggestions Serve the shredded barbecue chicken on toasted buns with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich, or use it as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. For low-carb options, serve it in lettuce wraps or over a fresh salad.