Savory Pulled Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Weeknight dinners can feel like a culinary rollercoaster with this pulled instant pot bbq chicken that comes together in a flash.

Magic happens when tender meat meets smoky sauce in under an hour.

Pressure cooking transforms bland chicken into a mouthwatering feast with minimal effort.

Forget complicated marinades and long cooking times – this recipe simplifies everything.

Juicy shredded chicken soaks up robust barbecue flavors that’ll make you the kitchen hero.

Weekend cookouts or quick family meals suddenly become effortless and delicious.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this dish is a total game-changer.

BBQ Chicken in Instant Pot Pulling Steps

Step 1: Prepare Instant Pot Base

Drop chicken breasts into the Instant Pot.

• Chicken broth
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure chicken is completely covered by the flavorful liquid mixture.

Step 2: Pressure Cook Chicken

Secure Instant Pot lid tightly.

Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode on High setting.

Cook for 10 minutes for fresh chicken or 15 minutes if using frozen chicken.

Step 3: Release Pressure Naturally

Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.

Then quickly release remaining pressure using valve mechanism.

Step 4: Shred Chicken Perfectly

Transfer chicken to cutting board.

Use two forks to pull and tear chicken into delicate, stringy pieces.

Step 5: Enhance with BBQ Sauce

Switch Instant Pot to Sauté mode.

Pour BBQ sauce into pot.

Stir sauce until heated and blended.

Return shredded chicken to pot.

Mix thoroughly to coat every strand with tangy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate chicken on soft hamburger buns, crisp lettuce wraps, or fluffy rice.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

BBQ Chicken Pulling Techniques Made Easy

• Let the pulled BBQ chicken cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months, preserving its tender texture and flavor.
• Adjust the smoked paprika and black pepper to create mild or spicier versions that suit different taste preferences.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more robust flavor or use turkey for a leaner alternative.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth and sugar-free BBQ sauce to create a healthier version without compromising taste.
• Batch cook this recipe and portion into individual servings for quick weeknight dinners or grab-and-go lunches during busy weeks.

BBQ Chicken Pulled and Ready to Warm Up

• Store leftover pulled BBQ chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in microwave with a splash of chicken broth, stirring every 30 seconds until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth to prevent drying.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. If in a hurry, use defrost setting on microwave, then heat thoroughly until steaming hot and reaches 165°F.

Great Matches For Pulled BBQ Chicken

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp, creamy coleslaw cuts through the rich BBQ chicken, adding a refreshing crunch and balancing the smoky flavors.
• Complement with Zesty Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or amber ale brings out the barbecue sauce's depth, creating a bold taste experience that enhances the chicken's savory profile.
• Serve Alongside Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, slightly sweet potato fries provide a perfect textural contrast and complement the tangy BBQ chicken, making each bite more exciting.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity and herbal notes cut through the richness of the BBQ chicken, offering a light and refreshing counterpoint.

BBQ Chicken Pressure Cooker Variations

• Slow Cooker Method: Replace Instant Pot with a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap BBQ sauce for a sugar-free alternative and serve in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Chicken Remix: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the original recipe for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free buns or over zucchini noodles for a wheat-free meal.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and often turn out more tender and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time to 12-15 minutes depending on their size.

• Do I need to use fresh chicken or can I use frozen?

Frozen chicken works perfectly! Just increase the cooking time by 5 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked through. No need to thaw beforehand.

• What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

Choose a sauce you enjoy. Tangy, sweet, or spicy varieties all work well. Homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce will deliver delicious results.

• How lean will this pulled chicken be?

This method creates very lean pulled chicken since chicken breasts are used. The cooking process keeps the meat moist while removing excess fat, making it a healthier protein option.

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken That’s Pull-Apart Good

• Quick and Effortless Meal: Whip up this BBQ chicken in just 20 minutes with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this tender, flavorful chicken on soft buns, wrapped in crisp lettuce, or served over fluffy rice, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid and Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors and easily customizable, this dish appeals to both picky eaters and adults, creating a stress-free mealtime experience.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Dinner: Using lean chicken breasts and controlling sauce ingredients allows for a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Pulled Chicken Essentials for Instant Pot BBQ

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the pulled chicken dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall flavor of the meat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces rich, savory umami notes to the dish.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic spice combination that creates a robust flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other ingredients.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet, smoky coating to the shredded chicken, creating the classic pulled chicken texture and taste.

Pulled Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pulled instant pot bbq chicken delivers a mouthwatering symphony of smoky, tender meat that melts effortlessly on your palate. Zesty sauce and perfectly shredded chicken create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Place whole chicken breasts directly into the Instant Pot, creating an even layer at the bottom of the cooking vessel.
2. Drizzle chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the meat, ensuring complete coverage for moisture and tenderness.
3. Sprinkle Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly across the chicken surface to infuse robust flavor.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring proper sealing, and select high-pressure cooking mode for precisely 10 minutes (extending to 15 minutes if using frozen chicken).
5. Once cooking completes, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick pressure release.
6. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to methodically shred the meat into tender, bite-sized pieces.
7. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and introduce BBQ sauce, stirring continuously to create a rich, heated coating.
8. Return shredded chicken to the sauce, gently mixing to ensure complete and uniform sauce coverage.
9. Serve the saucy pulled chicken nestled in soft buns, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, or atop fluffy rice for a versatile meal.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the recipe from becoming too salty.
• If watching sugar intake, select a sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce to maintain a healthier profile while keeping rich flavor.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties like honey mustard, spicy chipotle, or tangy Carolina-style to create unique taste variations and keep the recipe exciting.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 726mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 48g
• Cholesterol: 110mg