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Pulled Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Pulled Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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