Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering BBQ feast that'll have everyone begging for seconds! Our Pressure Cooker Pulled Barbecue Chicken is the ultimate game-changer for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender, juicy chicken swimming in rich, tangy barbecue sauce - all prepared in just 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're hosting a weekend cookout or looking for a quick weeknight meal that'll impress the whole family, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 lbs of chicken breasts, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- After searing the chicken, remove it from the pressure cooker and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the pressure cooker. Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker securely and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork. If necessary, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes under pressure.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pressure cooker, mixing it with the barbecue sauce to ensure it is well-coated.
- Serve the pulled barbecue chicken on buns, in tacos, or over rice, garnished with extra barbecue sauce if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pressure Chicken Pulled Barbecue Chicken!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most consistent texture and easiest shredding.
- Searing is Crucial: Don't skip the searing step! This technique locks in flavor and creates those delicious golden-brown edges that add depth to your pulled chicken.
- Barbecue Sauce Matters: Select a high-quality barbecue sauce that you love, as it will be the primary flavor of your dish. Feel free to experiment with different styles - from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes to keep the chicken moist and tender. Rushing the process can result in drier meat.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the cooking liquid. This helps the meat absorb even more flavor from the barbecue sauce.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Don't limit yourself! Serve this pulled chicken on buns, in tacos, over rice, on salads, or even as a topping for nachos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
