Are you craving a mouthwatering, fall-apart tender BBQ chicken that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken recipe that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a flavor-packed meal in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or just someone who loves delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your ultimate game-changer.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder on all sides.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent burning and create steam for cooking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing" position.
- Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and set the timer for 12 minutes on high pressure for boneless chicken breasts.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken breasts and shred them using two forks, pulling the meat apart into soft, tender pieces.
- Drain any excess liquid from the Instant Pot and return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Pour BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and mix thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors before serving.
- Serve hot on buns, in tacos, over rice, or as desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the most tender results. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't Skip the Broth: The chicken broth at the bottom of the pot prevents burning and creates essential steam for pressure cooking.
- Seasoning is Key: Be generous with your spices. The onion and garlic powder will infuse deep flavor into the chicken.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Sauce Absorption: Let the shredded chicken sit in the BBQ sauce for a few minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
- Versatility Tip: This recipe is incredibly flexible - serve on buns, in tacos, over rice, or as a protein for salads. Pro Hack: For extra flavor, consider using a homemade or premium BBQ sauce to elevate the taste profile of your pulled chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
