Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
When it comes to quick and flavorful meals, this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a game changer. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes. The chicken turns out tender, juicy, and infused with the smoky, sweet flavor of BBQ sauce. Plus, the Instant Pot makes the cooking process a breeze, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken lies in its simplicity. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, ensuring tender chicken every time. The blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, creates a robust flavor profile that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce. Using chicken broth adds depth, while a combination of olive oil helps to sauté the spices, enhancing their flavors. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it a must-try for any home cook.
Gather These Ingredients
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
Gear Checklist
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following gear on hand:
- Instant Pot: Essential for cooking chicken quickly and evenly.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate spice measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For sautéing ingredients.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure chicken is cooked to perfection.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping the chicken and ingredients.
The Method for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the spices adhere better.
Step 2: Mix the Spices
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will add incredible flavor to your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.
Step 3: Sauté the Spices
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the spice mixture and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This will help to release the flavors of the spices.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the pot, making sure to coat each piece with the spice mixture. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the chicken is slightly browned.
Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds even more flavor to your dish.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 9: Mix with BBQ Sauce
Add ¾ cup of BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and mix until well coated.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or in a salad. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Here are some seasonal serving suggestions:
- Spring: Serve over a fresh salad with spring greens and avocado.
- Summer: Use as a filling for sliders at your next backyard barbecue.
- Fall: Serve with roasted vegetables for a comforting dinner.
- Winter: Pair it with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a cozy meal.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
Even the best recipes can have their hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
- Chicken is dry: Ensure you’re not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Burn notice: If you see a burn notice on your Instant Pot, it might be due to not enough liquid. Always scrape the bottom of the pot after sautéing.
- Too saucy: If the chicken is too saucy, you can simmer it on the sauté setting for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Flavorless chicken: Be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the spices and mix in enough BBQ sauce.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken fresh, follow these storage guidelines:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time to 15 minutes and ensure they are fully cooked before shredding.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—homemade or store-bought. A tangy sauce works great, but feel free to experiment with different flavors!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat and add extra BBQ sauce as needed.
What can I serve with BBQ chicken?
This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Chicken And Orzo for a delightful combination.
If you loved this recipe, here are some more delicious dishes to try:
Let’s Eat
This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its ease of preparation and delightful flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Mix the Spices - In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Sauté the Spices - Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the spice mixture for about 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Add the Chicken - Add the chicken breasts to the pot, coating each piece with the spice mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth - Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Step 6: Pressure Cook - Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Release Pressure - Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to “Venting.”
- Step 8: Shred the Chicken - Remove chicken from the pot and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Step 9: Mix with BBQ Sauce - Add ¾ cup of BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and mix until well coated.
- Step 10: Serve - Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or in a salad.
Notes
- Ensure to pat chicken dry for better spice adherence.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
