30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

With the busy lives we lead today, it’s no wonder we’re all looking for quick, flavorful meals that don’t compromise on taste. Enter the 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, savory delight in no time. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hectic week when my kids were craving something delicious for dinner. What I found was not just a meal, but a game changer in my kitchen routine!

Why Make This Recipe

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This BBQ pulled chicken recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a flash. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, transforming plain chicken breasts into tender, shredded perfection in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and packed with flavor that can please even the pickiest eaters.

"I cooked this for my family last week, and it was a hit! The chicken was perfectly seasoned, and we loved having leftover pulled chicken for sandwiches the next day." – Satisfied Home Cook

How to Make 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing this BBQ pulled chicken is a breeze. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll season the chicken, sear it for delightful flavor, and then let the Instant Pot do its magic. In no time, you’ll be enjoying delicious pulled chicken that’s perfect for a variety of meals!

Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To recreate this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute the BBQ sauce based on your flavor preference—smoky, spicy, or sweet varieties can all work well here!

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Directions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Mode: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken in the pot and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Add Sauces: Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is well covered.
5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Natural Release: Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for the remaining pressure.
7. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, mixing it back with the sauce in the pot.
8. Serve: Enjoy on buns, rice, or with a side of veggies!

How to Serve 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Perfect Pairings for 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Serving this pulled chicken is just as fun as making it! Try it on toasted brioche buns for classic BBQ sandwiches, or serve it over fluffy rice to soak up all that tangy sauce. Pair your meal with a side of coleslaw for an added crunch or some grilled corn on the cob to really embrace the BBQ spirit.

How to Store

Best Way to Store 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

To keep your pulled chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave to retain moisture.

Tips to Make

Pro Chef Tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, let the chicken marinate with the spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• If you want a thicker sauce, use the sauté function after shredding the chicken to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency.
• Swap out the chicken for pork or tofu for a different twist!

Variations

Creative Twists

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix it up! Try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth or experiment with different seasonings, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You could also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce to cater to specific diets.

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

• How long does prep take? Preparation takes about 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of cooking time and a few minutes for pressure release.
• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy it throughout the week.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to get cooking! This 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken might just become your new go-to recipe for effortless deliciousness!

30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and flavorful BBQ pulled chicken dish made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil.
2. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts.
3. Place the chicken in the pot and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is well covered.
5. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for the remaining pressure.
7. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, mixing it back with the sauce in the pot.
8. Enjoy on buns, rice, or with a side of veggies!

Notes

For added flavor, let the chicken marinate with spices for a few hours. Use the sauté function to reduce the sauce for thickness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, BBQ, chicken, quick meals, family dinner