Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken

Yummy, Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken. Try this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe! It’s sweet, tender, and falls apart effortlessly, making it ideal for sandwiches, salads, BBQ plates, and beyond!

This is one of my favorite Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe, and it’s so easy. Perfect for make ahead meals, or for a quick weeknight meal.

Serve as a sandwich, for a quick chicken sandwich, or add some protein to your summer salad, or serve over rice.

This is the best recipe for Instant Pot Barbecue Shredded Chicken and it’s soon going to be your favorite Instant Pot Recipe.

Try some of my favorite Instant Pot Recipes, such as instant pot rocky road fudge, instant pot turkey meatballs, or instant pot cashew basil pesto chicken.

Easy BBQ Shredded Chicken Instant Pot

This Easy BBQ Shredded Chicken recipe made in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.

Simply combine chicken breasts with your favorite barbecue sauce, broth, and seasonings in the Instant Pot, and let it cook to tender perfection in just a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional slow-cooked BBQ chicken.

Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Serve the BBQ shredded chicken on sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish alongside your favorite sides for a quick and satisfying meal the whole family will love. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You Will Need For Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for making shredded chicken BBQ Instant Pot.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy chicken breasts serve as the base for this dish.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to infuse the chicken with sweet and tangy flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Onion Powder: A hint of onion powder adds savory notes to complement the barbecue sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides aromatic flavor that enhances the taste of the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a well-balanced dish.

How To Make BBQ Shredded Chicken Instant Pot

Making BBQ shredded chicken in an Instant Pot is quick and easy! Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

Prepare Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Sauté: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the pot and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side. This adds flavor and helps to lock in juices.

Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth or water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the Instant Pot from giving a burn notice.

Add Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure for chicken breasts or 15 minutes for chicken thighs.

Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Shred Chicken: Open the Instant Pot lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.

Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode and simmer the shredded chicken for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Pro Tips For Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Shredded

• Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, making them ideal for shredding. If using thighs, trim excess fat before cooking.
• Brown the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken before pressure cooking. This adds flavor and texture to the dish.
• Deglaze the Pot: After browning the chicken, deglaze the pot by adding liquid (chicken broth or water) and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents the Instant Pot from giving a burn notice.
• Adjust BBQ Sauce: Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of BBQ sauce used. You can add more or less according to your taste.
• Customize Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste. Add spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Natural Release for Tender Chicken: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the chicken tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
• Shred with Ease: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot. The chicken should be tender enough to shred effortlessly.
• Thicken Sauce if Desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the shredded chicken in the Instant Pot on sauté mode for a few minutes to reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce.
• Serve Creatively: Serve the BBQ shredded chicken in various ways, such as sandwiches, sliders, wraps, tacos, or over rice or salads. It’s versatile and pairs well with many dishes.
• Meal Prep and Storage: This BBQ shredded chicken is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Faqs Shredded BBQ Chicken In Instant Pot

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Increase the pressure cooking time by a few minutes (about 3-5 minutes) to ensure the chicken cooks through completely.

Can I use bone-in chicken? While bone-in chicken can be used, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are recommended for quicker cooking and easier shredding.

How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning? Make sure to deglaze the pot after browning the chicken to prevent burning. Adding enough liquid (chicken broth or water) and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom helps prevent the Instant Pot from giving a burn notice.

Can I make this recipe with homemade BBQ sauce? Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce can add a unique flavor to the dish. Adjust the seasonings and sweetness according to your taste preferences.

How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the shredded chicken in the Instant Pot on sauté mode for a few minutes to reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce.

Can I double or halve the recipe? Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to make more or less shredded chicken. Keep in mind that the cooking time remains the same, but the Instant Pot may take longer to come to pressure with a larger quantity of ingredients.

What should I serve with Instant Pot BBQ shredded chicken? BBQ shredded chicken pairs well with various side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or baked beans. You can also serve it in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or over rice.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for longer storage. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

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