Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast

Are you looking for an easy, delicious weeknight meal that will surely please everyone in your family? With the Instant Pot, you can make a succulent pulled BBQ Chicken Breast dish with minimal hands-on time.

This recipe combines smoky flavor with tangy tomato sauce, perfect for sandwiches or served over rice. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together! In just 30 minutes, this simple and flavorful dish can be on your table and ready to eat. So pull out your Instant Pot and start creating this marvelous meal!

Why Cook Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast In Pressure Cooker

​Cooking pulled BBQ chicken breast in a pressure cooker has a number of benefits:

• Quick: Pressure cookers are designed to cook food quickly and efficiently. Using a pressure cooker, you can cook chicken breasts in a fraction of the time it would take to cook the recipe in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Retains moisture: Cooking chicken breasts in a pressure cooker helps to retain moisture and prevent them from becoming dry and tough.
• Infuses flavors: Pressure cooking allows the flavors of the BBQ sauce and other seasonings to infuse into the chicken, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
• Tenderizes meat: The high pressure in the cooker helps break down the chicken’s connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
• Easy to shred: Once the chicken is cooked, it is easy to shred with a fork or a pair of tongs, making it perfect for pulled chicken recipes. Perfect for meal prep.

Overall, cooking pulled BBQ chicken breast in a pressure cooker is a convenient and efficient way to make a delicious and flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast​

Does the thought of being able to create an amazing meal with minimal effort make your mouth water? We’ve all been busy without time for expensive take-out food or time-consuming cooking techniques.

Luckily, with the help of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that doesn’t require hours at the stove. Below will explore how to quickly and easily make pulled BBQ chicken breast using only a few simple ingredients. Enjoy juicily, tender pulled chicken in just minutes, ready to serve on sandwiches, tacos, or salads!

​​Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken: Use boneless chicken breast, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce
• Liquid: Use chicken broth, chicken stock, or water
• Seasonings and Spices: Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, and Balck Pepper 

Note: You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and other seasonings to your taste. For added flavor, you can also add other ingredients like hot sauce, chili powder, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, or brown sugar.​

How To Cook Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast In Instant Pot

​Struggling to find a simple and delicious way to make pulled BBQ chicken breast in your Instant Pot? Look no further! In this post, we’ll walk you through all the steps necessary to show you how quickly and easily you can create pulled BBQ chicken breast right at home.

Whether it’s for an upcoming gathering with friends or family or simply because you feel like treating yourself (and who doesn’t!), this dish will surely be a hit that will impress attendees of any age! So read on as we guide you through all the necessary details so that even those who declare they “don’t eat chicken” will not be disappointed when it’s said and done.

​Step One: Season The Chicken

Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step Two: Add The Ingredients To The Instant Pot

Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pot and place the chicken breasts in a single layer on top. Whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a separate bowl until well combined.

Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure that the chicken is coated on all sides. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “sealing position.” Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” function and set the cook time for 15 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure for a quick release.

Step Three: Serving Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast

Open the Instant Pot lid and remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to coat it with the BBQ sauce. Serve the pulled BBQ chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips For The Best Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Pulled

​Here are some pro tips to ensure that you get the best results with your Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they cook quickly and are easy to shred.
• Use your favorite BBQ sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce to add flavor to the chicken. You can also mix different sauces to create a unique flavor.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. If your chicken breasts are thicker, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Use natural pressure release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure will ensure that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
• Shred meat while it’s warm: Shred the chicken while it’s still warm to make it easier to shred and to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
• Serve immediately or store properly: Serve the pulled BBQ chicken immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for later use.

How To Serve Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast

Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ways to serve it; great for leftovers for the next day.

• Sandwiches: Pulled BBQ Chicken Breast is a perfect filling for sandwiches. Add your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or cheese. Use brioche buns for the best flavor, or use regular hamburger buns. Perfect for BBQ chicken sliders.
• Wraps: You can also serve the shredded meat in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a healthier option.
• Salads: Add the pulled chicken to your favorite salad for a protein-packed meal.
• Tacos: Fill tacos with pulled chicken and top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco night.
• Rice bowls: Serve pulled chicken over a bed of rice with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
• Baked potatoes: Top a baked potato with pulled chicken and your favorite toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
• Pizza: Use the pulled chicken as a topping for homemade pizza for a unique twist on pizza night.

With so many serving options, you can enjoy pulled BBQ chicken breast in various ways.

​Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Increase the cooking time to 20 minutes on high pressure for frozen chicken breasts.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The cooking time will remain the same, but it may take longer for the Instant Pot to come under pressure.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can use homemade BBQ sauce. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and consistency of the sauce. It’s recommended to use a sauce that is not too thick.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for later use.

Can I use a different seasoning blend?

Yes, you can use a different seasoning blend if you prefer. However, the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add a nice depth of flavor to the chicken.

Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead of the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop. However, it will take longer to cook, and you’ll need to watch it carefully to ensure that it doesn’t burn.

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