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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or quick dinners for the whole family. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, and you get to enjoy a comforting, saucy chicken dinner in no time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite kind
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked optional for smoky flavor
  • Salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub in a little for more flavor.
  2. Pour chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. This keeps the chicken juicy while cooking.
  3. Place chicken in the pot. Stack pieces if needed but try to keep them even so they cook the same.
  4. Pour BBQ sauce on top of the chicken, covering each piece. Some sauce will settle at the bottom, which is perfect for extra flavor later.
  5. Close lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes for breasts or 12 minutes for thighs.
  6. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
  7. Remove chicken and shred with two forks or serve whole. Pour extra sauce from the pot over chicken if you want it saucy.

Notes

 

  • If your chicken breasts are large or thick, cook for 2-3 extra minutes or allow a 10-minute natural pressure release so the chicken turns out more tender and shreds easily.
  • Broil cooked chicken for 2-3 minutes for a caramelized BBQ crust.
  • Serve with rice, quinoa, salad, or in sandwiches.
  • Works great for meal prep, reheats well, and stays moist.

Variations

  • Add a splash of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
  • Use spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.
  • Toss in sliced onions before cooking for extra flavor.

Meal Prep Tips

  • Shred chicken and portion into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.
  • Mix a little extra sauce with shredded chicken before storing to keep it moist.
  • Pair with easy sides like rice, roasted veggies, or salad.

Storage Tips

  • Let chicken cool slightly before storing to prevent condensation.
  • Store in airtight containers in fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.
  • Label containers with the date so you know what is fresh.