Quick and Easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating incredibly tender and flavorful BBQ pulled chicken right in your Instant Pot! If you’re craving that classic smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue experience but don’t have access to a grill, or simply prefer the convenience of a pressure cooker, this recipe is your new best friend. Our Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is not just easy and quick to prepare, it’s also a healthy option that yields juicy, shredded chicken perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more.

Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a meal prep enthusiast, this recipe simplifies the process of making mouth-watering BBQ chicken. For those following a keto or low-carb diet, simply opt for a sugar-free, unsweetened BBQ sauce to enjoy all the flavor without the added sugars. Get ready to transform everyday chicken breasts into a barbecue masterpiece with minimal effort!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure
here.

This post was originally posted in July 2017 and has been since updated for freshness and clarity.

If your love for BBQ extends beyond chicken, you’ll also adore some of my other pressure cooker and grilling recipes. Be sure to check out our
Instant Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs,
Instant Pot Pulled Pork,
Marinated Grilled Chicken, and
Air Fryer Ribs. These recipes are designed to bring incredible flavor to your table, whether you’re using your Instant Pot, grill, or air fryer.

This recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches offers a brilliant solution for enjoying authentic, home-cooked BBQ without the need for an outdoor grill. I’ve heard from so many readers who live in apartments with grill restrictions, or who simply aren’t confident with grilling techniques. The Instant Pot elegantly solves this problem, bringing that smoky, tender BBQ flavor indoors.

While traditional grilling is fantastic for locking in flavor and creating juicy meats, the Instant Pot provides a remarkably similar outcome with significantly less hassle. It’s perfect for meal prepping, ensuring your reheated dishes are still moist and flavorful, feeling more like a freshly cooked meal than typical leftovers. The pressure cooking method tenderizes chicken to perfection, making it incredibly easy to shred and infuse with your favorite BBQ sauce.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Making BBQ pulled chicken in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, even for beginners. The beauty of pressure cooking lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the easy steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Pot: Begin by placing your seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer if possible to promote even cooking. Pour in your chosen BBQ sauce and chicken broth. The broth adds essential liquid for pressure building and keeps the chicken moist.
2. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to “sealing.” Select the “Meat/Stew” setting, which typically defaults to a high-pressure cook time of 10-15 minutes, depending on your model. For this recipe, 10 minutes at high pressure is ideal for tender, shreddable chicken.
3. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, resist the urge to immediately release the pressure. Instead, allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step helps the chicken reabsorb moisture, resulting in a significantly juicier and more tender outcome. After 10 minutes, you can carefully turn the vent to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
4. Shred and Serve: Carefully open the pot. Remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart effortlessly. Ladle some of the delicious BBQ liquid from the pot over the shredded chicken to keep it moist and infuse it with more flavor.

That’s it! Your delicious Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is ready to be piled high on buns, added to salads, or enjoyed however you please.

How Long to Cook Pulled Chicken in Instant Pot

For perfectly tender and shreddable pulled chicken from fresh or thawed chicken breasts, I recommend a cook time of 10 minutes at high pressure, followed by an additional 10 minutes of natural pressure release. This combination ensures the chicken is cooked through, incredibly moist, and easy to shred.

The initial 10-minute pressure cook is sufficient to cook the chicken, while the subsequent 10 minutes of natural release is vital. During natural release, the pressure inside the pot gradually decreases, allowing the chicken fibers to relax and reabsorb juices. This process is key to preventing dry, tough chicken and is especially important for cuts like chicken breast which can dry out quickly.

How to Reheat Pulled Chicken in Instant Pot

Reheating pulled chicken in the Instant Pot is a fantastic way to keep it moist and flavorful, preventing it from drying out. If you’re reheating leftovers, simply add the pulled chicken back into the Instant Pot along with a splash of additional liquid. This could be more BBQ sauce, a little chicken broth, or even water. The extra liquid will help create steam and keep the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Use the “Saute” function on a low setting, stirring occasionally until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can still lead to dryness. Alternatively, you can use the “Keep Warm” function if you only need gentle reheating or are holding it for a short period. For stovetop reheating, warm the chicken gently in a saucepan with a little extra BBQ sauce or broth over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

How to Make Buffalo Pulled Chicken in Instant Pot

The versatility of Instant Pot pulled chicken extends beyond just BBQ. You can easily transform this recipe into a spicy Buffalo version. Instead of BBQ sauce, simply substitute with your favorite buffalo sauce and a touch of butter or cream cheese for richness. For a detailed guide on creating delicious Buffalo pulled chicken, check out my dedicated
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe. It’s perfect for lettuce wraps, dips, or even a zesty sandwich!

Can You Use Frozen Chicken for BBQ Pulled Chicken in the Instant Pot?

Yes, absolutely! The Instant Pot is incredibly convenient for cooking frozen chicken. If you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. For frozen chicken, I recommend cooking for 20 minutes at high pressure, followed by the same 10-minute natural pressure release. This extended cooking time ensures the chicken thaws and cooks thoroughly without becoming tough. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

What Does Natural Release on Instant Pot Mean?

Natural Release (NR) on an Instant Pot refers to the process where you allow the pressure within the cooker to dissipate on its own, without manually venting it. Once the cooking cycle finishes, the Instant Pot switches to “Keep Warm” mode, and the pressure slowly drops over time. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes or even longer, depending on the volume of food and liquid inside.

For meats, especially chicken and other proteins, natural release is highly recommended. It prevents the muscle fibers from seizing up too quickly, which can make the meat tough. Instead, the gradual decrease in pressure allows the meat to relax and reabsorb moisture, resulting in a much juicier and more tender product. While quick release is faster, it can sometimes lead to drier textures, particularly with delicate ingredients or larger cuts of meat.

For this BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe, performing a natural release is crucial. It directly contributes to the succulent, fall-apart texture that makes pulled chicken so delightful. Skipping this step can compromise the tenderness, so patience is truly a virtue here!

Why Does My Instant Pot Say Burn?

The “Burn” message on your Instant Pot is a safety feature designed to prevent food from scorching. It indicates that the pot’s bottom is overheating, usually because food has stuck to it or there isn’t enough liquid to properly build pressure and prevent burning.

Common causes for the “Burn” message include:

• Insufficient Liquid: The Instant Pot needs a certain amount of thin liquid (water, broth, juice) to come to pressure. Thick sauces, especially those with high sugar content like many BBQ sauces, can be prone to burning if not diluted or if they’re directly at the bottom without enough thin liquid underneath.
• Food Stuck to the Bottom: If ingredients, particularly those that are starchy or thick, are clinging to the bottom of the inner pot, the Instant Pot can register a burn warning.
• Thick Sauces: As mentioned, very thick sauces tend to scorch more easily. If your recipe calls for a thick sauce, try adding it after the pressure cooking cycle, or layer it on top of other ingredients without stirring it into the bottom liquid.

To troubleshoot, first, check if there’s enough liquid. Always ensure at least 1 cup of thin liquid when cooking in the Instant Pot. If you get the “Burn” message, press “Cancel,” do a quick release of pressure, and carefully open the lid. Check the bottom of the pot for stuck food. Scrape it off, add more liquid if needed, and ensure any thick sauces are on top of other ingredients before restarting the cooking cycle. You can read more about
What Instant Pot Burn Message Means for comprehensive solutions.

What Goes Well With Pulled Chicken?

BBQ pulled chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide range of sides, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside your Instant Pot creation:

• Classic Sides: For a traditional BBQ experience, pair your pulled chicken with creamy
  Instant Pot Potato Salad, flavorful
  Instant Pot Southern Green Beans, and a refreshing
  Keto Coleslaw. Corn on the cob, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese are also excellent choices.
• Lighter Options: If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad,
  Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad, or steamed vegetables would complement the rich chicken beautifully.
• Serving Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just sandwiches! Pulled chicken is excellent in
  tacos or burritos, over
  baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, as a topping for
  nachos, or mixed into a
  mac and cheese bake. It’s also fantastic as a protein source in
  grain bowls with rice or quinoa.

As a Kansas City native, I know a thing or two about good BBQ. The pressure is always on to deliver a recipe that lives up to our city’s reputation! For this recipe, I often use our infamous, local
Gates BBQ Sauce. Gates is a tomato-based sauce with a notable vinegar tang and a balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering, capturing that authentic KC flavor profile.

To keep this dish keto-friendly or for those who prefer to control their sugar intake, I highly recommend using my
Homemade Keto BBQ Sauce. It provides all the rich flavor without the added sugars, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.

To truly emulate that slow-cooked, grilled BBQ flavor, I add a touch of
Liquid Smoke. This ingredient is a game-changer, imparting a deep, smoky essence to the chicken that tastes remarkably similar to meat cooked low and slow on a smoker or grill. It’s an easy way to achieve complex flavor depth.

For meal prep or enjoying leftovers, store the pulled chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If serving on buns, pack the buns separately in Ziploc bags and toast them just before eating to ensure they remain fresh and prevent sogginess. The chicken also freezes well for longer storage—simply thaw and reheat as directed above.

More Instant Pot Recipes:

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

By Brandi Crawford

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches is a quick and easy recipe that allows you to prepare home-cooked BBQ without a grill!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 15 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 351 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 sesame buns
• 1 tablespoon red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• McCormicks Grill Mates BBQ Seasoning to taste
• McCormicks Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with the BBQ seasoning, Montreal chicken seasoning, salt, pepper, and the unsweetened cocoa powder. The cocoa powder adds a surprising depth and richness to the BBQ flavor.
2. Place the seasoned chicken into the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce, and the liquid smoke. Ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the bottom and that no seasonings are stuck.
3. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing valve is set to “sealing.” Select the “Meat/Stew” or “Pressure Cook” function (depending on your model) and set the cook time to 10 minutes on high pressure.
4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This is crucial for maintaining the chicken’s juiciness. After 10 minutes, you can carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken until it’s in bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart.
6. Using a ladle, remove the cooking liquid (chicken broth and BBQ sauce mixture) from the Instant Pot. Drizzle a generous amount of this flavorful sauce over the shredded chicken to keep it moist and enhance the BBQ taste.
7. For an even better sandwich, toast the sesame buns until lightly golden (this step is optional but highly recommended for texture).
8. Divide the shredded BBQ chicken among the toasted buns.
9. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken in the buns. Top with thinly sliced red cabbage for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches!

Video

[Video Placeholder: Embed your recipe video here. For example:

Please replace YOUR_VIDEO_ID with the actual YouTube video ID.]

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite chicken seasoning or rub. Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your preferred flavor profile – sweet, spicy, or tangy! You can also adjust the amount of liquid smoke to your taste, starting with a smaller amount and adding more if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 351 kcal

Carbohydrates: 36 g

Protein: 41 g

Fat: 6 g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using tools like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Tried this recipe? Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel! Check out our videos!

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!