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Home By Meal Lunch and Dinner

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

★★★★★ 17 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: ErinPosted: 1/28/20Updated: 9/17/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

instant pot bbq chicken

Easy shredded Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a healthy dinner or meal prep idea for your busy work week! This simple recipe uses boneless chicken breasts and your favorite BBQ sauce. Use the meat to put on sliders, sandwiches, salads, and potatoes!

instant pot chicken

Even when you are running home with no time to make dinner, you have time to make my Instant Pot BBQ chicken.

This entire meal only takes 20 minutes to make, from start to finish. And the meal prep couldn’t be any easier! Seriously, pin this post. You are going to want to make this again.

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

I save this recipe for those weeks when I don’t feel like planning anything complicated. I’ve memorized the recipe at this point. If you make it a few times, you’ll have it memorized too.

Ingredients

You probably already have these in your fridge.

  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Chicken stock
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Paprika
  • BBQ Sauce
chicken in instant pot

How To Make BBQ Chicken in the Instant Pot

I love how simple my Instant Pot recipes make dinner time. The Instant Pot is an incredible tool! It cooks food so fast that by the time you put the dishes away, the food is ready.

The entire recipe is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. But here’s a really easy overview so you know what to expect.

1. Add All The Ingredients To the Instant Pot

Be careful to put them in the Instant Pot in this order: chicken breasts, stock, onion, spices, and BBQ sauce.

2. Lock Lid & Manually Cook

Next, lock the lid and cook it manually for 10 minutes. Let the Instant Pot come to pressure before starting the timer.

3. Natural Release

When the timer goes off, use the natural release for 10 minutes. Then use the quick release.

4. Shred and Serve

Then just shred the chicken and add in more BBQ sauce to completely cover the chicken. Yum! It’s read to eat!

It really is that easy.

bbq chicken in bowl

Can you use chicken broth instead of chicken stock?

The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chicken stock. This is because the chicken will lose some moisture in the steaming process.

Yes, you can certainly use chicken broth instead. The reason I love chicken stock is that it has a bit more flavor than broth.

Chicken stock is typically made by boiling the bony parts of the chicken in water. Chicken broth, however, is made by boiling meat in the water. The differences are almost not discernible.

instant pot bbq chicken

BBQ Chicken Serving Ideas

There are so many ways you can serve the chicken after it’s cooked. Try any one of these fast and easy ideas.

  • BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – serve with some french fries
  • BBQ Chicken Bowls – put the shredded chicken on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes
  • Cookout – Serve with grilled corn on the cob
  • Pasta Dish – Shred the chicken and serve with pasta for a new main dish

BBQ Chicken Side Dish Ideas

These are my favorite side dishes that taste the best with this scrumptious meal.

  • Crispy Baked Chili Lime Sweet Potato Fries
  • Cranberry Quinoa Salad
  • Healthy 7-Layer Dip

How To Store the BBQ Chicken

Store this correctly because you can use it in so many different recipes. It’s delicious as leftovers.

  • Refrigerator – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
  • Freeze – Freeze in an airtight container or a resealable bag for up to 6 months.

Can You Make BBQ Chicken in The Slow Cooker?

Yes, it’s pretty easy, actually. Just put all the ingredients (except the chicken stock) in a slow cooker.

Set the slow cooker to “low” and cook for 6-8 hours. Then, it’s ready to shred and put on your sandwich buns.

instant pot bbq chicken
instant pot chicken
★★★★★ 4.6 from 17 reviews

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Easy shredded Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a healthy dinner or meal prep idea for your busy work week! This simple recipe uses boneless chicken breasts and your favorite BBQ sauce. Use the meat to put on sliders, sandwiches, salads, and potatoes!

Prep: 10Cook: 20Total: 30 minutes
Yield 8 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 3lbs chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced very small – I used a cheese grater
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp paprika (I used smoked)
  • 1.5 cups BBQ sauce, divided – I used Tessemaes.

Instructions

  1. Add one tablespoon olive oil to bottom of Instant Pot.
  2. In this order, add in chicken breasts, 1/3 cup stock, onion, garlic, paprika, and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
  3. Lock the lid and manual pressure cook for 10 minutes. Just hit ‘pressure cook’ then add the time. The IP will need to come to pressure before the timer starts.
  4. Once the timer goes off, natural release for 10 minutes and then quick release.
  5. Shred with two forks and let place back in IP and stir in other half cup of bbq sauce.
  6. Serve!

Notes

Can freeze for up to 3 months.

Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dinner, meal prepMethod: instant potCuisine: American
instant pot chicken

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Tom says

    Posted on 1/28 at 8:25 am

    This is so good. If you use your insta pot, it’s amazing how quick it is finished!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/10 at 9:42 pm

      Hi Tom, thanks for your kind words! The Insta Pot works magic doesn’t it?

      Reply
  2. Lori says

    Posted on 1/28 at 12:58 pm

    It looks delicious and super easy! I just got an Instant Pot so cant wait to try!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 7/14 at 9:34 pm

      You haven’t tried it yet how can you review it?

      Reply
      • Kate says

        Posted on 9/9 at 9:59 am

        Thank you, Sarah!! That is absolutely a pet peeve of mine too.

        ★★★

        Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/10 at 9:41 pm

      Hi Lori, thanks for your kind words! Let me know how it comes out!!

      Reply
  3. Tara says

    Posted on 2/2 at 9:14 pm

    Excellent and easy recipe for super bowl party! Thanks so much!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/4 at 8:16 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  4. Marguerite says

    Posted on 3/28 at 8:24 am

    Love this recipe. Easy and delicious. My two year old kept saying MORE.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/6 at 10:04 pm

      Hi Marguerite! Thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you both enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Joann says

    Posted on 6/19 at 7:12 am

    I do believe it should state on manual high pressure. I did not see this anywhere in the recipe and mine was set to low so it did not Cook throughly. I even reset another 10 mins. Did not shred easily.

    Reply
  6. Tina Risinger says

    Posted on 6/21 at 5:09 pm

    Trying it tonight. It says olive oil but I can’t see where it is used.

    Reply
    • Tina Risinger says

      Posted on 6/21 at 5:10 pm

      NM, found it on the card.

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 8/3 at 10:14 pm

        Hi Tina! How did the chicken come out?

        Reply
  7. Tarah says

    Posted on 7/27 at 8:16 pm

    Can you use frozen chicken?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/2 at 7:17 pm

      Hi Tarah, I haven’t tried it with frozen chicken but would recommend just adjusting the cooking time. Let me know if you try it and how it goes!

      Reply
  8. Sheila says

    Posted on 8/21 at 8:32 pm

    OMG! Somebody shared this recipe on Facebook, and I saved it way back in April. I just fixed it tonight, and it is FABULOUS! The ingredients were all items I always have in my kitchen. I’m still a newbie using the InstantPot, but this was so very easy. I cannot tell you enough how delicious it is! Thanks so much!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/22 at 1:16 pm

      Hi Sheila, ah I am so happy you got around to making it. Thank you for your kind words!!

      Reply
  9. Chloe says

    Posted on 8/25 at 12:42 pm

    When you say cook for ten minutes what type of cooking am I doing? Pressure, saute? You didn’t mention in what form I am cooking the chicken. Thanks

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/27 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Chloe, thanks for catching that. Pressure cook. I just added a line into the instructions. Let me know how yours comes out.

      Reply
  10. Janie Noller says

    Posted on 9/2 at 5:57 pm

    I followed the recipe exactly. The chicken was done but I found it tough. Also, too much liquid.

    ★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/5 at 12:40 am

      Hi Janie, I’m sorry this happened – honestly, it sounds like a problem with the quality of the meat. Let me know if you try it again and it comes out better.

      Reply
  11. Teetine says

    Posted on 9/5 at 10:19 pm

    wonderful. I really like it. My family had a great dine together. thanks you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/7 at 4:40 pm

      HI Teetine, thanks so much for your kind words! I am happy everyone enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Lesslie says

    Posted on 9/12 at 10:35 am

    I have an instant pot but rarely use it, mostly because it intimidates me. I saw this recipe and thought I’d give it a try and I’m so glad I did!!! The chicken turned out perfectly, it was super quick and even my pickiest eater approved!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/12 at 7:31 pm

      Hi Lesslie, thank you so much for sharing! I am so happy that you tried and enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  13. Casey T says

    Posted on 9/28 at 8:06 pm

    Super easy and quick to make! It’s currently in my instant pot cooking so we’re excited to see how it turns out!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/1 at 8:01 am

      Hi Casey, thanks for sharing! How did it come out?

      Reply
  14. Angelica says

    Posted on 9/28 at 9:57 pm

    My family eats baked BBQ chicken for dinner at least twice a month. During the summer I switch it up to this method because I hate using the oven when it’s hot! This recipe is perfection!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/1 at 8:01 am

      Hi Angelica, thanks for sharing! Glad you like it!

      Reply
  15. Angelica says

    Posted on 9/29 at 10:25 pm

    I have an instant pot but rarely use it, mostly because it intimidates me. I saw this recipe and thought I’d give it a try and I’m so glad I did!!! The chicken turned out perfectly, it was super quick and even my pickiest eater approved!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/1 at 8:07 am

      Hi Angelica, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you tried it and loved it so much!

      Reply
  16. Dandre says

    Posted on 10/19 at 9:45 pm

    I’ve never really loved anything I’ve tried in our Instant pot, but this looks amazing I’m going to try it this weekend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/20 at 11:34 am

      Hi Dandre, please let me know how it comes out!

      Reply
  17. Lisa says

    Posted on 11/2 at 8:59 pm

    Loved making this recipe. This was my first attempt with my new instant pot and what a success! After I was finished taking out the chicken I used the saute feature to thicken the sauce afterwards as mine had thinned quite a bit.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/3 at 10:29 am

      Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing! I am so happy you got to use your new pot! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Derek C Sebeck says

    Posted on 11/8 at 3:31 pm

    The best IP bbq chicken recipe. We use this all the time. I’ve added jalapenos to it. If I use some chicken that’s not great quality, i add about two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and the same less of broth.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/10 at 11:51 am

      Hi Derek, I am so happy you enjoyed it and great tip!

      Reply
  19. Nan Sanders says

    Posted on 12/11 at 10:44 am

    This dish is a very quick and delicious time saver. My family loved it. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/11 at 2:32 pm

      Hi Nan, I am so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  20. Courtney says

    Posted on 1/3 at 5:00 pm

    Just made this for my lunches as I go back to work this week. So good!! I also used Erin’s healthy homemade bbq sauce which was unbelievable and super easy!

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
  21. Courtney says

    Posted on 1/4 at 1:58 pm

    My first ever recipe that I made in the instant pot and it was so easy to follow. Thanks Erin for making the recipe incredibly easy to follow.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Courtney, so glad you loved the recipe! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Flo says

    Posted on 1/20 at 9:21 pm

    The chicken texture is amazing and soft. So delicious and so easy! I found the sauce too watery even when I added the extra half cup at the end. I might have added too much chicken bone broth. Would that make it more watery or change the texture? I’m new to the instant pot/cooking game so I’m excited to try more of your recipes! Thank you for sharing 🙂

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/21 at 11:19 am

      Hi Flo, glad you liked it and possibly. Next time try adding a little less and see how it comes out!

      Reply
  23. Lindsay Nolte says

    Posted on 1/27 at 6:03 pm

    So so good!! Quick and simple, yet delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/27 at 6:06 pm

      Hi Lindsay, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  24. Sam says

    Posted on 2/10 at 11:23 pm

    Turned out perfectly. Did from frozen so added 5 extra minutes
    Great meal!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/11 at 7:20 am

      Hi Sam, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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