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Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches

Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken

Instant Pot barbecue chicken is the easiest way to make the summertime favorite. This barbecue chicken recipe results in the perfect shredded chicken for sandwiches, tacos, salads and more. Make it the next time you need a quick dish to feed a crowd or for meal prep.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: dinner, meats and poultry
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Instant Pot barbecue chicken, Instant Pot bbq chicken, pressure cooker bbq chicken, shredded barbecue chicken
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Author: jfletcher

Ingredients

  • 2.5 to 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2/3 cup of water or stock
  • 1 tbs chili powder
  • 1 tbs paprika
  • 1/2 tbs cumin
  • 1/2 tbs cayenne*
  • 1 tbs onion powder
  • 4 cloves of pressed garlic
  • 1 tsp salt**
  • 1 tsp black pepper**
  • 1/3 c brown sugar
  • 1.5 c of your favorite barbecue sauce divided

Instructions

  • Put the chicken onto the trivet and put the trivet into the inner liner of the Pot. Then pour water or stock into the inner liner of the Instant Pot. Season the chicken well with the brown sugar, spices and garlic.  The chicken shouldn't be directly in the liquid. Pour on about half of the barbecue sauce. Now secure the lid on the pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Once the Pot beeps, let the pot do a natural release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the valve to open so you can quick release any of the remaining pressure.
  • When the pressure has released, open the lid of the Pot and carefully remove the chicken. Shred the chicken on a plate and toss it any of the remaining liquid in the Pot. Add the extra barbecue sauce and stir.
  • At this point, either serve as is or turn the Pot on saute mode and cook the liquid down slightly prior to serving.
  • For best results and some barbecue caramelization, spread the shredded chicken out onto a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick spray. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the edges of the chicken begin to char slightly.
  • Serve immediately in sandwiches, salads, taco, on pizza...

Video

Notes

*The cayenne will add the slightest bit of heat to this. Omit it if you want mild bbq.
**Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!