Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

If you love the bold, smoky flavors of barbecue but want a quick and effortless way to enjoy it any night of the week, this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken is your new go-to dish. Tender chicken thighs get coated in a perfectly spiced rub, sautéed, then pressure cooked with your favorite BBQ sauce until they practically melt apart. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, giving you juicy, flavorful pulled chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional slow cooking methods. It’s comfort food that feels homemade with minimal mess and maximum taste, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential to get that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet in your Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken. Each spice and element plays a key role, from the rich paprika giving it that classic BBQ depth to the olive oil ensuring every piece is coated to lock in moisture and flavor.

• 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, these cook faster than breasts and shred beautifully.
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning blend stick and promotes a lovely sear in the Instant Pot.
• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes during cooking for depth.
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Brings the smoky BBQ character without any actual smoke.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Infuses rich, savory undertones into the chicken.
• 1 tsp Cumin: Offers warm, earthy notes that balance the spices perfectly.
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
• 1 tsp Dry Mustard: Adds subtle tanginess and complexity.
• 1 tsp Chili Powder (optional): For a mild kick that wakes up the palate.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Gives just enough heat to round out the spice blend.
• 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce of Your Choice: Use your favorite for that signature saucy finish.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken with Seasoning

Start by mixing all the dry spices and brown sugar in a bowl until combined. Then, coat the chicken thighs in olive oil in a large bowl to promote even browning. Toss the oiled chicken in the seasoning blend and stir to thoroughly cover each piece. This ensures every bite bursts with rich aroma and flavor before it even hits the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Switch your Instant Pot to the sauté function on high heat and let it get hot. Add the seasoned chicken thighs carefully in a single layer. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until you see a beautiful golden crust forming. This step locks in flavor and improves texture, elevating the final dish from ordinary to unforgettable.

Step 3: Pressure Cook with BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken is nicely seared, pour your chosen BBQ sauce right into the pot and give the chicken a gentle stir. This helps the sauce spread out and prevents sticking at the bottom. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer beeps, use the quick release to release the pressure immediately, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and transfer it to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat thoroughly while still warm. The chicken will easily pull apart, revealing that tender texture that makes pulled BBQ chicken so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine and Optional Crisp Finish

Put the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir well to coat in the remaining BBQ sauce. For an extra touch, if you have the Instant Pot Duo Crisp or an oven broiler, spread the chicken on a baking sheet and broil it for 8-12 minutes to get crispy edges that add delightful texture contrasts.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really bring this dish to life. Think bright green chopped scallions, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for herbal freshness, or a few crunchy pickled jalapeño slices for that zing. These toppings add color, flavor, and a little crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or grilled corn on the cob. For lighter options, try a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes. The sides offer contrast in texture and balance out the rich, smoky meat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving the pulled chicken in slider buns for party-ready finger foods, or pile it onto loaded baked potatoes topped with melted cheddar and sour cream for a comforting meal. Another fun idea is to layer it over nachos with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. The possibilities are endless and so much fun to customize!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping the chicken submerged in the BBQ sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor, so whenever you’re ready for a quick meal, it’s as delicious as day one.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled pulled chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months. When thawed, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want an easy meal waiting in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat your pulled chicken gently either on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to heat through evenly. Within minutes you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended because they stay juicier and shred more easily. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook as they dry out faster.

Do I have to use smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika gives the dish its distinctive BBQ smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika will work. You might want to add a small dash of liquid smoke if you want to mimic that smoky taste.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Use whichever BBQ sauce you love most. Sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky – all work well. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match for Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to your spice rub. You can also serve it with spicy pickles or jalapeños to add extra heat at the table.

How do I get crispy edges without an oven?

If you don’t have an oven or broil function, you can try finishing the chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. This will give some nice caramelized bits and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen for its unbeatable combination of ease and incredible BBQ flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a simple weeknight dinner, it delivers that finger-licking satisfaction with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!

Print