30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Introduction
Looking for a failproof, ultra-flavorful dinner that dazzles a crowd and takes barely any effort? This 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe brings bold barbecue flavor with tender, juicy chicken—all ready in half an hour, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or piled high on baked potatoes at your next get-together.
Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines simplicity and speed without sacrificing the smoky, sticky-sweet appeal of classic BBQ pulled chicken.
Flavorful BBQ Pulled Chicken in Record Time
The Instant Pot’s high-pressure cooking transforms plain chicken breasts into fork-tender, flavor-packed shreds while infusing them with deep BBQ goodness. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes. The convenience and depth of flavor make this recipe a true weeknight winner.
Preparing and Shredding Chicken the Easy Way
Start by trimming your chicken breasts and generously seasoning them with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for that real BBQ essence. Use a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board for cleaner prep.
Once cooked in the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, shredding the chicken becomes effortless with a dedicated Chicken Shredder Tool, saving you from messy forks and helping achieve that perfect pulled texture in seconds.
BBQ Sauce Suggestions and Mixing Tips
After shredding, the real magic happens when you mix the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce right in the pot. Warm it through for a few more minutes, letting every strand soak up that bold sauce. Use classic smoky, spicy, or even tangy sweet sauces—whatever fits your taste!
If you’re prepping veggies for slaw or a side salad, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can make quick work of carrots, onions, and cabbage.
How to Serve Your BBQ Pulled Chicken
Pile this pulled chicken high on toasted buns for irresistible sandwiches, spoon it into a Bentgo Salad Container with a crunchy slaw for work lunches, or use it atop nachos and grain bowls. Make family meals even easier by storing leftover chicken in handy Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—it reheats beautifully for quick meals all week.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each portion (using boneless, skinless chicken breast and 1/3 cup BBQ sauce per serving) is approximately 225-275 calories. Add sides or buns as desired—the chicken itself is high in protein and low in fat!
30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken (Recap)
Brimming with smoky, saucy flavors, this recipe promises fall-apart tender BBQ pulled chicken in just half an hour. From simple prep to versatile serving options, it delivers weeknight convenience with crowd-pleasing taste. Perfect for feeding a hungry group or meal prepping for days, it’s a must-make for any busy household.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a Bamboo Cutting Board and pat dry. Season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth and 1 cup BBQ sauce into the bottom of your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and turn to coat.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 12 minutes (15 minutes if using thick pieces).
- Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid.
- Transfer chicken to a bowl and use the Chicken Shredder Tool to pull apart the meat for the ideal texture.
- Return shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Optionally, mix in extra BBQ sauce to taste.
- Serve immediately on buns, salads, or grain bowls. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (including pressure building and release)
Total Time: 30 minutes