Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
574 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Description
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is prepared by seasoning chicken thighs or drumsticks and steaming them in the Instant Pot with water and optional liquid smoke to contribute a smoky undertone. After pressure cooking and natural release, the chicken is patted dry and coated evenly with BBQ sauce that can be enhanced with garlic powder, onion powder, and white vinegar for additional depth. The final step is broiling the coated chicken to caramelize the sauce and add a browned, slightly crispy texture.
This cooking sequence yields tender, well-seasoned chicken with a glossy BBQ coating that contrasts with the juicy interior. The pressure cooking ensures thorough, even cooking while retaining moisture, and the broiling step adds visual appeal and flavor through caramelization.
The dish is ideal for serving as a main course alongside typical BBQ accompaniments such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. Leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches or salads.
Variance in BBQ sauce brands and added spices can customize flavor intensity. The recipe suggests tasting and adjusting seasoning accordingly when spicing the sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 - 8 (1230g or 2.5 - 3lbs) chicken thigh or drumsticks
- barbecue sauce your favorite
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup (250ml) water cold
Optional:
- 3 drops liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Add Water & Steamer Basket: Add 1 cup (250ml) cold water and (optional) 3 drops of liquid smoke in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Then, place a steamer basket in the pot.
- Pressure Cook Chicken: Generously season both sides of chicken with salt and black pepper, then layer chicken on stainless steel steamer basket. Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 8 minutes, then 10 minutes Natural Release.
- Spice Up BBQ Sauce: If you are using store-bought BBQ sauce, add more depth of flavor with some garlic powder, onion powder, and white vinegar. For reference: we added ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tbsp white vinegar to ⅓ cup Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. Please taste & adjust accordingly.
- Apply BBQ Sauce to Chicken: Pat dry chicken and place them on an oven tray. Generously coat both sides of chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Caramelize Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Place BBQ Chicken under the broiler for 4 - 8 minutes until the BBQ chicken is browned & caramelized.
Notes
- Enhance store-bought BBQ sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar to add complexity.
- After pressure cooking, pat chicken dry to help BBQ sauce adhere better before broiling.
- Broil the BBQ-coated chicken until sauce is browned and caramelized, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Rate the recipe in comments if you try it, sharing your experience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 574 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 574kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 256mg | 85% |
| Sodium | 203mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 535mg | 11% |
| Vitamin A | 205IU | 4% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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