Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Release pressure
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
427 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe starts by rubbing chicken breasts with a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powders, salt, and pepper, which adds depth and smoky flavor. After seasoning, the chicken is seared in olive oil using the Instant Pot's sauté function to develop color and texture on the surface.
The pressure cooking step uses chicken broth and a portion of BBQ sauce to cook the chicken fully and infuse it with moisture and flavor. Cooking under pressure for 10 minutes followed by a natural pressure release ensures juicy, tender meat without drying out. Finally, brushing the cooked chicken with remaining BBQ sauce adds a glossy finish and extra seasoning.
The chicken can be served sliced or whole with sides or added to sandwiches and salads. The recipe yields well-seasoned chicken that holds moisture and has a distinct smoky, spicy profile from the spice rub.
For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to three days and reheat gently to maintain moisture. Avoid quick releasing the pressure as it may leave the chicken undercooked.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce divided
Instructions
- Combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the spice mixture on the chicken breasts, fully coating them.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the Instant Pot. Press the Sauté button. Once the oil is heated, brown the chicken breasts, two at a time, on each side for 2 minutes.
- Press the Cancel button. Add in the broth and ½ cup BBQ sauce and stir. Add in the chicken breasts.
- Press the Manual button and set the timer for 10 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce until coated to your liking.
Notes
- Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven or serve cold, sliced over salads.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure to ensure chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 427 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 427kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 1869mg | 78% |
| Potassium | 787mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 36g | 72% |
| Vitamin A | 1121IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.