Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

User Reviews

4.6

107 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Release pressure

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 people

  • Calories

    427 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken features boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with a mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and other spices, browned in olive oil, then pressure-cooked with chicken broth and BBQ sauce. The result is tender, flavorful chicken infused with smoky and spicy notes, finished by brushing with additional BBQ sauce for moisture and taste. This method yields a moist and well-seasoned chicken suitable for quick meals.

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.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 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
  • cups BBQ sauce divided

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Press the Cancel button. Add in the broth and ½ cup BBQ sauce and stir. Add in the chicken breasts.
  4. Press the Manual button and set the timer for 10 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
  5. 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 Details
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%)

Nutrition 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.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.6

107 reviews
Excellent

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