4.7 from 93 votes
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Dinner can't get easier than this tender, flavorful Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken! Made with a simple spice blend, shredded, and mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve on a bun, over potatoes, or even cold with a salad. Now, this is a winner-winner chicken dinner!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
PR Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 477 kcal
Course:
Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup water
- 1¼ cup BBQ sauce divided
Instructions
- Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder together, then rub all over the chicken breasts. Combine the water with ¼ cup of the bbq sauce in a bowl or cup.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting. (See your manufacturer's guide for detailed instructions on how to use your instant pot). Add the oil and once your instant pot reaches the desired temperature (the timer will start to count down) add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken on both sides, for about 3 minutes per side. Press the keep warm/cancel button on your Instant pot. Pour the water mixture over the chicken.
- Close the lid (follow the manufacturer's guide for instructions on how to close the instant pot lid). Set the Instant Pot to the Manual setting on high and set the timer to 8 minutes. Use quick / manual release to release the pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant pot, and discard the liquid. Shred the chicken with two forks then pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce, toss and let it rest for a couple minutes for the chicken to soak up the sauce.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- BBQ Sauce Options: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to find your favorite. A smoky or spicy sauce can add a unique twist.
- Chicken Choices: While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken with the dry rub a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to marinate further, enhancing the taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This pulled chicken is excellent in sandwiches, salads, or even tacos. Pair it with coleslaw or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
477kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
49g
(98%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Trans Fat
0.03g
Cholesterol
145mg
(48%)
Sodium
1485mg
(62%)
Potassium
1064mg
(30%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
30g
(60%)
Vitamin A
418IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
45mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 477
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 477kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 145mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1485mg | 62% |
| Potassium | 1064mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 418IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.