Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a game-changing recipe that combines the tender, fall-apart texture of slow-cooked chicken with the rich, tangy flavor of BBQ sauce, all achieved in under an hour using the versatility and convenience of an Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences with a variety of optional ingredients and sauces. With this recipe, you'll learn how to cook chicken breasts to perfection, infusing them with a deep, smoky flavor that's sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a delicious, comforting meal, Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is sure to become a staple in your household.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 2 tbsp brown sugar
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 2 tbsp butter (optional)
* Optional: chopped onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added flavor
Cooking Steps:
1. Press the "Saute" button on the Instant Pot and melt the butter (if using). Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños (if using) and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until browned on both sides.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to "Sealing". Press the "Poultry" button or "Manual" mode and set the cooking time to 20 minutes at high pressure.
5. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and toss with any accumulated juices to ensure it's well coated with BBQ sauce.
Tips and Variations:
* For a spicier pulled chicken, add more jalapeños or use hot sauce like Frank's RedHot or Sriracha.
* For a sweeter pulled chicken, add more brown sugar or honey.
* Use different types of BBQ sauce, such as Kansas City-style or Carolina-style, to change up the flavor profile.
* Add some smoked bacon or diced ham to give the pulled chicken an extra boost of smoky flavor.
* For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serve:
Serve the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken on a bun, topped with your favorite toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, or barbecue pickles. You can also serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a comforting side dish. Enjoy!
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