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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Made Easy for Juicy Family Meals

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is effortless, versatile, and guarantees tender, juicy chicken for a delightful family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Natural Pressure Release 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs boneless recommended for easy shredding
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast can use all thighs for richer flavor
  • Chicken Stock or Water can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth
For the Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder fresh onion can be used if preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic is an option
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika can add flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt use kosher salt for different texture
For the Sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups BBQ Sauce use favorite or homemade version
  • 1/2 cup Grated Onion + Juice can substitute with finely chopped onion
  • 2-3 tablespoons Brown Sugar honey or maple syrup can be substituted
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce ensure it's gluten-free if necessary

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of chicken stock or water into the bottom. Place 2 lbs of boneless chicken thighs and 1 lb of chicken breast in a single layer.
  2. Add seasonings and sauce. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Pour 1½ cups of BBQ sauce, then add ½ cup of grated onion and 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Finish with 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Don’t stir! Let the layers sit; the liquid should remain at the bottom for pressure cooking.
  4. Seal and cook. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  5. Release pressure. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Shred the chicken. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot; shred with two forks.
  7. Combine and serve. Return shredded chicken to the pot, mix well with the BBQ sauce, and serve in sandwiches, over rice, or in salads.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for quick meals throughout the week and suitable for dietary restrictions.

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