This Instant Pot BBQ chicken turns simple chicken breasts into a fall-apart tender, sticky-sweet dinner in about 20 minutes total. It's perfect shredded on a bun, served over rice, or piled onto a salad.
With just a handful of ingredients and almost no hands-on effort, this is one of the easiest weeknight dinners you can make.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes — from raw chicken to shredded, saucy perfection
- Works from frozen — no need to remember to thaw ahead
- Versatile — great on buns, over rice, in tacos, or on salads
- Minimal ingredients — just chicken, BBQ sauce, and a few pantry staples
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Add ingredients to the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour in the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pressure cook. Seal the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (12 minutes if using frozen chicken).
3. Release pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot to soak up the sauce.
5. Thicken the sauce (optional). For a thicker sauce, use the sauté function for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until it reduces slightly.
6. Serve. Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on buns, over rice, or however you like it best.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
- Use a good-quality BBQ sauce — since it's the main flavor, choose one you genuinely enjoy.
- Don't skip the natural release — this helps keep the chicken juicy instead of tough.
- Shred while warm — the chicken pulls apart much more easily right after cooking.
- Double the recipe for meal prep — it reheats well throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Honey BBQ Chicken: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey for extra sweetness.
- BBQ Chicken Bowls: Serve over rice with corn, black beans, and shredded cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay especially juicy. Cook time remains about the same.
Can I make this with frozen chicken? Yes, just add 2 extra minutes to the pressure cook time when starting with frozen chicken breasts.
How long does BBQ chicken last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3–4 days and also freezes well for up to 3 months.