Why Make This Recipe
30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s flavorful, tender, and can be served in many ways. Plus, using the Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time significantly. You can enjoy delicious pulled chicken in just half an hour, making it a great option for dinner or a casual gathering.
How to Make 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Directions
- Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the Instant Pot.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.
How to Serve 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
You can serve BBQ pulled chicken in several ways. Try it on a soft bun for delicious sandwiches. It also goes well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even over rice. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you have a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
How to Store 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.
Tips to Make 30-Minute Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- You can add more spices according to your taste, like chili powder or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken after cooking and sauté the sauce in the Instant Pot for a few minutes until it thickens.
Variation
If you’re looking for a twist, try adding different flavors of BBQ sauce. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños can give your pulled chicken an extra kick!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: This recipe is not spicy, but you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it before serving.

BBQ Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the Instant Pot.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.