2-Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant pot bbq chicken is a super simple recipe ever that yields copious amounts of straight-up BBQ chicken you can use for whatever you like.

The chicken is juicy and tender from cooking it in the pressure cooker and has the perfect amount of chicken to sauce ratio. It will be your new favorite to-go protein!

And it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, with the Instant Pot doing most of the work for you. Bonus is that it makes a lot so you are more than likely to have leftovers. Having leftover protein is a lifesaver during the week when you are short on time but want to be consistent with getting in enough protein.

Instant pot BBQ chicken ingredients

• chicken breasts
• BBQ sauce – use your favorite kind!
• salt and pepper

How to make instant pot bbq chicken

1. Prep the instant pot. Pour 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce into the bottom of your Instant Pot or pressure cooker and spread around. If you need to add a little more to cover the bottom, add more (this will depend on your Instant Pot size).
2. Add chicken breasts. Place chicken in the instant pot and season with salt and pepper. Close Instant Pot lid, make sure vent is set to the sealing position and set to poultry mode or manual on high pressure for 13 minutes. Manually release pressure when done.
3. Cook chicken. Open the lid and set it to saute mode for 5-10 minutes to help absorb excess liquid (the chicken gives off liquid as it cooks). While Instant Pot is on saute mode, shred chicken with two forks. Be careful as the pot will be hot. Once most of the liquid is absorbed (you still want some – about 1/3-1/2 cup left/in the pot), turn off Instant Pot.
4. Add remaining sauce. Pour in the rest of the BBQ sauce (about 1/2 cup) and stir to combine. Add more BBQ sauce if you like. Enjoy however you like!

Will BBQ sauce burn in the instant pot?

When you get the burn notice on your Instant Pot, it’s because there is not enough liquid/sauce in their for it to build up pressure. BBQ sauce will not burn in the instant pot, but you will need to make sure there is enough covering the bottom.

The amount is going to depend on large your instant pot is. I find that 1/2 cup is enough to cover my 6-quart Instant Pot.

Can you use frozen chicken breasts?

If you forget to defrost your chicken, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot. The cook time with remain the same.

How to shred cooked chicken

There are quite a few ways to shred cooked chicken. This instant pot barbecue chicken requires just using two forks in the pot as the sauce reduces, as I find this the easiest way and uses the least amount of dishes. That being said, it can get hot and you don’t want to burn yourself. So here are some other ways as well:

1. with 2 forks – probably the easiest way for me, but it does take a little elbow grease. Just simply leave it in the pot or move it to a bowl and use 2 forks to pull apart the chicken
2. in your stand mixer – put your cooked chicken in the stand mixer bowl and use the paddle attachment at low speed to shred the chicken. The only downfall is that it dirties another bowl.
3. with a hand mixer – I have only done this once or twice, but it works well if you don’t have a stand mixer. Add the chicken to a large bowl and shred with the hand mixer on low.

Breasts vs thighs

Chicken breasts or thighs will work for this recipe. Breasts will be leaner and less fat. Chicken thighs will have a little more fat on them, making the chicken even juicier. Both will cook for the same amount of time.

How to use instant pot BBQ chicken

The reason I love this recipe so much is the chicken is so versatile. Obviously, it has the BBQ flavor, but you can use it for so much! Here are a few ways:

• as is – honestly, I love this as is with some veggies and carbs for a complete meal.
• stuffed in a potato – cook up some white or sweet potatoes, cut them in half, and stuff the shredded BBQ chicken in them. Topped with a little cheese would be delicious.
• in tacos – add in some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions or a quick slaw
• on the go salad – toss it with some greens and your favorite veggies for an easy on the go meal or for meal prep
• sandwiches or wraps – with your favorite sandwich additions
• quesadillas or nachos – need I say more?!
• enchiladas – would be great with some more BBQ sauce and cheese on top!
• literally EVERYTHING!

Storage

• refrigerator – store chicken in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• freezer – cook according to directions and let the chicken cool completely. Add to a bag (we love these silicon reusable ones) or a freezer dish – you can use a large container or freeze in individual servings. Defrost for a quick and easy protein option. Chicken should last up to 3 months in the freezer.

More protein-packed healthy chicken recipes

• chicken apple sausage patties
• instant pot buffalo chicken
• greek chicken meatballs
• pistachio crusted chicken tenders
• grilled lemon pepper chicken

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced bowl, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!