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Today I'm sharing one of our favorite family meals - instant pot BBQ chicken. It's made with chicken breasts, either fresh or frozen, and a few other pantry staples. Pulled and smothered in BBQ sauce it's a real crowd pleaser.
Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Recipe
- It's EASY. It is mostly hands off time, so it's great for a weeknight meal.
- The leftovers can be used a number of ways.
- It's perfect served on a plate or a bun.
- It's gluten free!
Ingredients In Barbecue Chicken
Chicken Breast - I use about 1 ½ pounds of fresh or frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Chicken Stock - This is an ingredient that frequently has hidden gluten. Ensure your brand is gluten free. I like to use the Pacific Foods brand.
Coconut Aminos or Gluten Free Soy Sauce
Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika and Salt
BBQ Sauce - My favorite is Sweet Baby Ray's which is gluten free. I have also made this recipe several times with The New Primal Sugar Free BBQ Sauce and it was delicious, if you're looking for a low carb/low sugar alternative.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken
This dish couldn't be simpler to make. It's only about five minutes of hands on time.
- Step 1 - Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl, but be sure to reserve some BBQ sauce for later.
- Step 2 - Place the chicken breasts on the rack inside your Instant Pot.
- Step 3 - Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Step 4 - Place the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the vent to seal and cook.
- Step 5 - Once the chicken is done cooking, move it into a bowl. Use two forks to pull the chicken into shreds.
- Step 6 - Add a bit of the sauce from the Instant Pot to moisten the pulled chicken.
- Step 7 - Add the reserved BBQ sauce.
- Step 8 - Stir it all together and serve.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken
We like to eat it just as it is or on a bun. I use to get this great sub sandwich that was BBQ chicken with melted provolone. Or go more traditional and top it with slaw.
You could also use it to make BBQ pizza (I've done this several times, YUM!), BBQ Quesadillas, BBQ nachos, or pile it on top of a potato. If you have leftover chicken maybe you have it one way the first day and another the next.
If You're Looking for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Sides...
Now that you have this awesome bowl of pulled BBQ chicken what sides are you going to serve with it? Here are some of my favorite bbq chicken sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store leftover BBQ chicken?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last 3-4 days.
Reheat individual services of BBQ chicken in the microwave.
Can you make this recipe low carb or sugar free?
Absolutely. The only added sugar is in the BBQ sauce. Simply use a sugar free BBQ sauce in the same measure as called for in the recipe. I’ve done this several times and my family didn’t even notice the change.
Can I just use BBQ sauce as the liquid for the Instant Pot?
No. It’s a little to thick, which will cause the dreaded burn notice to appear.
If you don’t have stock to add to the recipe, you can just use the same measure of water.
Can you cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes. I’ve done it several times when I’ve forgotten to thaw my chicken. Just add 2 minutes to the cooking time.
If you're looking for more dinner ideas, check out these great recipes!
15+ Perfect Gluten Free BBQ Chicken Sides
Gluten Free Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Honey Ginger Baked Chicken Wings
(Copycat) Gluten Free Hamburger Helper Potato Stroganoff
To pin this recipe for later, click the save button on any image in this post or the recipe card. Please tag me @wellfedbaker on Instagram if you make this recipe!
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Gluten Free Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Aminos or gluten free soy sauce
- ¾ Cup BBQ sauce
- 1 ½ pound Chicken Breast boneless, skinless
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, coconut aminos and half of the BBQ sauce in a small bowl. Whisk together.1 Cup Gluten Free Chicken Broth, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Paprika, ½ teaspoon Salt, 1 Tablespoon Coconut Aminos, ¾ Cup BBQ sauce
- Place the rack in the bottom of your instant pot. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rack.1 ½ pound Chicken Breast
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken.
- Place the instant pot lid and seal the vent.
- Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then open the valve to release the rest of the pressure. (see note below)
- Remove chicken from instant pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite size pieces.
- Pour the remaining bbq sauce over the chicken. Add ½ cup of the liquid from the instant pot. Stir together until chicken is coated.
- Serve immediately.
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