Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love? This easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken recipe is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Using an Instant Pot, you can have a mouthwatering BBQ chicken ready in minutes.
Looking for more BBQ classics? Try Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs with this Easy Dry Rub for Ribs for tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness!
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BBQ chicken is a classic dish loved by many, and making it in an Instant Pot not only saves time but also ensures the meat remains juicy and tender. This method combines the convenience of pressure cooking with the smoky-sweet flavors of BBQ sauce, resulting in a delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Pair this dish with this Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork, a side of Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob, and some Old Fashioned Skillet Cornbread to soak up all the smoky flavors.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Juicy and Tender: The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked every time.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals. Our kids really enjoy these Baked Beans with Ground Beef, too!
- Versatile: Can be used for BBQ chicken sandwiches, salads, or served as a main dish.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Ingredients
- Whole Chicken: Opt for a 5 lb chicken to ensure even cooking.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the cooking liquid.
- Onion: Sliced for added sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced for a hint of spice.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to enhance the BBQ flavor.
- Spices: Mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: Try different flavors like honey BBQ or spicy BBQ.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or water can be used as alternatives.
- Flavor: Add a splash of liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
STEP ONE: Prepare the Chicken
Rub the whole chicken with the dijon mustard thoroughly, then season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and onion powder.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Instant Pot
Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add olive oil, then sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
STEP THREE: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken broth, ½ cup of BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the pot. Place the chicken inside on a trivet, breast side up. Close the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Pressure Cook' on high for 30-40 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Shred and Sauce the Chicken
Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken carefully.
When cooled, shred the chicken and return it to the pot (discarding skin). Add the remaining BBQ sauce and stir well. Let it simmer on 'Sauté' mode for an additional 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Choose a barbecue sauce you love!
✔️ DO Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to help keep the chicken tender.
✔️ DO Drain juices before adding the chicken to a BBQ sandwich. Toasting the buns will help prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Storage
Store leftover Instant Pot BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, cooking a whole chicken in an Instant Pot is not only possible but also very convenient. It results in juicy and tender meat in a fraction of the time it would take to roast a chicken in the oven. Pressure cooking helps retain moisture and flavor, making it an ideal method for preparing whole chickens.
The typical cooking time for a whole chicken in an Instant Pot is about 6-8 minutes per pound on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release. The exact time may vary slightly based on the size of the chicken, but this general timeframe will help ensure the chicken is cooked and tender.
The best BBQ sauce for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken depends on your personal taste preferences. Popular choices include Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, and homemade sauces. Look for a sauce that balances sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness to improve the flavor of your chicken.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 5 lb whole chicken
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Rub the whole chicken with the dijon mustard thoroughly, then with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ½ cup BBQ sauce, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Place the seasoned whole chicken into the Instant Pot, breast side up on a trivet. Close the lid and set the valve to 'Sealing'.
- Select 'Pressure Cook' on high for 6-8 minutes per pound of chicken. For a 5-pound chicken, this means cooking for 30-40 minutes.
- Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Verify that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Carefully remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. When cooled, shred the meat using two forks and discard the skin.
- Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Add the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce and stir well to combine. Let it simmer on 'Sauté' mode for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on buns for sandwiches or as desired.
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Notes
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: Try different flavors like honey BBQ or spicy BBQ.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or water can be used as alternatives.
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