Easy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a fast, healthy pressure cooker recipe perfect for shredded chicken sandwiches. The method yields juicy chicken finished with tangy BBQ sauce. For a keto version, use a sugar-free, unsweetened BBQ sauce.
This recipe was originally posted in July 2017 and has been updated.
If you enjoy BBQ flavors, you may also like other recipes such as Instant Pot BBQ baby back ribs, pulled pork, marinated grilled chicken, or air fryer ribs. This Instant Pot pulled chicken recipe gives you the same satisfying BBQ profile without firing up a grill.
This recipe is ideal for people who live where grills aren’t permitted, those who don’t feel comfortable grilling, or anyone who simply prefers the convenience of a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and concentrates flavor, producing juicy results that reheat well for meal prep. When properly seasoned and sauced, reheated pulled chicken doesn’t taste like leftovers.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
- Add seasoned chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Select the Meat setting and cook.
- Allow the steam to release naturally (do not quick-release).
- Open the pot, remove the chicken, and shred with forks.
How Long to Cook Pulled Chicken in the Instant Pot
A good guideline is 10 minutes of pressure cook time followed by about 10 minutes of natural release. If you start with frozen chicken, increase the pressure cook time to 20 minutes.
How to Reheat Pulled Chicken in the Instant Pot
To reheat in the Instant Pot, use the Sauté function and add a little extra liquid such as additional BBQ sauce or a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist. Stir frequently until heated through.
Making Buffalo Pulled Chicken Instead
To turn this into buffalo-style pulled chicken, substitute buffalo sauce for the BBQ sauce and adjust seasonings to taste. A recipe variation for Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken combines hot sauce with butter and cream cheese for a creamy, spicy filling suited for lettuce wraps or sandwiches.
What Does Natural Release on an Instant Pot Mean?
Natural release means allowing the pressure to drop on its own after cooking instead of turning the valve immediately to vent. For meats, a natural release helps retain juices and improves texture, so the meat stays tender and moist.
Why the Instant Pot May Display a “Burn” Message
The Instant Pot can display a burn alert when the bottom of the inner pot overheats or food sticks, often due to insufficient liquid. Ensure you use the recommended amount of broth or sauce and scrape up any browned bits before sealing the lid to prevent this message.
What Goes Well with Pulled Chicken?
Serve pulled chicken with classic sides like potato salad, southern-style green beans, coleslaw, or a light zucchini noodle pasta salad. For a low-carb option, skip the bun and serve over greens or in lettuce wraps.
To create a homestyle BBQ flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to mimic a grilled, smoky profile. Choose a tomato- and vinegar-based BBQ sauce rather than an overly sweet variety if you prefer a more authentic, balanced Kansas City–style flavor. For keto adaptations, swap in a sugar-free BBQ sauce.
If you plan to meal prep, store the shredded chicken in airtight containers. Pack buns separately and toast them just before serving for the best texture.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches – Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use unsweetened or sugar-free for keto)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (adds depth)
- 4 sesame buns or preferred sandwich rolls
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smoky flavor)
- BBQ seasoning and Montreal chicken seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with your chosen seasonings, including the cocoa powder if using.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot. Add the chicken broth, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, and liquid smoke.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to the Meat setting for 10 minutes (20 minutes if using frozen chicken).
- Allow the pressure to release naturally—about 10 minutes—before opening the lid.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks or a knife and fork.
- Ladle the remaining broth and BBQ sauce from the pot and drizzle it over the shredded chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Toast the buns if desired. Assemble the sandwiches by piling the pulled chicken onto buns, drizzling any extra sauce, and topping with sliced red cabbage for crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Use your favorite chicken rub or seasoning blend if you prefer. Liquid smoke is optional but provides a pleasant smoky note similar to grilled chicken.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories 351, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 41 g, Fat 6 g. Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients used; calculate with your preferred nutrition tool for precise information.
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is an easy, flavorful weeknight option that stores well for lunches and reheats without drying out. Adjust seasonings and sauce to match your tastes, and enjoy a quick BBQ-style sandwich anytime without a grill.