There's nothing quite like the sweet and tangy taste of perfectly cooked BBQ chicken, and with this Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe, you can enjoy fall-off-the-bone tender meat in a fraction of the time. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. The pressure cooking method ensures the chicken stays incredibly juicy while infusing it with rich barbecue flavors.
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot BBQ chicken has become a family favorite for good reason. The combination of pressure cooking and carefully selected seasonings creates chicken that's both incredibly tender and packed with flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can serve it in countless ways – from classic sandwiches to rice bowls.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Storage and Reheating
- Recipe Variations
- The Flavor Hack That Pitmasters Won’t Tell You for the Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
- FAQ
- Why This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To Meal
- Related
- Pairing
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
the Chicken:
- Chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or a mix)
- Chicken broth
- Favorite BBQ sauce, plus extra for serving
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
the Dry Rub:
- Brown sugar
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Chili powder (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and mix well
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the rub adheres better
- Generously coat each piece of chicken with the dry rub mixture, massaging it into the meat
Setting Up the Instant Pot
- Select 'Sauté' mode on your Instant Pot and add olive oil
- Once hot, add chicken pieces in batches and brown for 2-3 minutes per side
- Remove browned chicken and set aside
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
Pressure Cooking
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze
- Place the trivet inside the pot
- Arrange chicken pieces on the trivet
- Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken
- Close the lid and set valve to 'Sealing'
- Cook on High Pressure for:
- Chicken breasts: 8-10 minutes
- Chicken thighs: 10-12 minutes
- Allow for 5 minutes natural release, then carefully quick release remaining pressure
Finishing Touches
- Remove chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet
- Brush with remaining BBQ sauce
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for caramelized finish
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Serving Suggestions For Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
This versatile BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Classic coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh garden salad
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered with a damp paper towel
- Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
Recipe Variations
Spicy BBQ Chicken
Add cayenne pepper to the dry rub and use spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat
Asian-Inspired BBQ
Swap traditional BBQ sauce for a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey
Honey Garlic BBQ
Mix honey and minced garlic into your BBQ sauce for a sweeter profile
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot or larger
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for mixing dry rub
- Basting brush for BBQ sauce
The Flavor Hack That Pitmasters Won’t Tell You for the Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant-style BBQ chicken has that deep, smoky, fall-apart tenderness, here’s a little-known trick straight from the pitmasters—double-layering your BBQ sauce.
Most people think BBQ sauce is just a finishing touch, but the secret is to build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process. When making this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe, don’t just pour the sauce in and call it a day. Instead, apply the first layer before cooking so the sauce melds with the meat, giving it a deep, smoky sweetness as it pressure cooks. Then, once the chicken is done, brush on another generous layer and either broil it for a caramelized crust or let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to seep into every bite.
And here’s the game-changer—a splash of apple cider vinegar or a drizzle of honey in your final layer of sauce. The vinegar brightens the flavor, making the BBQ taste even richer, while the honey adds a sticky, glossy finish that rivals any slow-smoked BBQ. Try this and watch your family wonder if you secretly got a backyard smoker!
FAQ
Can I Use Barbecue Sauce in an Instant Pot?
Yes, but with a trick! BBQ sauce alone is too thick and may cause the Instant Pot to trigger a burn warning. To avoid this, always add a liquid like chicken broth or water before pressure cooking. This helps infuse the chicken with flavor while preventing the sauce from sticking or burning.
Why Is My Instant Pot Chicken Rubbery?
Rubbery chicken usually happens due to under or overcooking. If the chicken isn’t cooked long enough, the proteins don’t break down properly. If overcooked, the meat loses moisture and becomes tough. Use natural release for at least 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute, and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How Long Should You Cook Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Cooking time depends on the cut. Boneless chicken breasts take 8-10 minutes on High Pressure, while bone-in thighs need 10-12 minutes. For frozen chicken, increase time by 50%. Always allow a 5-minute natural release before quick releasing the pressure for juicy, tender chicken every time.
What Makes the Chicken Chewy in the Instant Pot?
Chewy chicken happens when connective tissues haven’t broken down enough, meaning it needs more cooking time. Another culprit? Quick-release pressure too soon—this causes the meat to seize up. To fix it, place the chicken back in the Instant Pot with a little broth and cook for 2-3 more minutes on High Pressure.
Why This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To Meal
BBQ lovers, this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe is about to change the way you cook forever. With fall-apart tenderness, smoky-sweet layers of flavor, and a perfect balance of spice and sauce, this dish proves you don’t need a grill to achieve mouthwatering BBQ perfection. Whether you pile it onto sandwiches, stuff it into tacos, or serve it alongside creamy mac and cheese, this recipe delivers big, bold flavors in just a fraction of the time.
And if you're craving more hearty, flavor-packed meals, don't miss my Smothered Chicken Recipe for a rich, comforting dinner or spice things up with this refreshing Salmon Poke Recipe that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
Give this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe a try, and watch it become a family favorite—because when BBQ tastes this good (and is this easy), you’ll never look back!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot or larger
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for mixing dry rub
- Basting brush for BBQ sauce
Ingredients
the Chicken
- 4 pounds chicken pieces thighs, breasts, or mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
the Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
Instructions
- Mix dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
- Pat chicken dry and coat with dry rub.
- Set Instant Pot to 'Sauté', add oil.
- Brown chicken in batches, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add broth, deglaze pot.
- Place trivet in pot, arrange chicken on top.
- Pour ½ cup BBQ sauce over chicken.
- Pressure cook:
- Breasts: 8-10 minutes
- Thighs: 10-12 minutes
- Natural release 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Remove chicken, brush with remaining sauce.
- Optional: Broil 2-3 minutes for caramelization.
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