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Pulled chicken sandwich on a bun served on a white plate.

Instant Pot Easy BBQ Pulled Chicken

Pressure Cooker Pulled Chicken is quick and easy way to enjoy the flavor of BBQ all year round. Serve on toasted hamburger buns topped with dill relish or pickled jalapenos.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon dry BBQ seasoning, like Penzey's Northwoods*
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Place a rack into the Instant Pot cooking insert. Add the water. Place the chicken breasts onto the rack and sprinkle the BBQ seasoning onto each chicken breast.

  2. Lock the lid into place. Set the pressure valve to the "sealing" position. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.

  3. Prepare the sauce. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced onion. Cook until soft and lightly brown. Add the barbecue sauce. Stir. Reduce heat to low.

  4. When the cooking time completes, quickly release the pressure by turning the pressure valve to "venting." Open the lid away from your face and remove the chicken from the pot with a pair of tongs. Place the chicken into a large bowl and add one cup of the cooking liquid.

  5. Shred the chicken, using either an electric mixer or two forks. Add the chicken to the barbecue sauce and stir to combine. Cook for about two minutes. Serve.

Recipe Notes

Ingredient Note: Dry BBQ Seasoning

Use a dry BBQ seasoning like Penzey's Northwoods to coat the chicken. If your BBQ blend does not contain salt, salt the chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon of salt before cooking.