Name: Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 pound thawed or frozen skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup BBQ sauce; buns (optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

I love those busy weeknights when dinner can be prepped in a flash, and nothing fits that bill quite like Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken. Picture this: you’ve just come home from a long day, everyone’s hungry, and you need a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s when I reach for my Instant Pot. It’s a game changer! You can have juicy, tender chicken slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce in no time. This dish quickly became a family favorite, especially during those hectic evenings when I need something that delivers both flavor and simplicity.

One of my favorite memories is when I first made this dish for a small family gathering. The aroma of the chicken cooking under pressure filled the air, and soon everyone was trickling into the kitchen, drawn by the delicious smell. When I served up the first batch of sandwiches, everyone couldn’t believe I made such a mouthwatering meal in under ten minutes! It’s moments like these that keep me coming back to this recipe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend affair, Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is perfect for any occasion.

This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also leaves you with minimal cleanup. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that your whole family will love. You can serve it on soft rolls, alongside a fresh salad, or even with some buttered noodles for a comforting twist. Trust me, the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce combined with juicy, tender chicken makes for a truly delightful dish. So, let’s get started on making this easy and delicious meal!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
13 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
8 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Instant Pot

What You’ll Enjoy About This Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Quick and Simple

One of the best things about Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is how quick and simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Unlike traditional methods that require hours of cooking, this recipe allows you to enjoy flavorful BBQ chicken without the wait.

Perfectly Cooked Every Time

Using the Instant Pot, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken without the risk of drying it out. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken that falls apart with a fork. It’s a reliable cooking method that ensures consistent results.

Versatile Dish

This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily customize the flavor by using different BBQ sauces or adding spices that you prefer. Whether you like it sweet, tangy, or spicy, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.

Family Friendly

Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a hit with kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors of BBQ chicken are often a crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic option for family dinners. Serve it on sandwiches for an easy meal that everyone will love!

Minimal Clean-Up

After a busy day, the last thing you want is a pile of dishes waiting for you. The Instant Pot not only cooks the chicken but also minimizes clean-up. Just one pot to wash, and you’re done! It truly makes dinner time stress-free.

Great for Gatherings

This dish shines when serving a crowd! It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or potlucks. You can easily double the recipe, and it’s sure to please guests. Just set up a DIY sandwich station with buns and toppings, and everyone can make their own.

What Goes Into Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

To create a delicious dish like Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken, it’s all about using quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. We rely on the natural flavors of chicken and the richness of BBQ sauce to create a hearty, satisfying meal. The addition of buns offers a comforting way to serve the chicken, making it the perfect meal for any occasion.

1 pound thawed or frozen skinless chicken thighs: This cut of chicken is ideal for the Instant Pot because it remains juicy and flavorful under pressure, making it perfect for shredding.
½ cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite sauce to add a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the chicken, making it irresistible.
buns (optional): Soft rolls are perfect for serving the chicken as sandwiches, adding a layer of comfort to the meal.

Preparation Steps for Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Cooking Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a breeze! I love how quickly it comes together, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready in no time. Let’s dive into the process!

Start by placing a metal or silicone rack into the Instant Pot. This rack elevates the chicken above the liquid, allowing it to cook evenly. Add ½ cup water to the pot, which is essential for creating steam during the cooking process.
Next, take the chicken thighs and place them on top of the rack. If you’re using frozen chicken, break up any pieces that are stuck together to ensure even cooking. It’s okay if they’re slightly overlapping.
Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure to spread it evenly. This sauce will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. You can use as much or as little as you prefer, but I suggest using enough to coat each piece.
Once everything is in place, it’s time to cover and seal the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to the sealing position so that the pressure builds properly.
Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes if using raw chicken; if your chicken is frozen, set it for 10 minutes. It’s incredible how quickly the pressure builds!
When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release manually. Be cautious when doing this; steam will escape as you turn the valve to venting.
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid. You’ll be greeted with beautifully cooked chicken that’s ready to be shredded or served as is. The aroma will be mouthwatering!
Use a slotted spoon to serve the chicken. It’s perfect for making sandwiches with buns, or you can serve it over buttered noodles or grains for a heartier meal.
Enjoy your delicious Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken with your favorite sides or as part of a fun DIY sandwich bar!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking from Frozen: It’s perfectly okay to cook frozen chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid undercooking.
Using Different Cuts: While thighs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use drumsticks or breasts, though cook times may vary.
BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique flavor profiles. Sweet, spicy, or tangy sauces all work well.
Shredding Chicken: For easy shredding, use kitchen shears or a couple of forks to pull apart the cooked chicken quickly.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There’s so much you can do with Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken! I love how versatile this recipe is, making it easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great tips to customize your dish.

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Just make sure to separate the pieces for even thawing.
Pairing: Serve this dish with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich BBQ flavor.
Spice it Up: Add your favorite spices or hot sauce to the chicken before cooking for an extra kick!
Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Make it a Meal: Consider adding rice or quinoa as a base to make it a complete meal. The sauce will soak into the grains beautifully!

Serving This Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Serving Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken can be just as fun as preparing it! Here are some ideas to make your meal a hit:

Sandwiches: Serve the chicken on soft buns for a delicious sandwich. You can also add toppings like coleslaw or pickles for an extra crunch.
Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for family dinners. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Picnics: Pack the chicken for a picnic! It travels well, and you can easily make sandwiches on-site.
Game Day: Use this chicken to create sliders for game day. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
Meal Prep: Make a big batch for meal prep. Portion it out with grains and veggies for a week’s worth of lunches.
Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, serve with fresh salads, while in the colder months, pair it with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or baked beans.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken thighs for Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken. Just remember to increase the cooking time to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will do a great job cooking it through while keeping it moist and tender.

There are so many delicious options! You can serve the Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken on soft buns for sandwiches, alongside coleslaw, or over a bed of rice. Baked beans or corn on the cob also make excellent sides that complement the flavors beautifully.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Just separate the pieces for even thawing when you’re ready to use them again!

Yes! You can easily double the ingredients of Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken if you’re cooking for a larger crowd. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time; the Instant Pot should still cook the chicken evenly and thoroughly. This is a great recipe for parties or family gatherings!

Conclusion

Easiest Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is a fantastic dish that merges convenience with delicious flavors. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it; your family will thank you!