Shredded BBQ Chicken Instant Pot Recipe: Tender & Juicy in 30 Minutes

I’m sharing my secret to achieving tender and juicy shredded BBQ chicken in just 30 minutes using my Instant Pot. This recipe combines the rich flavors of BBQ with the convenience of pressure cooking.

The Instant Pot ensures the chicken cooks quickly while remaining moist, and the result is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish. Let’s get started with this simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Shredded Bbq Chicken Recipe Instant Pot

Quick, tender, and packed with BBQ flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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The chicken matters here. Fresh or thawed frozen works best. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking. Most grocery stores have pre-packaged boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which saves time. You can also buy in bulk and freeze for later.

No BBQ sauce on hand? Mix ketchup with apple cider vinegar and spices for a quick substitute. Brown sugar adds depth, but you can reduce it or substitute with honey if needed. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have it.

This recipe reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat with a bit of extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shredded BBQ Chicken

Here’s the method that delivers tender, juicy shredded BBQ chicken every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Instant Pot

Start by seasoning the 2 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts with 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. I like to sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides to ensure consistent flavor. Next, press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot and let it heat up until it displays “HOT”. Add the 1 cup Chicken Broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.

Now it’s time to add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the broth – if not, you can add a bit more broth or water to cover them. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing”.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 10-12 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the countdown begins. Once it’s done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve to “Venting”.

When you open the lid, the chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with two forks. If it’s not quite there, close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and shred it using two forks.

Step 3: Finish with BBQ Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix the 1 cup BBQ Sauce, 2 tbsp Brown Sugar, 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, and 1 tsp Onion Powder in a bowl until well combined. Once the chicken is shredded, pour the BBQ sauce mixture over it and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Return the shredded chicken mixture to the Instant Pot (still in “Saute” mode) and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on 4 whole Hamburger Buns with a side of 1 cup Coleslaw, if desired.

Serving Suggestions for This Recipe

Classic Sandwich Style

Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on soft hamburger buns for a comforting meal. Add some coleslaw on top for crunch and cooling contrast. You can also include pickle slices for a tangy kick. For an extra-special touch, toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster before adding the chicken. 🍞

Salad Bar Option

Turn this into a fresh meal by serving the shredded chicken over a bed of mixed greens. Add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, croutons, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing. The tangy BBQ sauce pairs particularly well with ranch or blue cheese dressing. I love adding some crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Use this shredded chicken as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. Simply bake or microwave russet potatoes until tender, then top with the chicken, sour cream, shredded cheese, and some chopped green onions. The combination of warm, fluffy potato and tangy BBQ chicken is amazing. 🔥

Nacho Extravaganza

Transform this into a party favorite by using it as a topping for nachos. Pile tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, jalapenos, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Meal Prep Friendly

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Divide the shredded chicken into individual containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a bit of extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. You can serve it with different sides each day, like roasted vegetables or quinoa salad, to keep things interesting. ❄️

Buffet Style Service

For a casual gathering, set up a BBQ chicken bar with various toppings and sides. Include options like diced onions, pickles, different BBQ sauces, and various buns or breads. Let everyone create their perfect sandwich or bowl. This is great for parties or family game nights.