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Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

A close-up of a delicious Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken sandwich on a brioche bun.

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Make tender, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken quickly using your Instant Pot. This recipe yields moist shredded chicken perfect for piling onto sandwich buns.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1.5 cups your favorite barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the rub. Sprinkle the rub evenly over the chicken.
  3. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot around the chicken.
  4. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
  5. Select Manual or Pressure Cook (High Pressure) and set the time for 10 minutes.
  6. When the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
  8. Shred the chicken using two forks until you achieve your desired pulled texture.
  9. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot liner. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat everything.
  10. Select the Sauté function and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
  11. Serve the BBQ pulled chicken immediately on toasted sandwich buns.

Notes

  • For the best shredding results, ensure the chicken rests slightly after pressure cooking before you pull it apart.
  • If you prefer darker meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts; the cooking time remains the same.
  • You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce mixture for a tangier flavor profile.

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