Get ready for the juiciest, most flavor-packed weeknight dinner with Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken! This dish turns simple boneless chicken thighs into a mouthwatering pile of saucy, smoky-sweet shreds using the magic of pressure cooking. It’s perfect for busy nights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want those backyard BBQ flavors without actually firing up the grill. Every time I make this, the aroma drives everyone in the house wild, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) are even better. If you’re hunting for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe with unbeatable results, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken.

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of pantry staples come together to make Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken sing! Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver bold flavor and an irresistible texture, making every bite equal parts tender, saucy, and completely addictive.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the show—thighs stay juicy, shred beautifully, and soak up all that zesty BBQ flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes perfect browning during sautéing.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create those crave-worthy caramelized edges.
Smoked Paprika: Brings smoky, earthy depth—think “straight-off-the-grill” vibes.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for savory backbone and aromatic punch.
Cumin: Delivers a warm, toasty undertone that makes the chicken extra flavorful.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite and amplifying the other spices.
Dry Mustard: Lends a tangy kick that brightens up the BBQ sauce.
Chili Powder (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a little spice, but feel free to skip if you prefer it mild.
Black Pepper: Rounds out the blend with a subtle heat and a classic finish.
BBQ Sauce of Your Choice: Brings everything together! Go with your favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet—to make this dish your own.

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by combining all your dry seasonings—brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, kosher salt, dry mustard, chili powder, and black pepper—in a bowl. This blend becomes your BBQ spice rub. Toss the chicken thighs with olive oil in a large mixing bowl, making sure they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle on the spice mix and give everything a good toss, massaging the flavors right into the meat. Every nook and cranny should be covered—flavor insurance!

Step 2: Sauté for Flavor

With your Instant Pot set to sauté on high, let it get nice and hot. Place the seasoned chicken thighs inside in a single layer. Sauté for around 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through just yet—you’re just giving them a little color and a chance to deepen those amazing flavors. And yes, you’ll definitely start to smell that BBQ magic happening in your kitchen!

Step 3: Pressure Cook with BBQ Sauce

Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, moving the chicken around so some sauce gets underneath and on all sides. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for just 5 minutes. When the timer beeps, use a quick-release to avoid overcooking. It may seem fast, but the pressure works its magic—trust me!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl. Grab two forks and shred it until you get luscious, tender pieces. Don’t wait too long; it shreds best while still warm. Return the chicken right back into the pot with all those flavorful juices and stir well to soak it up.

Step 5: Optional Crisping (For Extra Texture!)

If you’re using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp, switch to the broil function for 8-12 minutes, or move your chicken to a baking sheet and broil in the oven. This step lets you add golden, crispy edges to your Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken, sending it over the top. It’s totally optional, but wow—those caramelized bits are irresistible!

How to Serve Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, let your taste buds be your guide. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness. Pickled red onions, slaw, or a few jalapeño slices layer in additional tang or heat. Scatter these on top just before serving to make your Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken look as exciting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with pulled BBQ chicken than classic southern sides. Serve it piled high on fluffy brioche buns with a scoop of creamy coleslaw, or plate it up with cornbread, baked beans, or tangy potato salad. The rich, savory flavors of the chicken shine beautifully against any comfort-food favorite—don’t forget a big glass of iced tea!

Creative Ways to Present

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken deserves to stand out! Try loading it into baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome twist, spooning it over nachos with melted cheese, or tucking it into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. This chicken is endlessly versatile—let your imagination run wild and watch a simple batch morph into everything from easy weeknight tacos to impressive party sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken is a true gift for future-you! Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, soaking up even more flavor as it rests. Reheat portions as needed for lunch, quick tacos, or an on-the-go sandwich.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze any cooled pulled chicken in zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers. I recommend portioning it out so you can thaw just what you need. This chicken freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months, making it a meal prep hero—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, you can gently warm Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry. The microwave works in a pinch too—heat in short bursts, stirring often, to maintain that juicy, tender texture. If you crisped it originally, a few minutes under the broiler can revive those golden edges!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they tend to be leaner and may not be as juicy as thighs. You might want to reduce the pressure-cooking time by a minute to prevent them from drying out, and be sure to keep a close eye during the shredding step.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken?

That’s entirely up to your taste! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy sauces all pair well. Choose your favorite brand or even try making your own. The sauce will really dictate the direction of the final flavor, so don’t be afraid to get adventurous.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your Instant Pot isn’t filled above the “Max Fill” line. No need to adjust the cooking time—the pressure will still work its magic and thoroughly cook the chicken. Great for feeding a crowd!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe is gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Double-check your labels just to be sure, especially for store-bought sauces which can sometimes hide hidden thickeners.

Do I need to use the broil function?

Not at all, but it does give the Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken a fantastic texture with those craveable caramelized bits. If you’re short on time or prefer saucy, tender chicken, you can totally skip this step and still enjoy bold BBQ flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager for a meal that delivers amazing taste with minimal effort, you simply have to try this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken. It’s a true family favorite in our house and a guaranteed hit for potlucks or parties. Fire up your Instant Pot and give it a go—you may never go back to takeout BBQ again!

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender, flavorful Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken made with a homemade seasoning blend and your favorite BBQ sauce. This easy recipe results in juicy, shredded chicken perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the seasoning blend in a bowl. Coat chicken with olive oil and then the seasoning mix.
Sear the chicken: Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function on high. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
Add BBQ sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with quick pressure release.
Shred the chicken: Remove chicken to shred, then return it to the sauce.
Optional crisping: For a crispy finish, broil in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp or oven for 8-12 minutes.