Craving an effortlessly delicious and incredibly affordable meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this simple Instant Pot shredded BBQ chicken recipe! It’s our go-to for making soft tacos frequently, offering a healthy and hearty dinner for five people for under $10.00. Whether you’re starting with fresh chicken breasts or need to use frozen, our instructions will guide you to perfectly tender, flavorful shredded chicken every time. For those times you forget to thaw, check out our guide on Instant Pot frozen chicken breast with sauce for a seamless cooking experience.
The Instant Pot has truly revolutionized dinnertime in our household, making meal preparation faster and simpler than ever before. Just last night, I whipped up a delightful 3-ingredient Instant Pot shredded chicken “Hawaiian style,” and it was absolutely scrumptious. This versatile recipe has quickly become one of our cherished Instant Pot recipes.
We generously loaded this succulent shredded chicken into warm, soft tortillas, topping them with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh avocado slices. In no time, our Instant Pot tacos were ready to be devoured for dinner. It’s the perfect meal for a bustling Tuesday evening or any day of the week, truly. The best part? This recipe is adaptable to any brand of pressure cooker you might own.
Ninja Foodi & Other Pressure Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken
Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! This recipe is equally fantastic in a Crockpot Express or Ninja Foodi, as all these appliances feature a high-pressure cooking function. When using a Ninja Foodi, simply ensure you use the pressure cooker lid (the one that’s not attached) and select the high-pressure setting.
It’s important to understand the difference between shredded and pulled chicken. Shredded chicken, like in this recipe, is designed to be super soft and incredibly tender, easily pulled apart with two forks after being pressure cooked or boiled until perfectly yielding. In contrast, “pulled” chicken typically refers to meat that has been slow-cooked or smoked until it naturally falls apart, often having a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Our Ninja Foodi shredded chicken recipe exemplifies this tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Is Barbecue Sauce Enough Liquid for Pressure Cooking Chicken?
This is a common question, and the answer is a nuanced “yes and no.” While barbecue sauce itself contributes significantly to the liquid volume, it’s generally too thick on its own to allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure safely and prevent a “burn” notice. A small amount of additional liquid, such as water or chicken broth, is essential to thin out the sauce slightly and create the necessary steam for pressure buildup. This ensures your chicken cooks perfectly in a rich, flavorful sauce that deeply infuses the meat. When selecting your barbecue sauce, opt for your favorite bottled or homemade variety, but steer clear of very thick, honey-based sauces or those high in sugar, as these are more prone to scorching at the bottom of the pot and triggering the “burn” message.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Fall-Apart Chicken Breasts in a Pressure Cooker?
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this incredible meal comes together! Our recipe typically requires only 15 minutes of active cooking time in the pressure cooker to achieve perfectly tender, fall-apart chicken breasts. Everyone who tries it raves about the results! Keep in mind that the exact cooking time can vary slightly based on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. We recommend using medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for optimal results, and organic chicken is always our preference for its superior flavor and quality.
Cooking Instant Pot Shredded Chicken from Frozen
Life happens, and sometimes you forget to thaw your chicken. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and works wonderfully even with frozen chicken! It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. The secret to cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is surprisingly simple: the cooking time for shredded chicken barely changes. Just make sure your frozen chicken pieces are separated before placing them in the pot. You can use water or your favorite sauce as the liquid, allowing the chicken to cook directly in the flavorful broth or sauce. This method yields wonderfully tender chicken that’s ready to shred, making meal prep a breeze even when you’re short on time.
This recipe is also ideal for batch cooking and meal prepping! You can prepare a large quantity of shredded BBQ chicken and divide it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Package it in portions that are suitable for a single family meal. When you’re ready to eat, simply defrost your chicken and reheat it quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s a fantastic way to ensure you always have a delicious, ready-to-use protein source for quick dinners throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes for Perfect Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
While I used white meat chicken breasts for this particular example, feel free to substitute with brown or dark meat chicken thighs. Regardless of your choice, I highly recommend using boneless and skinless cuts. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender, making it much easier to shred. Furthermore, boneless and skinless chicken allows the meat to fully absorb and marinate in that delicious barbecue sauce for maximum flavor.
This 3-ingredient Instant Pot recipe with barbecue sauce is nothing short of amazing. The quality and flavor of your barbecue sauce will significantly impact the final dish. Choose your absolute favorite brand and flavor profile, but as mentioned, it’s crucial to avoid varieties that are primarily honey-based or excessively thick. These can easily scorch at the bottom of the Instant Pot, potentially leading to a frustrating “burn notice” and an unevenly cooked meal.
**Important Note on “Burn” Message:** Should your Instant Pot display a “burn” message, there’s no need to panic! Refer to our guide on how to deglaze your Instant Pot for quick and effective troubleshooting. This issue typically arises from insufficient liquid or thick ingredients sticking to the bottom. Remember, the chicken cooks directly in the sauce and added liquid (water or chicken broth), so ensure you have the recommended amount to create enough steam for proper pressure cooking.
Once cooked, this tender shredded chicken is incredibly versatile. Add it to small tortillas with some cheese and creamy avocado for perfect soft tacos, or serve the chicken whole or shredded on a bed of fluffy Ninja Foodi rice for a complete meal.
Exciting Variations for Your Shredded BBQ Chicken
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity! Here’s what you’ll need to get started, along with some inspiring ideas to customize your Instant Pot shredded BBQ chicken:
- **Sweetness Boost:** Add a small can of diced pineapple (undrained) to infuse a delightful tropical sweetness, reminiscent of Hawaiian BBQ chicken.
- **Aromatic Onion:** Thinly sliced onion can be a beautiful addition, softening as it cooks and adding an extra layer of savory flavor to the sauce.
- **Smoky Depth:** A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the barbecue flavor, adding a lovely smoky aroma without needing a smoker.
- **Kick of Heat:** For those who enjoy a little spice, a pinch of chili powder or a dash of Sriracha sauce stirred in will provide a welcome fiery element.
- **Flavor Enhancers:** After cooking and shredding, taste and adjust with salt and pepper. You can also sprinkle in onion powder or garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.
- **Taco Night Essentials:** For the ultimate taco experience, don’t forget the fixings! Think warm tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- **Spice It Up (Tex-Mex Style):** For a different flavor profile, consider adding a packet of taco seasoning or a blend of cumin, chipotle powder, and oregano instead of or alongside the BBQ sauce for a more Tex-Mex inspired shredded chicken.
- **Veggie Power:** Stir in some diced bell peppers (any color) or corn during the last few minutes of cooking, or after shredding, for added texture and nutrients.
Instant Pot BBQ Shredded Chicken Recipe
This incredibly easy 3-ingredient Instant Pot shredded BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for making delicious soft tacos! It’s a simple pressure cooker dump-and-cook meal that’s healthy, satisfying, and so cheap that it feeds all 5 of us for under $10.00. An essential for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 jar barbecue sauce, about 20 oz. (avoid thick honey-style or high-sugar varieties to prevent burning)
- 3 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (cut larger pieces in half or thirds for even cooking)
- 3/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
Instructions
-
Pour about half of the barbecue sauce into the bottom of your Instant Pot. (Remember to avoid thick honey varieties as they can easily burn).
-
Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Ensure larger pieces are cut in half or thirds to guarantee they cook thoroughly and evenly. Squeeze the remaining half of the barbecue sauce over the chicken.
-
Add 3/4 cup of water or chicken broth into the empty barbecue sauce jar. Secure the lid and shake well to incorporate any remaining sauce, then pour this liquid over the chicken. If using, add pineapple chunks and sliced onions on top. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the chicken is well coated with sauce.
-
Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the Poultry setting (or Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure) and set the timer for 15 minutes. (Note: The Poultry function often defaults to 15 minutes. Very thick chicken breasts may require slightly longer to reach optimal shredding tenderness.)
-
Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure, then lift the lid away from your face.
-
Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the delicious barbecue sauce. Serve this tender shredded chicken in small tortillas for soft tacos with your favorite toppings like cheese and avocado, or keep the chicken whole and serve it over a bed of rice.
Video
Notes
Ninja Foodi BBQ Shredded Chicken
When preparing this recipe in a Ninja Foodi, follow the same directions for ingredients and sequence. Ensure you use the pressure cooking lid (the one that is not attached to the base) and select the high-pressure cook button. Set the cook time for 15 minutes on the screen for perfectly tender results.
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcal,
Carbohydrates: 20g,
Protein: 6g,
Fat: 7g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Cholesterol: 20mg,
Sodium: 165mg,
Potassium: 167mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 16g,
Vitamin A: 230IU,
Vitamin C: 10.6mg,
Calcium: 193mg,
Iron: 0.7mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
More Easy Pressure Cooker Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Instant Pot shredded BBQ chicken, you’re in for a treat! Pressure cookers are truly masters at transforming chicken into quick, flavorful meals. Here are some other fantastic and easy pressure cooker chicken recipes that we highly recommend:
- Our Instant Pot chicken parmesan casserole is a complete meal, cooking both noodles and meat together for ultimate convenience.
- For an equally budget-friendly and savory option, try our delightful Instant Pot teriyaki chicken.
- Experience tangy and sweet perfection with our easy Instant Pot orange chicken.
- And don’t miss our Instant Pot Hawaiian chicken – it’s an absolute bomb of flavor!
For those who prefer a slower cooking method, we also have excellent Crockpot BBQ chicken recipes. And if you’re looking for the absolute basics, you can always make simple boiled shredded chicken right on your stovetop!
