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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Juicy, tender chicken cooked in the Instant Pot and smothered with smoky BBQ sauce. A quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce divided
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
    Raw chicken breasts seasoned with paprika, garlic, and pepper for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
  2. Pour broth into the Instant Pot. Place chicken inside.
    Chicken broth added to Instant Pot base for BBQ chicken recipe
  3. Pour half of the BBQ sauce over chicken.
    Chicken with BBQ sauce layered in Instant Pot before cooking
  4. Seal lid and cook on High Pressure: 10 minutes for breasts, 12 minutes for thighs.
  5. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
  6. Remove chicken, brush with remaining BBQ sauce. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for caramelization.
  7. Garnish with pa
    Juicy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken served with fresh parsley

Notes

For shredded BBQ chicken, shred before brushing with sauce.
Use thighs for extra juicy results.
Adjust cooking time slightly if using very large chicken breasts.