When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as BBQ pulled chicken. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a picnic, or a casual get-together, this dish never disappoints. It’s savory, tender, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, especially when using an Instant Pot or slow cooker. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make BBQ pulled chicken in both of these popular kitchen appliances, so you can choose the method that works best for you.
Get ready to enjoy juicy, tender pulled chicken smothered in smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for serving on sandwiches, tacos, or over a bed of rice. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Chicken
This BBQ pulled chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekends when you want a delicious, hands-off meal. By using the Instant Pot or slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, making it easy to shred with a fork. The best part is that the BBQ sauce infuses the chicken with rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. This is a versatile recipe that can be served in various ways, from classic BBQ sandwiches to topping a salad, making it a favorite among many.
Both the Instant Pot and slow cooker methods offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to prepare this dish ahead of time or cook it when you’re ready to eat. No matter which method you choose, you’ll have a flavorful, fuss-free meal ready in no time!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this BBQ pulled chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or make your own)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, if using Instant Pot)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Buns (for sandwiches)
- Coleslaw (for topping sandwiches or serving on the side)
- Pickles (for an added crunch)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
- Tongs (for shredding the chicken)
- Large fork (for shredding the chicken, if not using tongs)
- Measuring spoons (for seasoning)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (if sautéing in the Instant Pot)
- Serving plates or bowls
Directions: How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken
Method 1: Instant Pot
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Sauté the Chicken (Optional):
If you want extra flavor and a slightly caramelized crust on your chicken, set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil to the pot and let it heat up. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Brown the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. When finished, take the chicken out of the pot. -
Add Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This will help prevent the “burn” notice while pressure cooking. -
Cook the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the Instant Pot, and pour the BBQ sauce over the top. Place the lid on and make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Set the cooker to “Manual” and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. -
Shred the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use tongs or two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors. -
Serve:
Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on buns with your favorite toppings like coleslaw and pickles. You can also serve it over rice or in tacos for a delicious meal.
Method 2: Slow Cooker
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Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Drizzle the BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. -
Cook on Low:
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. -
Shred the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Shred the chicken using tongs or forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it in the BBQ sauce. -
Serve:
Serve the BBQ pulled chicken on buns or in tacos. Add coleslaw, pickles, or any other toppings you prefer on top.
Tips and Variations
- Add heat: If you like a spicy kick, add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
- Use chicken thighs: For a richer flavor and slightly juicier texture, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Make it smoky: For an extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or increase the amount of smoked paprika.
- Make your own BBQ sauce: Feel free to use homemade BBQ sauce for a more personalized flavor. You can customize the sweetness and spiciness to your taste.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover BBQ pulled chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pulled chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in a pot over low heat until heated through.
Food Pairings
BBQ pulled chicken is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many sides and drinks:
- Coleslaw: A classic side that adds crunch and creaminess.
- Grilled Corn: Serve with grilled corn on the cob for a delicious BBQ spread.
- Potato Salad: A great side dish that pairs well with the smoky flavors of the pulled chicken.
- Beer or Iced Tea: Enjoy with a cold beer or refreshing iced tea for the perfect meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. If using an Instant Pot, you can cook frozen chicken directly; just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. For the slow cooker, it’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking.
Can I make BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ pulled chicken ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated when ready to serve. You can also freeze it for later use.
Can I use a different protein?
While this recipe is for chicken, you can also use turkey. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for different meats. Pulled pork, for example, will need longer cooking time in both the Instant Pot and slow cooker.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add your favorite hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce to give it an extra kick. You can control the level of heat to match your taste.
Conclusion
BBQ pulled chicken is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in the Instant Pot or slow cooker makes it even easier. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple and delicious meal, this recipe will not disappoint. The tender, shredded chicken mixed with smoky BBQ sauce is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads, or served over rice.
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