Instant Pot BBQ Chicken That Saves Dinner Time

If your weeknights feel like a whirlwind of “What’s for dinner?” and “Do we have to eat chicken again?”, then this instant pot BBQ chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s juicy, tangy, finger-lickin’ good—and ready in less time than it takes to convince your kids to put on pants before dinner. (Just me?)

As a mom of two with a to-do list that rarely shows mercy, I’ve learned to lean hard into those recipes that do the heavy lifting for me. This one? It’s like having your own personal kitchen assistant—except it doesn’t sass you or hide behind the pantry door when it hears the word “chores.”

And yes, it all comes together beautifully in the Instant Pot. Which, if you ask me, is basically the crockpot’s cooler, faster cousin who doesn’t flake out on you at 5 p.m.

Let’s talk BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, and why this dish belongs in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Besides the fact that it’s practically effortless, this recipe is:

• Ridiculously versatile. Sandwiches, salads, wraps, or on top of a baked potato—this BBQ chicken plays well with everything.
• Family-approved. Even picky eaters fall hard for that sweet, smoky BBQ flavor.
• Meal-prep friendly. It reheats like a dream and makes great leftovers (hello, stress-free lunches).
• One-pot magic. No babysitting, no hovering—just set it and forget it.

You know those meals that make you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if the laundry says otherwise? This is one of them.

Ingredients – The BBQ Chicken Dream Team

Let’s keep it real and easy. Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering instant pot BBQ chicken:

• 6 lbs chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and ready for shredding.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For that golden sear and juicy richness.
• ⅔ cup chicken stock – Adds flavor and helps the pressure cooker do its thing.
• 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced – I grate mine with a cheese grater because I don’t have time for perfect knife skills and nobody complains.
• 4 cloves garlic – You know the drill: more garlic = more love.
• 2 tsp smoked paprika – For that deep BBQ flavor without firing up the grill.
• 3 cups BBQ sauce, divided – I used Tessemae’s because it’s clean, flavorful, and just sweet enough, but use your favorite!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

You’ve got dinner to make and probably at least two other things tugging at your attention—so let’s make this fast, okay?

Step 1: Start With a Little Sizzle

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bottom of your Instant Pot and hit “Sauté” to heat it up. No need to brown the chicken here—we’re just giving the base a little flavor boost.

Step 2: Stack It Like a Pro

In this exact order (trust me, it matters), add:

1. Chicken breasts
2. 1/3 cup of the chicken stock
3. Grated onion
4. Garlic
5. Paprika
6. 1 cup of your BBQ sauce

Layering it like this keeps things from burning and lets the sauce seep in from the get-go.

Step 3: Lock and Load

Lock the lid, make sure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and hit Pressure Cook. Set the time for 10 minutes. Now, walk away and do something wild, like sit down for five minutes or scroll Pinterest without guilt.

Step 4: Let It Chill (Sorta)

Once the timer beeps, let the Instant Pot natural release for 10 minutes. After that, go ahead and quick release any leftover pressure. If you’re new to this, just turn the valve to “Venting” carefully—steam will shoot out like it’s got feelings.

Step 5: Shred and Sauce

Carefully open the lid, and using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart like a love song. Then, stir in another half cup of BBQ sauce and let it soak into all that shredded goodness.

(You’ve still got 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce left for serving, sandwich dipping, or, let’s be honest, eating with a spoon.)

Craving more instant wins like this one? Check out our 30-minute dinner ideas that’ll save your sanity on the regular.

Serving Ideas for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Once you’ve got that tender, shredded BBQ chicken ready, it’s time to get creative. You’ve officially entered the “choose your own adventure” part of the recipe. And the best part? You literally can’t go wrong.

Here are some of my family’s go-to ways to serve this juicy BBQ masterpiece:

Sandwich Style

Pile it high on toasted brioche buns, top with coleslaw (store-bought if we’re keeping it real), and drizzle with more BBQ sauce. It’s the kind of sandwich that requires napkins—and that’s how you know it’s good.

Over a Salad

Need something lighter but still satisfying? Toss this shredded BBQ chicken on a bed of romaine or spinach with corn, black beans, avocado, and a ranch drizzle. It’s a backyard BBQ in a bowl.

In Tacos or Wraps

Throw it into tortillas with some pickled onions and a sprinkle of cheddar. Or roll it in a wrap with a bit of slaw and crunchy lettuce. This is great for picky kids because they get to “build their own.”

Stuffed in a Baked Potato

Load up a baked sweet potato or russet with this BBQ chicken, a bit of sour cream, and some chopped green onions. Boom. Dinner = done.

Bowl It Up

Add it to a rice bowl with steamed veggies and a touch of hot sauce if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken in the Instant Pot

Even though this recipe is basically foolproof (really), here are a few pro tips to take it to the next level:

1. Don’t Skip the Onion

Grating the onion may sound weird, but it blends seamlessly into the sauce and adds this magical sweetness and depth. If you’ve got onion-haters, they won’t even notice it—it’s like the stealth ninja of this dish.

2. Smoked Paprika > Regular

If you’ve got it, smoked paprika gives you that campfire-style BBQ flavor without needing a smoker. It’s a small ingredient that makes a huge difference. Don’t skip it unless you’re truly out.

3. Use Good BBQ Sauce

Tessemae’s is my go-to because it’s clean and not overly sweet, but honestly, go with what your family loves. Just keep an eye on sugar content if you want to keep it balanced.

4. Adjust Sauce to Taste

Once the chicken is shredded and you mix in that final half cup of BBQ sauce, feel free to add more if it looks a little dry. Some people like it saucy , others prefer it drier—totally up to you.

5. Freeze for Later

This chicken freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Pro mom move right there.

FAQs About Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Let’s tackle a few of the common questions you might be wondering—because I’ve definitely been there, standing in my kitchen, second-guessing if frozen chicken will break my Instant Pot. (Spoiler: it won’t.)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time. The Instant Pot will take a little longer to come to pressure, but it works like a charm. I’ve made this with frozen chicken more times than I can count.

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs are actually juicier and more forgiving than breasts, so go for it if that’s what you’ve got. Just use boneless, skinless thighs, and keep the cook time the same.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and just warm it up in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” setting. Serve straight from the pot—it’ll stay warm and saucy.

What if my BBQ sauce is too sweet?

Balance it with a little acidity—add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice. It’ll cut the sweetness and give your chicken a little zip.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be! Just double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Many are, but some sneak in soy sauce or thickening agents, so peek at that label.

Want more easy Instant Pot meals? Don’t miss our Instant Pot recipe collection. From soups to stews to saucy wonders like this one, we’ve got your weeknight dinners handled.

A Recipe That’s More Than Just Dinner

So here’s the thing about this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken—it’s more than just another easy meal to check off your to-do list. It’s one of those recipes that steps in when you’ve had a day, when the laundry is still giving you side-eye, and the fridge is full but nothing screams “dinner.”

This chicken says, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

I remember the first time I threw it together—it was one of those Tuesdays that felt like a Monday. The kids were melting down, I had exactly 20 minutes until we needed to head out for soccer practice, and I just couldn’t even look at another box of mac and cheese. I dumped the chicken in the Instant Pot, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.

Ten minutes later? My kitchen smelled like a backyard BBQ pit, my kids were suddenly interested in dinner (which, let’s be honest, is a small miracle), and I actually sat down to eat without my phone in one hand and a dish towel in the other.

That’s the magic here.

It’s not about cooking something perfect. It’s about cooking something possible.

Love It? Make It Yours.

This recipe is super adaptable, and I always encourage you to make it your own. Want to add a splash of hot sauce for some kick? Do it. Got some leftover pineapple in the fridge? Toss it in for a tropical twist. Serving to a crowd? Double the recipe and serve it buffet-style with slider buns and a big bowl of slaw.

The point is, you’re in control—even if dinner sometimes feels like it’s controlling you.

And if you’re looking for a fun way to get the kids involved, let them stir in the final BBQ sauce or build their own sandwiches. Giving them a little kitchen job works wonders for getting them to actually eat what’s on the plate. (Not always. But hey, small wins, right?)

More Ways to Win at Dinner

If this recipe hit the spot, here are a few other 30-minute meals you might love:

• How to make Easy vegan bread recipe for Busy Days

You can also browse all our Instant Pot recipes here—because if it doesn’t cook in one pot or under 30 minutes, it better come with dessert.

You’ve Got This (And Dinner Too)

At the end of the day, meals like this instant pot BBQ chicken are about bringing joy back to your table, even when the day has been anything but joyful. They’re about feeding your people with flavor, heart, and minimal stress. And they’re about remembering that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

So next time you need a win, let this recipe be the one you pull out. It’s quick. It’s comforting. It’s a little smoky, a little sweet, and a whole lotta satisfying.

You don’t need to be a chef. You don’t need a fancy grill. You just need a few pantry staples, your Instant Pot, and about 30 minutes.

Now go ahead, grab a fork (or a bun), and dig in.

Looking for more quick and nourishing dinners like this one? Check out our full library of 30-Minute Recipes that are mom-tested, kid-approved, and beginner-friendly.

Dinner doesn’t have to be a struggle. And here at 30min Recipes, we’re all about saving time—and savoring the taste.

the best way to cook Instant Pot BBQ chicken - 30minrecipes

Want perfect Instant Pot BBQ chicken? Find out the best method for a quick, delicious meal every time.

Type: Main Course

Cuisine: American, BBQ

Keywords: BBQ, instant pot, BBQ chicken, weeknight dinner, 30-minute meal, gluten-free, shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe, family dinner

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

Calories: Approx. 330 kcal per serving

Preparation Time: PT10M

Cooking Time: PT10M

Total Time: PT30M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 6 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2/3 cup chicken stock
• 2 medium yellow onions, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cups BBQ sauce, divided (e.g., Tessemae’s)

Recipe Instructions: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the bottom of your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” function to preheat. In this order, add chicken breasts, 1/3 cup chicken stock, grated onion, garlic, paprika, and 1 cup BBQ sauce to the pot. Secure the lid and set to Manual Pressure Cook for 10 minutes. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure. Once the timer finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Open the lid carefully, and shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot. Stir in an additional ½ cup of BBQ sauce and let it warm through. Serve hot on buns, in salads, wraps, or over rice. Use remaining BBQ sauce for drizzling or dipping!

Editor's Rating:
4.9