Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Breast (Shredded)
This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have tender, shredded BBQ chicken in under an hour — no grill required. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or game day sliders. Pair it with coleslaw, cornbread, or pile it high on a sandwich bun for a fuss-free dinner the whole family will love.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced*
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts*
- 1 cup BBQ sauce*
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prep Instant Pot: Select Sauté mode on your Instant Pot.
- Add Spices: Add the olive oil, onion, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, granulated garlic, and onion powder.1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 red onion, sliced*, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Sauté the Aromatics: Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes. Turn off Sauté mode.
- Deglaze & Add Chicken: Deglaze the pan with the water, scraping all of the browned bits. Then add the chicken, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the lid on the pot and be sure the valve is switched to the sealing position.1 cup water or chicken stock, 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts*, 1 cup BBQ sauce*, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pressure Cook: Select Pressure Cook (manual) and High Pressure. Set to 15 minutes.
- Natural Release, Then Shred: Let the pot release pressure naturally (valve still switched to sealing) for 10 minutes. Then, quick release (valve switched to venting). Remove the lid and shred the chicken.
Notes
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory flavor base. Yellow or white onion can be used instead if that’s what you have on hand.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender once pressure cooked. You can swap for boneless skinless thighs for a juicier texture.
- BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce — sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work.
- Slice the Onion Thinly: It softens quicker and melts into the sauce as it cooks.
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing Step: This can cause the Instant Pot to trigger the burn warning.
- Shred Right in the Pot: Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the sauce. Less mess, more flavor.