Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking! This Southern Pulled Barbecue Style Instant Pot Chicken is not only packed with flavor but is also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In just 25 minutes, you can have tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich barbecue sauce, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply on its own. Whether you're hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Dive into the deliciousness and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish that will surely impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder on all sides.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot, creating a liquid base to prevent burning and help create steam.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing" position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting.
- Cook the chicken on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat completely, discarding any visible fat.
- Drain any excess liquid from the Instant Pot, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the shredded chicken and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavor and warm through.
- Serve hot on buns or as desired, with additional barbecue sauce on the side if preferred.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and shred beautifully, making them perfect for pulled barbecue.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! A good amount of salt, pepper, and onion powder enhances the chicken's flavor, so make sure to coat all sides well.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the Instant Pot. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming rather than pressure cooking.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes helps the chicken retain moisture, making it even more tender.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to shred the chicken; it’s the easiest way to achieve that perfect pulled texture.
- Sauce It Up: After shredding, let the chicken sit in the barbecue sauce for a few minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the pulled chicken on toasted buns for a classic barbecue sandwich experience, or enjoy it over rice or in a salad for a lighter option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
