Instant Pot Bbq Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Instant Pot BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in sandwiches, salads, BBQ plates, and more. It is easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and an Instant Pot. The recipe typically involves cooking chicken in the Instant Pot with seasonings and barbecue sauce, and it can be made with boneless or bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The chicken is then shredded and mixed with the sauce, resulting in a tender and juicy dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Choosing the right BBQ sauce

The BBQ sauce you choose for your instant pot chicken will make or break the dish. The sauce is the star of the show, so it's important to select one that complements the chicken without overpowering it. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect BBQ sauce for your instant pot BBQ chicken:

Type of BBQ Sauce

The first step is to decide on the type of BBQ sauce you want. There are four main flavour profiles to choose from: sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky. Each type has its own distinct character and will enhance your meal in different ways.

• Sweet sauces often contain molasses or brown sugar, adding a subtle touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with pork.
• Spicy sauces include ingredients like jalapeños or cayenne pepper, bringing a kick that goes well with chicken or beef.
• Tangy sauces are characterised by a vinegar or mustard base, adding a zesty punch that cuts through the richness of meats like brisket.
• Smoky sauces are infused with flavours from woods like mesquite or hickory, bringing a deep, smoky essence that complements almost any meat.

Key Ingredients

Once you've decided on the type of sauce, it's essential to consider the key ingredients that make up an authentic BBQ sauce.

• Tomato sauce or ketchup forms the base of most BBQ sauces, providing the fundamental texture and tang.
• Vinegar is crucial, adding a sharp bite that balances out the sweetness of the sauce.
• For sweetness, opt for brown sugar or molasses, which lend a deep, rich flavour.
• Mustard is not always present, but when included, it introduces a unique tanginess.
• Worcestershire sauce is a must-have ingredient, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavour profile.
• Spices like chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder bring the heat and create a memorable flavour experience.

Matching Sauce with Meat

Different types of meat call for specific BBQ sauces to create the perfect harmony of flavours. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right sauce for your meat:

• Brisket: Opt for a slightly sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of heat. It should cling to the meat, adding a glossy layer of flavour without soaking it.
• Pulled pork: Go for a sauce that balances sweet and vinegar flavours. A tangy sauce with a vinegar base will cut through the fat and highlight the natural pork flavours.
• Ribs: For ribs, choose a bold, thick, and sticky sauce that can caramelise well during cooking. A sweet sauce with a touch of smoke will make your ribs irresistible.
• Chicken: Chicken is versatile and can handle a range of sauces. A mustard-based sauce or one with a citrus kick will bring out the best in smoked or grilled chicken, adding a tangy, zesty layer.

Heat Level

When selecting a BBQ sauce, consider your heat tolerance and how it will blend with the other flavours on your plate. A good BBQ sauce should complement the meat without being too mild or overwhelmingly spicy.

Regional Varieties

BBQ sauce can vary depending on the region, and each area boasts its own unique twist on this cherished condiment. For example, Central Texas favours a thinner, tangier sauce with a vinegar or mustard base, while East Texas leans towards thicker and sweeter sauces with a tomato base and molasses or brown sugar. West Texas sauces are bolder and spicier, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the region.

Customisation

Don't be afraid to experiment and customise your BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can mix and match different sauces or adjust the spice levels to create a unique blend that elevates your BBQ game.

Remember, the key to choosing the right BBQ sauce is finding one that enhances the flavour of the meat without overpowering it. By considering the type of sauce, key ingredients, and how it pairs with your chosen meat, you can create a delicious and unforgettable meal.

Chicken breasts vs thighs

When it comes to BBQ chicken in an instant pot, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs, or a combination of both. Both are good sources of lean protein, but there are some differences to consider.

Chicken breasts are lower in fat and calories compared to thighs. For example, a 3-ounce skinless chicken breast provides about 140 calories and 3 grams of total fat, while the same amount of dark chicken meat (thigh) without the skin would provide around 170 calories and 9 grams of total fat. So, if you're watching your calorie and fat intake, breasts might be a better option.

On the other hand, chicken thighs tend to be more flavourful and juicier due to their higher fat content. They are also more forgiving when it comes to cooking times and are less likely to dry out if overcooked. This makes them a good choice if you want to ensure your BBQ chicken stays moist and tender. Thighs are also usually cheaper than breasts, making them a budget-friendly option.

In terms of preparation, both chicken breasts and thighs can be used in an instant pot BBQ chicken recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly between the two. Chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can easily dry out if overcooked, while chicken thighs can handle a little longer cooking time without losing moisture.

Ultimately, the choice between chicken breasts and thighs depends on your personal preference, nutritional goals, and budget. You can even use a combination of both, as suggested in some instant pot BBQ chicken recipes, to get the best of both worlds.

Using frozen chicken

You can use frozen chicken breasts in your Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe, keeping the cook time the same. The Instant Pot will take a few extra minutes to reach pressure if your chicken is frozen. If your chicken breasts are frozen and very large, you should increase the cook time to 18 minutes plus a 10-minute natural release.

If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts in your Instant Pot, you can simply add water or chicken broth and season with salt and pepper, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, different herbs and spices will all work well.

• Place frozen chicken breasts in your Instant Pot.
• Pour half the BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken.
• Pour the chicken broth over that.
• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot.
• Close the vent and press the Manual button. Adjust the time according to the chicken used (see table above). Chicken should be at least 165 F when done. Drain off any leftover liquid.
• Add the other half of the barbecue sauce to the chicken in the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button.
• Cook the breasts in the sauce, heating the sauce until it has thickened.
• Once the sauce is thick, the chicken is done.

You can also make this recipe using frozen chicken thighs. The cook time for boneless thighs remains the same.

Getting the right consistency

Firstly, the type of chicken you use will affect the consistency of your dish. You can use either boneless chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs, or a combination of both. Chicken thighs will give a more moist result, whereas chicken breasts are leaner and can become dry if overcooked. You can also use bone-in chicken, but you will need to remove the meat from the bones and shred it after cooking.

Secondly, the amount of liquid you use will affect the consistency of your dish. Most recipes recommend using either chicken broth or chicken stock, but you can also use water or another clear liquid such as juice or soda. The liquid is necessary to build pressure in the Instant Pot and prevent the "burn" message. However, some people find that this creates too much liquid, so you may want to reduce the amount of liquid or remove some of it before adding the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Finally, the consistency of your BBQ sauce will also affect the overall consistency of your dish. Thicker BBQ sauces may require additional liquid to be added to the Instant Pot to prevent burning. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to the sauce to thicken it if desired.

• Don't stir the ingredients after adding them to the pot. This will ensure that the water stays at the bottom of the pot and the Instant Pot comes to pressure.
• If you want a sweeter BBQ chicken, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the sauce.
• If you want a spicier dish, add some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
• For extra flavour, try adding some onion powder, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.
• If you are using frozen chicken, increase the cook time by a few minutes to ensure it is cooked through.
• If you are making a large batch, you may need to double the recipe but keep the cook time the same.

Serving suggestions

• BBQ chicken sandwiches, served on brioche buns with coleslaw and sweet potato fries or homemade French fries.
• BBQ chicken bowls with shredded chicken on top of mashed potatoes.
• BBQ chicken salad with romaine, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado and ranch dressing.
• BBQ chicken wraps, quesadillas, sliders, or tacos.
• BBQ chicken pizza.
• BBQ chicken pasta.
• Chicken nachos.
• Chicken with rice and veggies.
• Chicken with baked potatoes.

Frequently asked questions