What To Know
- With its ability to quickly and evenly cook meats, the Instant Pot allows you to enjoy tender, flavorful BBQ chicken without the hassle of grilling or smoking.
- The BBQ sauce penetrates the chicken deeply, infusing it with a rich and smoky flavor.
- Making BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish.
The answer is a resounding yes! The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to create restaurant-quality dishes in a fraction of the time. And BBQ chicken is no exception. With its ability to quickly and evenly cook meats, the Instant Pot allows you to enjoy tender, flavorful BBQ chicken without the hassle of grilling or smoking.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Create the BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, honey, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot with the BBQ sauce. Set the valve to “Sealing” and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes per pound of chicken (adjust the time if your chicken is smaller or larger).
4. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, quick-release the remaining pressure.
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
6. Sauce the Chicken: Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and stir to coat evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ chicken on buns, with your favorite sides, or as a topping for salads.
Benefits of Making BBQ Chicken in an Instant Pot:
- Time-Saving: The Instant Pot cooks chicken significantly faster than traditional methods, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Tenderness: The pressure cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
- Flavorful: The BBQ sauce penetrates the chicken deeply, infusing it with a rich and smoky flavor.
- Versatile: BBQ chicken can be served in various ways, making it a great dish for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken:
- Use a high-quality BBQ sauce that you enjoy.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still slightly moist.
- Add a bit of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for an extra smoky flavor.
- Serve the BBQ chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or baked beans.
Wrapping Up:
Making BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. With its tender meat and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, next time you’re craving BBQ chicken, don’t hesitate to fire up your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
3. What sides can I serve with BBQ chicken?
Popular sides for BBQ chicken include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob.
4. How can I make the BBQ sauce spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce to make it spicier.
5. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes per pound.
