[FULL GUIDE] How To Make Bbq Chicken In Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, offering convenience and speed without compromising on flavor. One of the most popular recipes to make in an Instant Pot is BBQ chicken. This delicious dish can be enjoyed any time of year and is perfect for a quick and easy meal. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of making tender, mouthwatering BBQ chicken in your Instant Pot, along with tips for selecting the best ingredients, preparation, cooking times, and troubleshooting common issues.

Quick Answer: How Long To Make Bbq Chicken In Instant Pot

The total cooking time for making BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot is approximately 25 minutes, which includes the time for the pressure to build up and the natural release. Actual active cooking time is around 10 minutes.

Selection

To make the best BBQ chicken in your Instant Pot, it’s crucial to select high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh chicken, preferably boneless for quicker cooking. For the BBQ sauce, you can either use a store-bought version or make your own. Look for a sauce that suits your taste preference, whether it’s sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy. Additionally, consider the type of chicken you prefer – white meat, dark meat, or a combination of both.

Preparation

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to prepare the chicken and any additional ingredients properly. Trim any excess fat from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. If you’re using additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, or herbs, chop them as needed.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Bbq Chicken

When it comes to cooking BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot, the actual cooking time is relatively short, but it’s essential to account for the time it takes for the pressure to build and release. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times:

1. Pressure Building Time: 10-15 minutes. This is the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to full pressure before the cooking cycle begins.
2. Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes. The chicken will cook under high pressure for this duration.
3. Natural Release: 5-10 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, you can allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for this time before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

How To Make Bbq Chicken In Instant Pot

Now, let’s go through the detailed steps to make delicious BBQ chicken in your Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 small onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken breasts or thighs as needed, and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. If using onions, layer the bottom of the Instant Pot with them.
2. Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. This provides moisture and prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom.
3. Add Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions or directly in the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other.
4. Pour BBQ Sauce: Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Close the Lid: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position.
6. Set Cooking Time: Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting on the Instant Pot and set the timer for 8 minutes at high pressure.
7. Cooking Cycle: The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure, after which the cooking cycle will begin. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes.
8. Release Pressure: After the natural release, carefully turn the valve to manually release any remaining pressure.
9. Shred and Serve: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot. Allow the shredded chicken to soak up the BBQ sauce before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While making BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot is relatively straightforward, there can be some common issues that arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Chicken Is Undercooked

If you find that the chicken is still undercooked after the cooking cycle, you can place the lid back on the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes under high pressure.

BBQ Sauce Is Too Watery

In the event that the BBQ sauce is too watery, you can use the "Sauté" function on the Instant Pot to simmer the sauce and thicken it. This should be done with the lid off, and you can stir the sauce frequently until it reaches your desired consistency.

Chicken Is Overcooked

If the chicken ends up overcooked and tough, it’s possible that it was cooked for too long. Consider reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes for your next batch of BBQ chicken.

BBQ Sauce Is Burnt

When the BBQ sauce sticks to the bottom of the Instant Pot and burns, it can leave a charred flavor. To prevent this, ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot and never place the BBQ sauce at the bottom directly in contact with the heat.

Making BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. By selecting the right ingredients, properly preparing the chicken, and following the cooking instructions, you can achieve perfectly tender, flavorful BBQ chicken in a fraction of the time. With troubleshooting tips at your disposal, you can adapt the recipe to your taste and address any issues that may arise. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of Instant Pot cooking as you savor every bite of your homemade BBQ chicken.

Achieving Perfect Texture

If you’re a fan of BBQ chicken but don’t have the time or equipment to fire up the grill, the Instant Pot is a fantastic alternative. With its pressure cooking function, the Instant Pot can quickly cook chicken to tender, juicy perfection, while infusing it with delicious BBQ flavors.

One of the advantages of using an Instant Pot is its ability to cook meat to the ideal texture. When it comes to BBQ chicken, achieving a tender and juicy consistency is key. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use Bone-In Chicken

Using bone-in chicken pieces, such as drumsticks or thighs, can help retain moisture and add flavor to the meat. The connective tissues and collagen in the bone contribute to a juicier and more tender outcome. However, if you prefer boneless chicken, it can still be cooked using the Instant Pot, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. Brown The Chicken

To enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken, it’s recommended to brown it before pressure cooking. You can do this by using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Heat some oil in the pot and sear the chicken on all sides until it develops a golden brown color. This step will lock in the juices and result in a tastier end product.

3. Use The Pressure Cooking Function

After browning the chicken, add your desired BBQ sauce or marinade to the Instant Pot. Ensure there is enough liquid in the pot to create steam and allow the pressure to build. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for the recommended time based on the chicken’s thickness. Generally, bone-in chicken will take around 10-12 minutes, while boneless chicken might require 6-8 minutes.

4. Natural Release Vs. Quick Release

Once the cook time is complete, you have two options for releasing the pressure: natural release and quick release. Natural release involves allowing the Instant Pot to release the pressure slowly on its own, which helps the chicken retain its moisture. Quick release, on the other hand, involves manually venting the pressure valve to release the steam immediately. While quick release is faster, it may result in slightly drier chicken. Choose the method that suits your preference, keeping in mind that bone-in chicken is more forgiving and tends to stay juicy even with quick release.

Flavor Infusion

An essential aspect of BBQ chicken is the infusion of bold and mouthwatering flavors. The Instant Pot can help achieve this by allowing the chicken to marinate in the BBQ sauce while under pressure. Here are some tips to enhance the flavor infusion:

1. Marinade The Chicken

Before cooking the chicken, marinating it for at least 30 minutes in your favorite BBQ sauce can greatly enhance the flavor. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be. Ensure the chicken is coated well and let it sit in the marinade in the fridge. This will allow the chicken to absorb the BBQ flavors and become more tender.

2. Layer The Sauce

To further intensify the flavor, layer some additional BBQ sauce on top of the chicken before pressure cooking. This will create a rich and luscious coating on the chicken, making every bite burst with BBQ goodness.

3. Use Flavored Sauces And Rubs

Experimenting with different types of BBQ sauces and rubs can add an extra dimension of taste to your chicken. Try using spicy or smoky BBQ sauces, or sprinkle the chicken with a dry rub that complements your preferred flavor profile. You can also mix and match different sauces to create your own unique blend.

4. Add Aromatics

To enhance the overall flavor of your BBQ chicken, consider adding aromatic ingredients to the Instant Pot. Chopped onions, garlic, or even herbs like rosemary or thyme can add depth and complexity to the dish. These aromatics will infuse into the chicken while it cooks under pressure, elevating the overall taste.

Aroma

The aroma of BBQ chicken wafting through your kitchen is a delightful experience. The Instant Pot can help create that tantalizing smell by ensuring the flavors are concentrated and come together perfectly. Here’s how you can achieve an aromatic BBQ chicken:

1. Properly Sear The Chicken

As mentioned earlier, browning the chicken before pressure cooking not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a more aromatic outcome. The Maillard reaction that occurs during browning creates a depth of flavor and releases enticing aromas that will make your mouth water.

2. Use Fragrant Sauces And Spices

Choosing BBQ sauces or spice rubs with fragrant ingredients will contribute to a delightful aroma. Look for sauces that contain ingredients like smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle, or honey. These spices and flavors will add an extra layer of allure to your BBQ chicken.

3. Utilize Aromatics

Adding aromatic ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or herbs, not only enhances the flavor but also fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. The combination of these ingredients with the BBQ sauce creates a symphony of scents that will make everyone eagerly anticipate the meal.

4. Let The Aromas Develop

Allowing the chicken to cook under pressure for the recommended time will ensure that the flavors and aromas fully develop. Patience is key here, as rushing the cooking process may result in a less aromatic dish. Trust the Instant Pot’s ability to work its magic, and you will be rewarded with a mouthwatering aroma that will make your neighbors envious.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Bbq Chicken

While the pressure cooking method is the most straightforward and efficient way to make BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot, there are a few other methods worth exploring. These methods can add variety to your cooking repertoire and allow you to experiment with different techniques:

1. Slow Cook Function

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can use the slow cook function on your Instant Pot to make BBQ chicken. This method requires a longer cooking time, usually 3-4 hours on low heat or 6-8 hours on high heat. The chicken will become incredibly tender and will easily fall off the bone. The flavors will have plenty of time to marry together, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

2. Broil In The Oven

To achieve a charred, caramelized crust on your BBQ chicken, you can broil it in the oven after pressure cooking. After the chicken is done in the Instant Pot, transfer it to a baking sheet, brush it with additional BBQ sauce, and broil it on high heat for a few minutes until the sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky. This will give the chicken a smoky and slightly charred flavor reminiscent of grilled BBQ chicken.

3. Finish On The Grill

If you crave that authentic smoky flavor that can only come from the grill, you can use the Instant Pot to partially cook the chicken and then finish it on the grill. After pressure cooking the chicken, brush it with BBQ sauce and transfer it to a preheated grill. Grill the chicken for a few minutes on each side until it gets those beautiful grill marks and develops a smoky flavor. This method combines the convenience of the Instant Pot with the unmatched flavor of grilling.

Tips For Making Bbq Chicken In Instant Pot

Here are some additional tips to ensure your BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every time:

1. Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce or make your own to control the flavor and sweetness level.
2. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
3. For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken in the oven before serving.
4. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure it cooks through.
5. Consider adding a touch of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
6. Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot; layer the chicken pieces without stacking them to ensure even cooking.
7. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Creative Instant Pot Bbq Chicken Recipes And Variations

Now that you have mastered the basics of making BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot, let’s explore some creative recipes and variations that will take your culinary adventures up a notch:

1. Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Add a tropical twist to your BBQ chicken by incorporating pineapple flavors. Mix pineapple juice into your BBQ sauce, or use pineapple chunks as a topping after the chicken is cooked. The sweet and tangy combination will transport your taste buds to a beachside BBQ.

2. Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken

Kick up the heat by using a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce or adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your marinade. The smoky and spicy flavors will create a bold and fiery BBQ chicken that will spice up any meal.

3. Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken

Combine the tanginess of mustard with the sweetness of honey for a flavorful twist on traditional BBQ chicken. Use honey mustard sauce as a marinade or drizzle it on top as a glaze after the pressure cooking process is complete.

4. Korean BBQ Chicken

Inspired by Korean cuisine, create a savory and sweet BBQ chicken by marinating it in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. This Asian-inspired twist will introduce new and exciting flavors to your Instant Pot repertoire.

5. BBQ Pulled Chicken

For tender and flavorful pulled chicken, cook the chicken in the Instant Pot with your favorite BBQ sauce, then shred it using forks. Mix the shredded chicken with additional BBQ sauce for a saucy, succulent filling for sandwiches, sliders, or tacos. This versatile BBQ chicken variation is perfect for gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making BBQ chicken. Its ability to quickly cook chicken to perfection, infuse it with flavors, and create an enticing aroma makes it a fantastic alternative to grilling. With the tips, techniques, and creative recipes we’ve covered in this article, you have all the tools to make BBQ chicken in your Instant Pot with confidence and delicious results. So fire up your Instant Pot, grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the irresistible flavors of BBQ chicken take center stage!

FAQS

How Long Does It Take To Cook BBQ Chicken In An Instant Pot?

The cooking time for BBQ chicken in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the amount of sauce used. On average, it takes about 15 minutes to sauté the chicken and another 10 minutes to pressure cook it.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken For BBQ Chicken In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Simply increase the sauté time by a few minutes and add an additional 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time.

What Type Of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

You can use any type of BBQ sauce for this recipe, such as hickory, mesquite, or sweet and tangy. You can also make your own BBQ sauce or use a store-bought brand.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Instant Pot With The Chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or corn to the Instant Pot with the chicken. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces and add them on top of the chicken before pressure cooking.

How Should I Serve BBQ Chicken From The Instant Pot?

Once the chicken is cooked, you can serve it whole or shred it with two forks for a pulled BBQ chicken. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or a salad, for a complete meal.