Quick and Juicy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: 45-Minute Weeknight Dinner Solution

Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: Ready in Under 45 Minutes

Looking for a quick, delicious dinner option? This Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want that slow-cooked barbecue taste without spending hours at the grill.

Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken

• Quick cooking time – Ready in under 45 minutes total
• Tender results – Pressure cooking creates incredibly juicy chicken
• Versatile – Works with chicken thighs or breasts
• Family-friendly – A crowd-pleasing flavor everyone enjoys
• Minimal cleanup – Everything cooks in one pot

Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup high-quality barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make BBQ Chicken in Your Instant Pot

1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add vegetable oil.
3. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot and brown for about 3 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 3 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4. Remove browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. Add chicken broth to the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom to deglaze, removing any stuck bits (important to prevent the “burn” notice).
6. In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
7. Return the chicken to the pot and pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the top.
8. Close the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on Manual/High pressure for 12 minutes.
9. When cooking is complete, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.
10. Remove chicken to a serving platter.
11. Optional: For thicker sauce, select Sauté function and simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until reduced to desired consistency.
12. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken or serve on the side.

Pro Tips for the Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

• Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the chicken creates deeper flavor and better texture.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce using the Sauté function.
• If you prefer boneless chicken, reduce pressure cooking time to 8 minutes for thighs or 6 minutes for breasts.
• For a healthier option, use skinless chicken thighs and a low-sugar barbecue sauce.
• Make ahead: This dish reheats beautifully for meal prep throughout the week.

Customization Options

This versatile pressure cooker BBQ chicken recipe can be adapted in many ways:

• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue mixture
• Smoky flavor: Double the smoked paprika or add a few drops of liquid smoke
• Honey BBQ: Replace brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness
• Asian twist: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and ginger to the sauce mix

What to Serve with Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:

• Classic coleslaw
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Macaroni and cheese
• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Simple green salad

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

This Instant Pot barbecue chicken makes excellent leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through

FAQs About Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Add 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time if using frozen chicken thighs. Note that you’ll need to skip the browning step.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Reduce the pressure cooking time to 8-10 minutes for bone-in breasts or 6-8 minutes for boneless breasts.

What if I get a “burn” notice?
This usually happens if there aren’t enough thin liquids or if the pot wasn’t properly deglazed. Open the pot, add ¼ cup more broth, scrape the bottom thoroughly, and try again.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients without changing the cooking time. Just make sure not to fill your Instant Pot past the maximum fill line.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubbs, or homemade all work great. The sauce’s flavor significantly impacts the final dish.

Why This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe Works

The magic of this Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe lies in the pressure cooking process, which infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it incredibly moist. The combination of searing first and pressure cooking later gives you the best of both worlds: caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving barbecue flavor but don’t have time for slow cooking or outdoor grilling.