The aroma of tender, juicy chicken smothered in smoky, sweet barbecue sauce wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your stomach rumble. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are not just a meal; they are an experience that turns any ordinary day into a flavor-packed celebration. Imagine fluffy rolls cradling shreds of chicken, each bite bursting with flavor that dances on your tongue while your taste buds throw a mini fiesta. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe recipe.
I remember the first time I made these sandwiches; I was trying to impress my friends for game night. Spoiler alert: it worked! Between the laughter and the friendly banter, everyone was reaching for seconds (and thirds). These sandwiches are perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even when you’re binge-watching your favorite series—because who doesn’t need a good excuse to indulge in delicious food?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Instant Pot makes preparing BBQ pulled chicken effortless and quick so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.
- The flavors meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken that practically falls apart.
- Visually, these sandwiches are a feast for the eyes with their vibrant colors and toppings.
- They’re also versatile enough to adapt to different sauces and toppings based on what you have at home.
Ingredients for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will serve around four people; adjust as needed based on your hungry crowd.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely to enhance the flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is a must! Use about three cloves for that robust aroma.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version; sweet or smoky works best. Homemade Margherita Pizza.
- Chicken Broth: This helps keep the chicken moist and adds extra flavor; low-sodium is preferable.
For the Toppings:
- Buns: Soft hamburger buns are perfect for holding all that juicy goodness together.
- Coleslaw: Optional but recommended! It adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic so they are ready to go, making sure not to cry too much—onions can be sneaky like that!
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
Turn on your Instant Pot and select “Sauté.” Add a splash of oil and toss in those chopped onions and garlic. Cook until translucent—about three minutes should do it—letting their scents fill your kitchen like an inviting hug.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Now it’s time for our star ingredient! Place the chicken breasts into the pot with sautéed onions. Season lightly with salt and pepper before drenching everything in BBQ sauce and pouring in chicken broth.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Set it to “Manual” mode at high pressure for about 15 minutes. While you wait, you can practice your best “I’m so excited” dance moves because dinner is going to be fabulous!
Step 5: Shred That Chicken
Once cooking is complete, allow a natural release of pressure for about five minutes before turning it manually. Remove the chicken carefully—it’ll be super tender—and shred using two forks or simply pull apart with your hands (watch out; it’s hot!).
Step 6: Toss & Serve
Return shredded chicken back into the pot with any remaining BBQ sauce. Stir well until every piece is coated like a savory blanket of flavor. Serve in soft buns topped with coleslaw if desired—your taste buds will thank you!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
These Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are not just easy to make but also pack bold flavors that turn any meal into a scrumptious affair! Enjoy them at picnics, game nights, or simply as comfort food on a rainy day—trust me; they won’t last long!
You Must Know
- Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a game changer for busy weeknights.
- With tender, juicy chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing meal in no time.
- Plus, it’s perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by seasoning the chicken evenly. Sear it in the Instant Pot to lock in flavors, then add your BBQ sauce and pressure cook until tender. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your sandwiches! Swap out chicken for pork or tofu, use different BBQ sauces like honey mustard or spicy chipotle, and add toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through while adding a splash of BBQ sauce to prevent dryness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender chicken, allow it to rest after cooking; this helps redistribute juices.
- Use high-quality BBQ sauce for richer flavor.
- Don’t skip searing; it adds depth that transforms this dish into something special.
Sometimes I serve these sandwiches at family gatherings and watch everyone fight over the last bite—it’s always a hit! The smiles and satisfied sighs make all the effort worthwhile.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches?
To make Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, gather boneless, skinless chicken breasts, your favorite barbecue sauce, onion, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin. You’ll also need buns for serving. For an extra touch, consider adding coleslaw or pickles. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and juicy pulled chicken that will satisfy any barbecue craving.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken?
Cooking Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is quick and efficient. Typically, the chicken takes about 15 minutes to cook under high pressure. However, you should account for additional time for the pot to come to pressure and a natural release afterward. In total, expect the process to take around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches. The Instant Pot is capable of cooking frozen meat safely and efficiently. Just increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. This flexibility makes it easy to whip up this delicious meal even when you’re short on time.
What can I serve with BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches?
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with classic options like coleslaw or potato salad for a traditional barbecue feel. Jiffy Corn Casserole You could also add baked beans or corn on the cob to round out the meal. For a lighter option, a simple green salad works beautifully alongside these flavorful sandwiches.
Conclusion for Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches :
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are an easy and delicious option for any meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create tender, flavorful pulled chicken in no time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, these sandwiches offer satisfying taste and convenience. Don’t forget to customize your toppings and sides to make this dish your own!
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken and smoky barbecue sauce, all nestled in soft buns. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal that everyone will love. With minimal prep time, you can indulge in deliciousness without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- Optional: coleslaw for topping
Instructions
- Gather and chop the onion and garlic.
- Set Instant Pot to 'Sauté.' Add oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, then pour in barbecue sauce and chicken broth.
- Secure the lid and set to 'Manual' mode at high pressure for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes before manually releasing remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken inside the pot with forks to coat it in sauce.
- Serve on buns topped with coleslaw if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, sear the chicken before adding other ingredients. - You can use frozen chicken; just increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes. - Customize your toppings with pickles or jalapeños for added zest.
