Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On June 2, 2025

This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken is the tastiest and juiciest chicken you can make this week for all your meal-prepping needs. It's so versatile and can be made in just under 30 minutes with a tasty made from scratch barbecue sauce.

I love using my Instant Pot on busy weeknights. It is quicker than other cooking methods and I can get dinner on the table in no time. If you are new to an Instant Pot you'll love these Gluten-Free Instant Pot Recipes.

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Easy Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Recipe

Don't you love a recipe that can be used in a variety of recipes all week long? When I feel like I am in a cooking rut, I like to turn to a bit more of a meal-prepping week.

This Instant Pot Barbecue chicken features almost instantly as it is so versatile. You can use it for chicken bowls, instant pot chicken tacos, chicken stuffed potatoes (or sweet potatoes), BBQ chicken sandwiches, quesadillas, and BBQ chicken pizza. You get the drift.

In under 30 minutes, I have a few meals planned out for the week, especially when the busy school schedule picks up with all the after-school sporting activities. This dish is not only for meal prepping but is great to feed a crowd when entertaining. We've done build-your-own stuffed potatoes, gluten-free tacos, and gluten-free wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Great for a crowd. The recipe makes a bulk portion of chicken that is tasty, soft, and can be added to a variety of dishes.

Quick to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have this tasty chicken ready with a made-from-scratch barbecue sauce. My pressure cooker is my kitchen accessory of choice on busy weeknights.

Perfect for Meal prep. If you are an avid meal prepper then you'll love this chicken fillet recipe.

Main Ingredients For This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken

So you only need a handful of pantry staple ingredients and your fresh produce.

For The Barbecue Sauce

Tomato Sauce in a can is great to use for this BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Filtered Water helps to combine the sauce ingredients.
Balsamic Vinegar adds a nice deep flavor. Try not to skip this!
Apple Cider Vinegar gives the sauce its characteristic tang.
Coconut Aminos for more flavor.
Salt can be added as directed in the recipe or adjusted to your taste preference.
Garlic Powder always makes everything taste better.
Onion Powder balances out the flavors.
Paprika for a touch of spice.

For The Chicken

Broth makes the chicken moist and tasty. You can use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. Water can work too but I prefer broth.
Chicken is a great source of high protein (as highlighted by Harvard). I've used boneless skinless chicken fillets or you can use boneless skinless chicken breast. Bone-in chicken and frozen chicken can also be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Seasoning is made up of salt, paprika, garlic, and coriander as well as 1-2 sprigs of rosemary. Make sure the seasoning you use is gluten-free.

Equipment Needed For This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

Use a medium-sized saucepan to make the homemade BBQ sauce. I also like to use a spoon or spatula to stir the barbecue sauce so that it thickens to the correct consistency.

I have an Instant Pot but you can use any pressure cooker and size you have. My personal favorite is the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure cooker.

Two forks do the job of shredding the chicken breasts or else you can use your hand mixer and let it shred it for you.

How To Make This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Recipe

I have a step-by-step process for you to follow. Get your equipment ready and let's get the chicken going.

Prepare the Spice Blend

Add salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices of your choice into a small bowl. Stir until combined. This spice blend will give the chicken an extra flavor boost. Rinse and pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them with the prepared spice blend. For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes if you have time.

Prepare the BBQ Sauce

In a medium saucepan, add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, spices, and broth (or water if preferred).

Simmer the BBQ Sauce

Cook the sauce over medium heat until it begins to boil. Then, reduce to a simmer, stirring often, and let it thicken slightly to deepen the flavor.

Add ingredients into the Instant Pot

Place the chicken into the Instant Pot. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce and broth over the chicken. Add a few sprigs of rosemary.

Set the Instant Pot

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and select pressure-cooking mode. Seal the pressure cooker and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.

Cook Under Pressure

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the Instant Pot's steam release valve this is called a quick release. Be cautious of the steam! Natural pressure release is when you let the pressure release naturally, without releasing the steam valve.

Let the Chicken Rest

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and place them on a plate. Let them cool for a few minutes to make shredding easier.

Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. The meat will be tender and easy to pull apart. Add additional barbecue sauce if you like or place it out for guests to add.

Making This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Recipe (Recipe In Eight Steps)

Here is an overview of all the steps in one image. If you are new to an Instant Pot don't worry it is a simple process, there are so many misconceptions about electric pressure cookers according to the University of Florida. And, I agree it can be stressful at first due to the incorrect factual information out there but follow along for success.

Tips For Making This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Recipe

Use high-quality ingredients like our homemade tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and other ingredients so your BBQ sauce has the best flavor.
Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Feel free to add more salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Don't overcook the barbecue sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes and stir it often.
Make the sauce ahead of time. It tastes better if you can use it a few hours later or even better if you can refrigerate it overnight before using it. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
Keep the correct time. If you increase the time you run the risk of having dried-out chicken.
Use a good quality broth. The broth gives the chicken additional flavor.
Use good seasoning. I like to add seasoning, which we like, so that the chicken has a nice flavor to it. If making it for meal prepping bear that in mind as you may want to use basic seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions I get asked and can help you with this recipe.

How Do I Store My Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken?

You can store this pressure cooker chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken?

Yes, this chicken freezes well. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to add some extra BBQ sauce so that it does not dry out.

Can You Make This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you definitely should make it ahead of time. I like to do a batch and then take it out of the fridge or freezer as needed. Store it in an airtight container.

What Variations Can I Make To This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken?

Here are a few variations you can consider:

Change up the flavor - I've added smokiness with liquid smoke or brown sugar, or you can make it spicy. I have added dried chili peppers and chili powder. And use 3 tablespoons of brown sugar instead of two if you want a sweeter bbq sauce.
Use different proteins - I've used boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts but you can use another cut of beef like chuck roast, pork shoulder, and beef brisket.
Use a bottled BBQ sauce - If you are in a rush you can use a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken

Name: Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 29 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (6-oz.) can tomato sauce; 4 oz. filtered water; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoon coconut aminos; 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 cups of any gluten-free broth; 3 chicken fillets; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp granulated garlic; ½ tsp coriander; 1-2 sprigs of rosemary

This Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken is the tastiest and juiciest chicken you can make this week for all your meal-prepping needs.

Prep Time 7 minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes

Total Time 29 minutes

Ingredients

For The Barbecue Sauce:

1 (6-oz.) can tomato sauce
4 oz. filtered water
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon coconut aminos
2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika

For the Chicken:

2 cups of any gluten-free broth
3 chicken fillets
½ tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp granulated garlic
½ tsp coriander
1-2 sprigs of rosemary

Instructions

Add salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices of your choice into a small bowl. Stir until combined. Coat the chicken with the prepared spice blend. For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes if you have time.
In a medium saucepan, add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, spices, and broth (or water if preferred).
Cook the sauce over medium heat until it begins to boil. Then, reduce to a simmer, stirring often, and let it thicken slightly.
Place the chicken into the Instant Pot. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce and broth over the chicken. Add a few sprigs of rosemary.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and select pressure-cooking mode. Seal the pressure cooker and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the Instant Pot's steam release valve this is called a quick release.
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and place them on a plate. Let them cool for a few minutes to make shredding easier.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. The meat will be tender and easy to pull apart. Add additional barbecue sauce if you like or place it out for guests to add.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients like our homemade tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and other ingredients so your BBQ sauce has the best flavor.
Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Feel free to add more salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Don't overcook the barbecue sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes and stir it often.
Make the sauce ahead of time. It tastes better if you can use it a few hours later or even better if you can refrigerate it overnight before using it. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
Keep the correct time. If you increase the time you run the risk of having dried-out chicken.
Use a good quality broth. The broth gives the chicken additional flavor.
Use good seasoning. I like to add seasoning, which we like, so that the chicken has a nice flavor to it. If making it for meal prepping bear that in mind as you may want to use basic seasoning.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Tag @glutenfreepalate on Instagram and hashtag it #glutenfreepalatebaker so we can see all the deliciousness!

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