When it comes to effortless weeknight dinners, Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipes really hit the spot. There’s nothing like the blend of sweet and smoky flavors that can transform a simple chicken dish into a family favorite.
From classics like Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken to intriguing twists like Honey Garlic or Sticky Bourbon, these meals are not only quick but incredibly satisfying. Curious about how to bring these flavors to your table?
Classic Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken
For a delicious and easy Classic Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken made in your Instant Pot, this recipe brings together the iconic flavors of barbecue with the convenience of modern cooking. The tender chicken breasts are infused with a combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it a perfect dish for a family dinner or a potluck. Enjoy this mouthwatering BBQ chicken with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and brown sugar; pour over the chicken. Seal the lid, set to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, then naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.
Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the BBQ sauce mixture before starting the pressure cooking. If you prefer crispy skin, consider broiling the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after cooking in the Instant Pot to achieve a caramelized finish. Additionally, using delicious chicken dishes can inspire new ways to enjoy your favorite poultry.
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Delight
For a delicious and easy Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Delight made in your Instant Pot, this recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the rich flavors of garlic and barbecue sauce. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, infused with the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, making it a delightful addition to any mealtime spread. Enjoy this scrumptious BBQ chicken with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal. An Instant Pot is perfect for quick meal preparation as it significantly reduces cooking time while enhancing flavors.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Place the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and season with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, garlic, and soy sauce; pour over the chicken. Seal the lid, set to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes, then naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
For a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce using the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes. Adding a cornstarch slurry can also help thicken it to your desired consistency.
Tangy Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken
For a zesty twist on your barbecue chicken, try this Tangy Carolina-Style BBQ Chicken in your Instant Pot. This recipe uses a vinegar-based sauce, traditional to Carolina-style BBQ, which adds a tangy kick that’s paired perfectly with chicken’s natural flavors. The result is a tender, mouthwatering dish that brings bold southern flair to your kitchen.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and season with salt and black pepper. In a bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper; pour over the chicken. Seal the lid, set to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, then naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
For best results, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preferences and consider serving with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken
For a delightful fusion of heat and smokiness, try this Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken recipe using your Instant Pot. This dish features a rich chipotle BBQ sauce that imbues the chicken with robust flavors and a spicy undertone. The procedure is convenient and results in incredibly tender chicken that melts in your mouth, making it perfect for any barbecue enthusiast. Plus, cooking the chicken under pressure allows it to absorb all the flavors of the savory chicken and gravy sauce for an enhanced taste experience.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and season with salt and black pepper. Blend ketchup, chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl; pour over the chicken. Seal the lid, set to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, and allow a natural release for 5 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
For extra flavor, allow the chicken to sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers, and serve with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Sticky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Breasts
For a tantalizing twist on BBQ chicken, try this Sticky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Breasts recipe in your Instant Pot. The combination of sweet bourbon and tangy BBQ sauce creates a deliciously sticky glaze that perfectly coats the chicken, offering a balance of rich sweetness and savory depth that will please the crowd.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper and placing them in the Instant Pot. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, then pour the mixture over the chicken. Seal the lid, select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, and use a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any leftover steam.
For best results, allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. Adjust the bourbon amount for a milder flavor, and pair with grilled vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken
For a tropical twist on a classic BBQ dish, try this Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken in your Instant Pot. The irresistible fusion of sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki combined with BBQ flavors offers an exotic taste that will transport you to a culinary paradise. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce that’s both mouthwateringly zesty and satisfyingly savory.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then place them in the Instant Pot. Mix BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder in a bowl; pour over chicken. Secure the lid, choose ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, and allow a natural release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
For perfectly juicy chicken, let it absorb the sauce flavors before serving, and for added sweetness, include pineapple chunks in the mixture. Pair with jasmine rice or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.
Additionally, this dish offers a wonderful opportunity to explore teriyaki sauce recipes that can enhance your meal further.
Smoky Mesquite BBQ Chicken Thighs
Bring the classic taste of smoky BBQ indoors with these Smoky Mesquite BBQ Chicken Thighs made in your Instant Pot. This dish delivers a tantalizing smokiness with the warmth of mesquite, resulting in tender chicken that’s bathed in a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce. Infused with liquid smoke and traditional spices, these chicken thighs offer that beloved outdoor grill taste without the need for a smoker or grill.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; then place them in the Instant Pot. Mix BBQ sauce and liquid smoke, pour over the chicken, secure the lid, choose ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, and let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before a manual release. Serve with coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.
To enhance the smoky flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spice mixture and sauce for a few hours before cooking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub. Moreover, healthy cooking methods can help retain more nutrients in the chicken while enhancing its flavor.
Applewood Smoked BBQ Pulled Chicken
Applewood Smoked BBQ Pulled Chicken provides a delightful combination of smoky applewood flavor and succulent shredded chicken, all easily made in your Instant Pot. This dish is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served on its own with sides. The addition of liquid smoke and apple cider vinegar creates the illusion of applewood smoking, lending depth and complexity to the meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; then place them in the Instant Pot. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke; pour over the chicken, secure the lid, and select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 12 minutes, allowing a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Shred the chicken inside the pot, stirring it back into the sauce, and serve.
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture and BBQ sauce overnight before cooking, if time allows. Adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce can enhance sweetness and complement the smokiness, while using apple cider instead of vinegar provides a milder tang. Effortless shredding of the chicken makes this dish a go-to for weeknight dinners.
Asian-Inspired Ginger BBQ Chicken
Asian-Inspired Ginger BBQ Chicken brings a tantalizing fusion of flavors to your palate using your Instant Pot. This recipe combines the savory taste of soy sauce with the earthy warmth of ginger, melding beautifully with the BBQ sauce to create a dish that’s perfect for a unique twist on your usual BBQ chicken. Ideal for serving over rice or with a side of sautéed vegetables.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Season the chicken thighs with salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and grated ginger before placing them in the Instant Pot. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil; pour over the chicken, secure the lid, and select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, allowing a natural release for 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Shred the chicken in the pot, mixing it with the sauce.
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mix overnight if possible. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add a finishing touch and a burst of color to the dish.
Zesty Lemon Pepper BBQ Chicken
Zesty Lemon Pepper BBQ Chicken is an invigorating and flavorful dish to make in your Instant Pot, blending tangy lemon with the robust flavor of black pepper. The addition of BBQ sauce creates a delightful balance between the zesty citrus and the savory, spicy notes, perfect for a summer meal or anytime you crave a burst of brightness with your BBQ chicken. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, lemon zest, and black pepper, then place them in the Instant Pot. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with lemon juice; pour over the chicken. Secure the lid, select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 12 minutes, and allow a 5-minute natural release before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Serve with the sauce drizzled over and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
For more intense flavors, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and spices for at least an hour before cooking. If you want a thicker sauce, reduce it on the sauté setting after pressure cooking until it reaches your desired consistency. Additionally, using savory Instant Pot recipes can elevate your weeknight meals with effortless cooking.
Creamy Ranch BBQ Chicken
Creamy Ranch BBQ Chicken is a velvety, tangy dish that combines the beloved flavors of ranch seasoning with the rich, smoky taste of BBQ sauce. Using an Instant Pot makes this an easy and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s bound to be a hit with the entire family. For a comforting alternative, consider making Instant Pot Chicken Soup that features tender chicken and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Season the chicken thighs with the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper, then place them in the Instant Pot. In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing; pour over the chicken. Secure the lid, select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes, and perform a quick release once the time is up.
For richer flavors, consider searing the chicken thighs on the sauté setting before pressure cooking. To thicken the sauce, use the sauté setting after cooking, and allow it to reduce until it reaches the desired consistency.
Savory Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken
Savory Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon, all infused with the rich flavors of BBQ sauce. Utilizing an Instant Pot, this recipe not only reduces cooking time but also enhances the deep, savory flavors that make this dish irresistible for any dinner gathering. Perfect when served with roasted vegetables or your favorite side dish. Additionally, Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is another fantastic option that showcases the versatility of the Instant Pot.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 strips of bacon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Wrap each chicken breast with two strips of bacon and secure with toothpicks if needed. Place in the Instant Pot, pour the BBQ sauce over the top, and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a quick release.
For extra flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon or adding a splash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce. To crisp the bacon, use the sauté setting after pressure cooking, and sear each side of the chicken until golden brown.
Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken
Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that perfectly balances the rich maple flavor with a hint of mustard’s sharpness. This delicious combination is enhanced when pressure cooked in the Instant Pot, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce’s full-bodied characteristics, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering, this dish pairs wonderfully with your choice of grains or steamed vegetables.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Mix the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, BBQ sauce, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes. For a thicker sauce, set the pot to sauté mode and simmer until the desired consistency is achieved.
For added depth, marinate the chicken in the maple mustard mixture for at least an hour before cooking. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
Sweet Chili Lime BBQ Chicken
Sweet Chili Lime BBQ Chicken is an exquisite blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, creating a harmonious symphony that can elevate any meal. The combination of zesty lime, sweet chili sauce, and savory BBQ sauce guarantees the chicken is moist and packed with flavor after pressure cooking.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, BBQ sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
For a thicker sauce, put the Instant Pot on sauté mode to reduce the sauce further. For best results, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least two hours ahead of cooking to deepen the flavors.
Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken
Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean to your table. This recipe combines the earthy heat of jerk seasoning with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that is both bold and complex.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
In a bowl, whisk together the jerk seasoning, BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and pineapple juice. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture and place them in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the jerk mixture for at least 2 hours before cooking. If you prefer extra heat, add a chopped habanero pepper to the marinade to give it a fiery kick. Cooking the chicken in the Instant Pot ensures that it remains juicy and flavorful while significantly reducing your cooking time.
