Ultimate Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Smoky, Tender & Delicious!
Imagine biting into a perfectly crafted BBQ chicken sandwich: smoky, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth tender shredded chicken piled high on a soft bun, perhaps with a cooling layer of creamy coleslaw and crisp lettuce. Sounds like a dream, right? This dream is surprisingly easy to achieve with the magic of your Instant Pot! Our recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible feast with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even efficient meal prepping.
Why This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another chicken sandwich recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves rich, slow-cooked flavor without the wait. Here’s why this Instant Pot BBQ chicken sandwich stands out:
- Effortless Perfection: The Instant Pot does all the hard work. Simply add your ingredients, set it, and forget it! The pressure cooker ensures your chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy every single time, ready to be easily shredded.
- Explosion of Flavor: We combine the best of smoky BBQ sauce with aromatic spices, Worcestershire, and a hint of brown sugar for a balanced, deeply satisfying taste. The ingredients meld together beautifully under pressure, infusing the chicken with unparalleled flavor.
- Time-Saving Marvel: Forget hours of simmering on the stovetop or slow cooking all day. This recipe delivers fall-apart tender BBQ chicken in a fraction of the time, perfect for those evenings when you crave a homemade meal but are short on time.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday, hosting a backyard BBQ, or preparing meals for the week ahead, this recipe scales beautifully. It’s excellent for batch cooking and serves as a fantastic base for various meals beyond just sandwiches.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While we offer our favorite combination, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Adjust the spice level, swap out BBQ sauces, or experiment with different toppings to create your ultimate personalized sandwich experience.
Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful meal a reality in your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Crafting the perfect BBQ chicken sandwich starts with a foundation of fresh, high-quality ingredients. You’ll find a complete list with precise measurements in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. For now, let’s discuss what you’ll need and why each component is important.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients is key to successful cooking. Here’s a deeper look into the components of our BBQ chicken sandwich and how you can tailor them to your preference or what you have on hand:
- CHICKEN: We’ve found that a combination of both boneless, skinless chicken breast and chicken thighs yields the most desirable results. The chicken breast offers lean protein, while the chicken thighs contribute incredible moisture and a richer flavor thanks to their higher fat content. This blend creates a perfectly balanced shredded chicken texture that’s neither too dry nor too greasy.
- Substitution: If you prefer, you can certainly use all chicken breast for a leaner option, or all chicken thighs for an even more succulent and flavorful outcome. Just be mindful that using only breasts might require a touch more liquid if the mixture seems too dry after shredding.
- SAUCE: Our secret weapon for this recipe is our homemade Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce, which adds a unique sweet and tangy depth that’s truly addictive. However, we understand that sometimes convenience is king!
- Substitution: Feel free to use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce. Whether it’s a smoky hickory, a sweet honey BBQ, or a spicy chipotle, choose a sauce you love. Aim for a good quality sauce, as it forms the backbone of the flavor.
- ONION: Finely minced onion provides a foundational aromatic base, adding sweetness and depth to the BBQ chicken.
- Substitution: Yellow or white onions work best. If you don’t have fresh onion, a teaspoon of onion powder could work in a pinch, but fresh provides superior flavor and texture.
- CHICKEN STOCK: This provides the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and helps keep the chicken incredibly moist.
- Substitution: Water can be used, but chicken stock adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
- SPICES (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): These are classic complements to BBQ, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken.
- Substitution: Fresh garlic can be used, about 2-3 cloves minced, added with the onion.
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: A secret ingredient for umami depth, adding a complex savory, slightly tangy, and sweet note.
- Substitution: A dash of soy sauce or even balsamic vinegar could offer a similar depth, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- LIQUID SMOKE: This is what gives our Instant Pot BBQ chicken that authentic, slow-smoked flavor without needing a smoker. A little goes a long way!
- Substitution: If you don’t have liquid smoke and don’t mind a less smoky profile, you can omit it. Alternatively, use a smoky BBQ sauce.
- BROWN SUGAR: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce and helps achieve that classic caramelized BBQ flavor.
- Substitution: Maple syrup or honey can be used, adjusting to taste.
Mastering Your Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each part of the cooking process. For a concise, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, scroll down to the full recipe card at the bottom of this page. You can Jump to Recipe now!
- Prepare the Onion: Begin by coarsely chopping your medium onion. Transfer these pieces into a mini chopper or a food processor. Pulse until the onion is very finely minced. This fine mince ensures the onion melts into the sauce, adding flavor without noticeable chunks. Set the minced onion aside.
- Layer the Chicken: Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Then, carefully place all the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs into the pot. Arrange them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking, though overlapping is fine in a pinch.
- Season the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder and onion powder. Follow this by drizzling the Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke directly over the chicken pieces. These ingredients are crucial for building that deep, savory, and smoky flavor profile.
- Add Final Flavorings: Next, distribute the finely minced onion on top of the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle the brown sugar over everything, followed by pouring the entire cup of barbecue sauce over the ingredients. Do not stir. Layering prevents the BBQ sauce from scorching on the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the vent is turned to the sealed (closed) position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release. This means you do nothing and let the pressure release gradually for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully open the vent to release any remaining pressure. Be sure to use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the lid. You’ll likely see a good amount of liquid in the pot. Using a ladle or spoon, remove most of this liquid, reserving it in a separate bowl. You might need some of it later! Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the Instant Pot. It should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart. If the shredded chicken mixture appears too dry, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking liquid back in until it reaches your desired consistency.
CHEF’S TIP for Preventing Soggy Buns: The delicious chicken mixture can sometimes be quite juicy, which might lead to a soggy bottom bun. To prevent this, you have a couple of options:
- Drain More: After shredding, you can let the chicken sit for a few minutes and then drain off any excess liquid before adding more BBQ sauce if needed.
- Lettuce Barrier: A simple and effective trick is to line each bottom bun with a crisp piece of lettuce before scooping on the chicken. This creates a barrier that keeps the bun from absorbing too much moisture.
- Assemble Your Sandwiches: Scoop about 1/2 cup of the flavorful shredded BBQ chicken onto each sandwich bun. For the ultimate BBQ chicken sandwich experience, top with a generous dollop of creamy coleslaw if desired. You can also add extra lettuce, pickles, or even a slice of cheese for added flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
We’ve gathered some common questions and essential tips to ensure your BBQ chicken sandwich experience is nothing short of perfect.
To keep your delicious shredded BBQ chicken fresh, transfer any leftovers to an air-tight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain flavorful and safe to eat for 3-4 days. This makes it fantastic for meal prepping throughout the week!
Absolutely! Shredded BBQ chicken freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future quick meals. Once the chicken mixture has cooled completely, transfer it into a gallon-sized freezer-safe ziptop bag, pressing out as much air as possible, or an air-tight freezer container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This is rare with the Instant Pot, but if your chicken isn’t easily shreddable, it likely needs a little more cooking time. Close the lid, seal the vent, and cook for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by another 10-minute natural release. Chicken thighs are generally more forgiving than breasts, so if you’re using only breasts, ensure they’re not too thick.
Yes! This recipe is very adaptable to your taste preferences.
- For more heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or sriracha), or some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- For more sweetness: Increase the brown sugar by a teaspoon or two, or use a sweeter style of BBQ sauce.
Always adjust gradually and taste test to find your perfect balance!
Soft, sturdy buns are ideal to hold up to the juicy BBQ chicken. Brioche buns offer a nice rich, slightly sweet flavor. Potato buns are also excellent for their soft texture and subtle sweetness. Classic hamburger buns work wonderfully too! For an extra touch, lightly toast your buns with a pat of butter before assembling your sandwiches.
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions
A great BBQ chicken sandwich is often made even better with the right accompaniments and toppings. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve these delightful sandwiches:
- Classic Toppings: Crisp lettuce and creamy coleslaw are our absolute go-to toppings. As mentioned in our Chef’s Tip, layering the bottom bun with lettuce before adding the shredded chicken creates a protective barrier against sogginess, ensuring every bite is perfect. Top the shredded chicken with a generous scoop of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch and tangy counterpoint to the rich BBQ flavor.
- Toasted Buns: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, don’t skip toasting your buns! You can do this by spreading a pat of butter on the cut sides and toasting them in a skillet until golden, or simply pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. A warm, slightly crispy bun makes all the difference.
- Additional Topping Ideas: Don’t limit yourself to just lettuce and coleslaw! Consider these delicious additions:
- Pickles: Dill pickle slices add a wonderful briny, tangy crunch.
- Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, slightly melted, can take your sandwich to the next level.
- Crispy Fried Onions: For added texture and savory depth.
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Onion Rings: A few crispy onion rings piled into the sandwich are always a hit.
- Perfect Side Dishes: Round out your meal with some classic BBQ sides:
- Crispy potato chips or perfectly golden french fries.
- Hearty baked beans or sweet potato fries.
- Tater tots, onion rings, or a simple green salad.
- Corn on the cob or a refreshing cucumber salad.
- Beverage Pairings: Complement the rich flavors with a cold iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite craft beer for adults.
However you choose to customize and serve them, these Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!
Discover More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwich recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other family-friendly meals:
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Easy BBQ Crockpot Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Skillet
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
- Crispy Chicken Burger
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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Cooking BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze! Get tender, smoky shredded chicken perfect for sandwiches, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (we love Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce!)
- 10 sandwich buns
- coleslaw and lettuce (optional as toppings)
Equipment
- Food processor or mini chopper
- Instant Pot
Recipe Notes & Expert Advice
- Chicken Choice: A mix of chicken breast and thighs provides the best balance of lean meat and moisture. Feel free to use all breast for a leaner option, or all thighs for ultimate tenderness.
- BBQ Sauce: Our Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce is fantastic, but any quality bottled BBQ sauce will work perfectly. Choose your favorite!
- Soggy Bun Prevention: To avoid soggy buns from the juicy chicken, line the bottom bun with a piece of lettuce, or simply drain excess liquid from the shredded chicken before assembling the sandwiches.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Cook a large batch and store the shredded chicken for quick meals throughout the week.
Instructions
- Coarsely chop onion and place into a mini chopper or food processor. Blend until finely minced. Set aside.
- To the Instant Pot, add chicken stock and all the chicken breasts and thighs.
- Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder and onion powder, drizzle with Worcestershire and liquid smoke.
- Add the finely minced onion on top of everything. Sprinkle with brown sugar and top it all with the barbecue sauce. Do not stir.
- Close lid and turn vent to the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Do a 10-minute natural release, then carefully open the vent to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove lid and spoon off much of the liquid, but reserve it in case you need to add some back in. Shred the chicken with two forks. If too dry, add some of the reserved liquid back in.
- TIP: To prevent soggy buns, line each bottom bun with lettuce before adding the chicken, or ensure you drain the chicken mixture thoroughly.
- Scoop 1/2 cup of chicken onto each sandwich bun. Top with coleslaw if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 sandwich | Calories: 377cal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 543mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full-sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.