The Perfect Pulled Chicken: A Quick and Easy Instant Pot Recipe
Cooking pulled chicken to perfection can sometimes be a laborious process, but with the help of an Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, flavorful results in no time. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, or simply craving a delicious sandwich filling, this Instant Pot pulled chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will add layers of flavor to your pulled chicken.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until nicely browned on both sides. This step will help seal in the juices and enhance the overall taste.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside momentarily.
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. These flavorful bits will infuse into the sauce.
- Add your favorite barbecue sauce to the Instant Pot and stir well to combine the flavors.
- Gently place the browned chicken breasts back into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce.
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure using the quick release valve.
- Using a pair of tongs or a fork, shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot, allowing it to soak up the delicious barbecue sauce.
- Serve the pulled chicken on its own, as a filling for sandwiches, or as a topping for salads. The options are endless!
With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can now enjoy tender, juicy pulled chicken that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a gathering and need to feed a crowd. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the mouthwatering results.
Remember to experiment with different barbecue sauces to customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you prefer tangy, sweet, or spicy, there’s a barbecue sauce out there that will elevate your pulled chicken to new heights.
Share your thoughts and experiences on how to cook pulled chicken in an Instant Pot in the Cooking Techniques forum section.
FAQ:
Can I use boneless chicken breasts or do I need to use bone-in chicken for pulled chicken in Instant Pot?
You can use either boneless chicken breasts or bone-in chicken for pulled chicken in the Instant Pot. Boneless chicken breasts will cook faster and are easier to shred, while bone-in chicken may result in juicier and more flavorful pulled chicken.
What seasonings can I use to flavor the pulled chicken?
You can use a variety of seasonings to flavor the pulled chicken in the Instant Pot. Some popular options include barbecue seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Feel free to experiment with different spices to suit your preferences.
How long does it take to cook pulled chicken in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time for pulled chicken in the Instant Pot will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. On average, boneless chicken breasts typically take around 6-8 minutes on the High Pressure setting, while bone-in chicken may require 10-12 minutes. It’s important to always refer to your specific Instant Pot model’s manual for cooking time guidelines.
Should I manually release the pressure or use natural release for pulled chicken in the Instant Pot?
For pulled chicken in the Instant Pot, it is generally recommended to use a quick manual pressure release (QR) method to rapidly release the pressure after cooking. Natural release may lead to overcooking the chicken, resulting in a drier texture.
Can I add barbecue sauce or other sauces to the Instant Pot while cooking the pulled chicken?
While you can add barbecue sauce or other sauces to the Instant Pot while cooking the pulled chicken, it’s best to add them after the chicken has been pressure cooked. Adding sauces in the beginning may cause them to burn or become too thick during the cooking process.
How do I shred the cooked chicken for pulled chicken?
After the chicken has been cooked and slightly cooled, you can easily shred it using two forks. Simply hold one fork in each hand and pull the forks in opposite directions, allowing the chicken to shred into small, bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can also use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to quickly shred the chicken.
What can I do with the pulled chicken once it’s cooked?
Pulled chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. Some popular options include making pulled chicken sandwiches, adding it to tacos or burritos, mixing it into salads, incorporating it into casseroles or pasta dishes, and even using it as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Was this page helpful?
Read Next: How To Cook Stuffed Jalapenos In The Oven
Related Articles
