Why You’ll Love Smoky Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe

Cooks in less than 30 minutes from start to finish
Rich, smoky BBQ flavor with a balanced blend of spices
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and freezer storage
Super versatile — great for sandwiches, tacos, bowls, and more
Uses the Instant Pot for ease and fast cooking
Shredded chicken stays juicy and flavorful
Customizable heat level
Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly
No grilling or outdoor cooking needed

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dry rub:

brown sugar
smoked paprika
garlic powder
cumin
salt
dry mustard
chili powder
black pepper
cayenne pepper

For the chicken:

boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
olive oil
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil, then coat them thoroughly with the spice mix on all sides.
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat until hot. Sear the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, gently stirring to coat each piece. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid.
Remove the chicken and place it in a bowl. Shred with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 5–10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

Adjust the heat: Use more or less cayenne and chili powder based on your spice tolerance.
Different cuts: Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, though they may be slightly less juicy.
Sauce variety: Try it with a spicy, smoky, or sweet BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
Extra smoky: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for deeper flavor.
Slow cooker option: Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, then shred and stir in sauce.
Serving options: Serve in sandwich buns, sliders, tacos, over baked potatoes, or with rice and veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts with a splash of water or sauce, or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Use less cayenne pepper and chili powder in the rub and choose a milder BBQ sauce.

Can I cook this with frozen chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to skip the searing step and increase the pressure cooking time to 10–12 minutes.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best because they stay moist and shred easily.

Can I skip the searing step?

You can skip it to save time, but searing adds a rich depth of flavor to the chicken.

What can I serve with pulled BBQ chicken?

It pairs well with coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, mac and cheese, or green beans.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal planning.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes. Use your favorite brand or flavor to customize the dish to your liking.

How do I make it smokier without a grill?

Add a drop or two of liquid smoke or increase the smoked paprika in the rub.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Just ensure the chicken is arranged evenly in the Instant Pot and do not overfill. Adjust cook time slightly if needed.

How long does it last in the freezer?

Up to 3 months when stored properly. Be sure to cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

Smoky Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken is a quick, delicious, and satisfying recipe that delivers bold BBQ flavor without the need for a smoker or grill. With minimal prep and fast cook time, it’s a dependable weeknight hero that doubles as an impressive party favorite. Perfectly seasoned and endlessly versatile, this dish is one you’ll return to time and time again.