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A stainless pressure cooker pot full of shredded chicken in glossy barbecue sauce with tongs

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Boneless chicken thighs and breasts cooked under barbecue sauce, grated onion, brown sugar and Worcestershire in an electric pressure cooker, then shredded. Serves 6.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chicken stock or water
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 pound chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce plus more for serving if you like
  • 1/2 cup onion grated, with its juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar up to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Pour the chicken stock into the inner pot of the electric pressure cooker. Add the chicken thighs and breasts, then sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and salt over the chicken.
  • Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, then add the grated onion with its juice, the brown sugar and the Worcestershire sauce. Do not stir: the stock has to stay on the bottom so the pot can come to pressure.
  • Lock the lid and turn the valve to sealing. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 15 minutes. The pot takes a few minutes to come to pressure before the countdown starts.
  • Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then turn the valve to venting to release the rest. Open the lid once the pin drops.
  • Check the thickest piece with a food thermometer: it must read at least 165°F. If it is lower, lock the lid and pressure cook 5 minutes more. Move the chicken to a bowl or cutting board and shred it with two forks or a hand mixer.
  • If the sauce in the pot looks thin, press sauté and simmer it, stirring often, until it thickens.
  • Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce, add more barbecue sauce if you like, and serve.

Notes

Do not stir before cooking: the stock has to stay under the chicken and sauce so the pot comes to pressure. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days or freeze 3 to 4 months; reheat to 165°F.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 35.7gProtein: 48.1gFat: 8.8gSodium: 1258mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 28.8g
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