Are you a fan of juicy, flavorful BBQ pulled chicken but don’t have hours to slow cook it? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make mouthwatering BBQ pulled chicken in a fraction of the time using a pressure cooker. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy tender, smoky chicken that falls apart with every bite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious BBQ pulled chicken recipe in a pressure cooker.
Ingredients
To make BBQ pulled chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken Breasts
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will cook quickly and are easy to shred.
BBQ Sauce
Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to add that delicious smoky flavor to your pulled chicken.
Onion
Sautéing onions before pressure cooking adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
Garlic
Garlic complements the BBQ sauce and adds a rich, savory taste to the pulled chicken.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth helps to create a flavorful base for the pulled chicken. It also helps to keep the chicken moist during pressure cooking.
Salt
Season your chicken breasts with some salt to enhance the overall taste.
Pepper
Add a sprinkle of black pepper for a hint of spice and extra flavor.
Brown Sugar
For a touch of sweetness, add some brown sugar to balance the tangy BBQ sauce.
Paprika
Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a lovely red color to the pulled chicken.
Preparation
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making BBQ pulled chicken in a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the ingredients and prepping them. Slice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and paprika.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Breasts
Take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken breasts evenly.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Switch on the sauté function on your pressure cooker and heat a little oil. Sauté the sliced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. This will help release the aromas and enhance the flavor of the pulled chicken.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pressure cooker, making sure they are in a single layer. Pour in the chicken broth. Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker, ensuring the vent is sealed. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Open the lid and remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pressure cooker onto a clean cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce
Place the shredded chicken back into the pressure cooker and pour in the BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken with the sauce. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce according to your preference for sauciness.
Step 7: Simmer the Sauce
Switch the pressure cooker to the sauté function again and let the BBQ sauce simmer with the shredded chicken for about 5 minutes. This will infuse the flavors and ensure that the chicken is heated through.
Step 8: Serve the BBQ Pulled Chicken
Your BBQ pulled chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it on buns for a classic pulled chicken sandwich, or use it as a delicious topping for tacos, salads, or baked potatoes. The options are endless!
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your BBQ pulled chicken turns out fabulous:
Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts will make the shredding process easier and quicker.
Choose Your Favorite BBQ Sauce
Pick a BBQ sauce you love or experiment with different flavors to find the one that suits your taste buds.
Adjust the Seasoning to Taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking. Taste as you go and add more if desired.
Customize the Recipe with Additional Spices
If you want to add more depth of flavor, consider adding spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the chicken seasoning or the BBQ sauce.
Serve the Pulled Chicken on Buns or as a Topping
BBQ pulled chicken is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it on soft buns for a classic sandwich, or try it as a topping on loaded nachos or even pizza.
Store Leftovers in an Airtight Container
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pulled chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are some tasty variations you can try:
Spicy BBQ Pulled Chicken
For a kick of heat, add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce.
Honey Mustard BBQ Pulled Chicken
Swap out the traditional BBQ sauce for a tangy and sweet combination of honey and mustard. It adds a delightful twist to the classic pulled chicken.
Asian-Inspired BBQ Pulled Chicken
Infuse your pulled chicken with an Asian flair by using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger. Serve it with steamed rice or in lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist.
Mexican-Style BBQ Pulled Chicken
Add a Mexican twist to your pulled chicken by mixing in some salsa, cumin, and lime juice. Serve it in tortillas for a flavorful taco filling.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about BBQ pulled chicken:
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well for making BBQ pulled chicken. They have a bit more fat which adds extra juiciness to the dish.
How Long Does It Take to Pressure Cook the Chicken?
Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. On average, it takes about 10-12 minutes on high pressure to fully cook the chicken. Keep in mind that the pressure cooker will also take time to build pressure.
Can I Make BBQ Pulled Chicken in a Slow Cooker Instead?
Yes, you can. Simply follow the same steps but transfer the sautéed onion and garlic, seasoned chicken breasts, and chicken broth to a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
Can I Freeze the Leftover Pulled Chicken?
Absolutely! Allow the pulled chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Making BBQ pulled chicken in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this flavorful dish. With the right combination of ingredients and seasonings, you can create a tender and delicious pulled chicken that can be enjoyed as a main dish or in various recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings, as each variation brings its own unique twist. Whether you prefer a classic BBQ sauce, a spicy kick, or an international flair, BBQ pulled chicken is a versatile and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.