Get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes with this Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe! Perfectly sweet, tangy and sticky this BBQ chicken breast recipe is a keeper!

Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken breasts
After a busy day, I often turn to my Instant Pot for a delicious family meal that I can get on the table in minutes.
This Instant Pot BBQ chicken is loaded with flavor and it’s crazy easy to prep and cook. Rubbed with a dry spice mix before being cooked with BBQ sauce, this chicken is perfectly cooked and so damn tasty!
Be sure to try my BBQ Chicken Salad and Grilled BBQ Chicken too!
Why You’ll Love this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe:
- Quick: It takes minutes to prep this recipe before cooking it in the Instant Pot. It’s ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!
- Kid-friendly: This is such a great recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Even your picky eaters will love it!
- One Pot: Everything is cooked right in the pressure cooker, so clean up is a breeze.


How to make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Combine the seasonings and rub on the chicken breasts.
- Saute the breasts in the Instant Pot to brown.
- Place in the broth and BBQ sauce and add in the chicken.
- Cook.
- Serve with the BBQ sauce.


Can you make this with chicken thighs?
I prefer to make this recipe with chicken breast as that’s more popular in our house, but you can make this with thighs too.
You shouldn’t have to adjust the timing as we do a natural pressure release, but double check that they are fully cooked through.
Does BBQ sauce count as liquid in the Instant Pot?
Because BBQ is quite thick, I like to add in some additional broth so that it doesn’t burn. Mix it together well before adding the chicken. This will stop you from getting the dreaded burn signal.
What do you serve it with?
This Instant Pot BBQ chicken is a great weeknight family meal, and it’s great to serve with all your veggie and potato sides. Go simple with some steamed broccoli , or try one of these yummy recipes:


Recipe Tips and Notes
- Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven at 350F or slice cold and serve with salads.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release. If you quick release it, the chicken may not be fully cooked through.

This Instant Pot BBQ chicken is so crazy quick and easy to make, it’s so perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Packed with flavor, it’s one delicious bite!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
- Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Instant Pot Chicken Stock

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce divided
Instructions
- Combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the spice mixture on the chicken breasts, fully coating them.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the Instant Pot. Press the Sauté button. Once the oil is heated, brown the chicken breasts, two at a time, on each side for 2 minutes.
- Press the Cancel button. Add in the broth and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and stir. Add in the chicken breasts.
- Press the Manual button and set the timer for 10 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot. Brush with remaining BBQ sauce until coated to your liking.
Notes
- Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven at 350F or slice cold and serve with salads.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release. If you quick release it, the chicken may not be fully cooked through.
Lynez Brady says
I Love This Recipe… My family loves Dark near…. Work very Well…!!!!
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for stopping by!
Susan Molyneux says
Recipe calls for broth, but does not list broth in the ingredients. How much do you use?
Becky Hardin says
Enough to coat the bottom
Amber P says
How much chicken broth do you mix in with the BBQ sauce?
Becky Hardin says
Just like 1/4-1/2 a cup, enough to coat the bottom!
Patsy says
How much broth? It isn’t on the recipe.
Becky Hardin says
Just like half a cup, enough to coat the bottom!
Janine Grover says
Making this today! Can I double the recipe?
Becky Hardin says
If your instant pot can!
Megan Hubert says
Broth? Chicken broth?
Becky Hardin says
Any works!
Kim says
Should i adjust cooking time if i use thin sliced chicken breasts?
Becky Hardin says
Yes! You don’t want to overcook it!
Melissa D says
I have a Ninja Foodi pressure cooker. What temp do I set it on to cook this?
Becky Hardin says
You’ll follow the same instructions even with a different brand!
Mary says
There is no measurement for the chicken broth.
Becky Hardin says
Enough to coat the bottom and some!
Nikki says
Was very easy and tasty. However, recipe instructions say “add broth” but the ingredients don’t mention broth. I added 3/4 cup. Worked well.
Becky Hardin says
Thank you for letting us know!