These Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Using boneless chicken breasts and thighs, seasoned with BBQ rub, and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, this recipe creates tender, saucy pulled chicken in just 30 minutes. Serve it on buns with coleslaw for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 pounds (1.35kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast and thighs
3 tablespoons BBQ rub (adjust to taste)

1 ¼ cups (300ml) reduced sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce

12 sandwich buns, rolls, or slider buns
Coleslaw for serving

Directions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken with BBQ rub and set aside.

Add Liquid: Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert. Place the seasoned chicken into the pot, pushing it down so it is as submerged as possible.
Pressure Cook: Cover and seal the Instant Pot. Select Pressure Cook/Manual on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Natural Release: Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.

Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot and place it in a bowl or on a plate. Shred the chicken using two forks.
Add Sauce: Remove the excess liquid from the Instant Pot, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in 1 cup of BBQ sauce and about ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid (or more to taste).
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Split the sandwich buns or rolls.
- Place a scoop of BBQ pulled chicken on the bottom bun.
- Add a generous portion of coleslaw.
- Close the sandwich and serve!

Nutrients (Per Sandwich – Approximate)

Calories: 400 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40 g

Protein: 35 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g

Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 650 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. With juicy, tender shredded chicken coated in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Cooking the chicken in the Instant Pot ensures that it stays moist and flavorful, absorbing all the smoky and tangy BBQ goodness. Served on soft sandwich buns with crisp coleslaw, these sandwiches offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Fast & Easy: The Instant Pot cooks the chicken in just 15 minutes, cutting down the traditional slow-cooking time.

Juicy & Flavorful: Pressure cooking locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with BBQ seasoning.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Versatile & Customizable: Serve on buns, wraps, over rice, or even as a salad topping.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, BBQ parties, game days, and picnics.

The Secret to Perfectly Tender Pulled Chicken

The Instant Pot is the key to getting juicy, fall-apart pulled chicken in record time. Here’s why it works so well:

Locks in Moisture: The sealed environment traps steam, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Infuses Flavor Deeply: Cooking the chicken in seasoned broth and liquid smoke enhances the BBQ taste.
Shreds Effortlessly: The pressure breaks down the protein fibers, making it easy to pull apart with forks.

For extra tenderness, a combination of chicken breasts and thighs is used. Thighs add richness and moisture, while breasts keep it lean and high in protein.

Why BBQ Pulled Chicken is a Must-Try Alternative to Pulled Pork

While pulled pork is a BBQ classic, pulled chicken is a lighter, quicker, and equally delicious option. Here’s why:

Cooks Faster: Chicken takes just 15 minutes under pressure, while pork needs several hours.
Lower in Fat & Calories: A leaner alternative with less saturated fat than pork.

Easier to Shred & Serve: Chicken is softer and easier to pull apart without needing long cook times.
Pairs Well with Any BBQ Sauce: Works with classic, spicy, mustard-based, or vinegar-based BBQ sauces.

Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce for Your Sandwiches

The BBQ sauce is the heart of this dish, and choosing the right one can elevate the flavor. Here are some options:

Classic Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce: A traditional ketchup-based sauce with brown sugar, molasses, and hickory smoke.
Spicy BBQ Sauce: Adds a kick with chipotle, cayenne, or hot sauce.
Vinegar-Based Carolina BBQ Sauce: A tangy, slightly spicy sauce with apple cider vinegar and mustard.

Honey BBQ Sauce: A sweeter option with honey and mild spices.

Want to make it from scratch? Try mixing tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a homemade BBQ sauce!

How to Serve BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

These sandwiches are incredibly versatile, and you can serve them in many different ways.

Classic BBQ Sandwich Style

On Toasted Buns: A buttery toasted bun enhances the texture and flavor.
With Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the BBQ richness.
With Pickles: Dill pickles add a zesty contrast to the smoky BBQ sauce.

Alternative Serving Ideas

BBQ Pulled Chicken Wraps: Wrap in a tortilla with lettuce and cheese for a lighter option.
Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Turn it into a BBQ bowl with roasted veggies on the side.
On a Baked Sweet Potato: Serve over a roasted sweet potato for a nutrient-rich meal.

BBQ Chicken Tacos: Stuff into tacos with avocado and shredded cabbage.

The Best Side Dishes for BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Pair your sandwiches with classic BBQ sides for a complete meal:

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweet and salty combo that pairs well with BBQ.

Cornbread: A classic Southern side with a buttery, crumbly texture.
Mac & Cheese: A creamy, cheesy contrast to the tangy BBQ sauce.
Grilled Vegetables: Keep it light with zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Potato Salad: A creamy, herby side that complements the smoky chicken.

Ways to Customize Your BBQ Pulled Chicken

This recipe is easily adaptable to different flavors and dietary preferences.

Make It Healthier

Use Whole Wheat or Lettuce Wraps: For a lower-carb option.

Reduce the BBQ Sauce: Use half the sauce to cut down on sugar.
Add Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers or onions for more nutrients.

Make It Spicier

Add Hot Sauce: Mix in Sriracha, Tabasco, or chipotle powder.

Use Spicy BBQ Sauce: Choose a spicy variety or add extra cayenne pepper.

Make It Creamier

Top with Cheese: Cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack add a melty, creamy texture.
Drizzle with Ranch Dressing: A cool, herby contrast to the BBQ sauce.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s great for meal prep.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze shredded chicken in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat with extra BBQ sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Slow Cooker: Warm on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

These Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are great for:

Weeknight Dinners: Quick, easy, and satisfying.

Game Day or Parties: A crowd-friendly dish that’s easy to serve.
Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy all week long.
Outdoor BBQs & Picnics: A great alternative to grilled meats.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal, these Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a must-try. With juicy, tender chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, served on soft buns with crunchy coleslaw, this dish is the perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Whether you make it for a family dinner, a party, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Plus, with endless serving options and side pairings, you can customize it to fit any occasion.