Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Recipe for Quick and Easy Meals

If you’re short on time but craving a comforting, flavorful meal, this Instant Pot pulled chicken recipe is what you need. It’s quick, juicy, and versatile enough to stuff into tacos, sandwiches, wraps, or salads. All you need is a few basic ingredients and under 30 minutes, and you’ll have tender, shredded chicken with incredible taste.

Why Use an Instant Pot?

Using an Instant Pot cuts cooking time in half while still delivering that slow-cooked texture. The sealed pressure locks in moisture, allowing the chicken to absorb all the seasoning. Plus, you can sauté, cook, and shred in one pot. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or salsa (optional for flavor twist)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Pickled onions

Quick Steps to Make Pulled Chicken

Step 1: Sauté for Extra Flavor

Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté mode. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. This gives the pulled chicken a deeper base flavor.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices

Place chicken pieces on top of the sautéed onions. Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir slightly to coat the chicken.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid

Add chicken broth or water. If you’re going with BBQ sauce or salsa, pour that in now. Don’t stir too much to avoid a burn warning. Just make sure the liquid covers the chicken at least halfway.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 12 minutes on high pressure. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes before switching to quick release.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once pressure is released, open the lid carefully. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate or bowl and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak up the juices for a few more minutes on “Keep Warm.” This helps the chicken absorb all the flavor from the liquid.

How to Serve Pulled Chicken

Pulled chicken is incredibly flexible. You can serve it in different ways:

• Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Pile it on toasted buns with coleslaw.
• Tacos or Burritos: Add to corn tortillas with guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
• Pulled Chicken Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with beans, grilled veggies, and a squeeze of lime.
• Salad Topper: Throw it on top of a leafy salad for extra protein.
• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: A great low-carb option using roasted sweet potatoes as a base.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or sauce to keep it moist.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Buffalo Pulled Chicken: Add hot sauce and a bit of butter instead of BBQ sauce.
• Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning and add corn, black beans, and salsa.
• Asian Twist: Add soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin for an easy Asian pulled chicken version.
• Italian Version: Swap spices for Italian herbs and stir in marinara.

Tips for Best Results

• Use thighs for extra juicy and tender meat.
• Don’t skip the sauté step if you want more depth of flavor.
• Always let the chicken rest in the cooking liquid after shredding for maximum flavor absorption.
• If using frozen chicken, increase pressure cook time to 15 minutes.

Why This Pulled Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe is foolproof, fast, and completely customizable. It works whether you like your pulled chicken smoky, spicy, tangy, or sweet. The Instant Pot ensures even cooking and saves time. You can double the batch and use it throughout the week in different meals, making it perfect for meal planning.