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–+ servings
Platter of bbq chicken breasts, thighs and drumsticks with a side bowl of bbq sauce.
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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Course Entree
Cuisine American
Keyword bbq, easy, pressure cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 -5 servings
Author Elizabeth Van Lierde

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water 
  • 3-4 drops liquid smoke 
  • 3 lbs bone in chicken thighs, drumsticks, breasts, etc
  • 2 tsp brown sugar 
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika 
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper 
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • ½ -1 cup your fav BBQ sauce 

Instructions

  • Add water, liquid smoke to the bottom of the instant pot.
  • In a small bowl mix together dry rub ingredients: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub the dry mixture on both sides of chicken pieces.
  • Place your chicken into the instant pot in a single layer, close the lid. 
  • Set the pressure vent to sealing.
  • Press pressure cook on High for 12 minutes.
  • The screen will read 'ON'.
  • The instant pot will take about 8-10 minutes to come to pressure and then the 12 minute cook time (about 20 minutes total).
  • After the chicken is finished cooking the instant pot will alert you and the screen will say OFF. 
  • Wait a couple of minutes and then slowly release the pressure valve to the venting position.
  • Place cooked chicken on a sheet pan, slather with bbq sauce and then broil or grill chicken for 4-5 minutes to get the chicken a bit crispy on top. 

Notes

Frozen Chicken: If you're using chicken that is frozen, be sure to separate the pieces before cooking and cook for an additional 3 minutes (15 minutes total).