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Tender Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders

instant pot bbq pulled chicken sliders - featured image

Quick and easy BBQ pulled chicken sliders made tender in the Instant Pot with a sweet-smoky sauce, perfect for game day or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • About 12 small slider buns (brioche-style recommended)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the Instant Pot. Pour BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken, coating but not fully submerging.
  3. Close the Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (pressure build-up time not included).
  4. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Remove chicken and shred using two forks or a hand mixer until tender and falling apart.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir into the sauce. If sauce is too thin, use sauté mode to thicken for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Spoon BBQ pulled chicken onto slider buns and add optional toppings like pickles or coleslaw.
  8. Toast slider buns lightly before assembling for best texture.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Don’t skip natural pressure release to keep chicken tender. If sauce is watery, thicken using sauté mode. Hand mixer can speed up shredding. Toast buns lightly for texture contrast. Add honey to mellow sauce if too tangy. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps can be used for dietary needs.

Nutrition

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