Discover the Secret to Instant Pot Pulled Chicken: Easy, Flavorful, and Ready in Minutes!

If you’re craving tender, juicy pulled chicken without hours of simmering, the Instant Pot has you covered. This versatile kitchen appliance makes it a breeze to create mouthwatering pulled chicken in a fraction of the time. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of Instant Pot pulled chicken and elevate your culinary skills.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove the giblets and any excess fat.

2. Season the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken liberally inside and out with the spice mixture.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.

4. Add the Chicken and Broth

Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot and pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged.

5. Cook on High Pressure

Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.

6. Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

7. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Variations

• BBQ Pulled Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the Instant Pot before cooking.
• Buffalo Pulled Chicken: Swap out the garlic powder for buffalo sauce and add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Pulled Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after shredding.

Serving Suggestions

• Tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with pulled chicken, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• Sandwiches: Layer pulled chicken on toasted buns with coleslaw, pickles, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
• Salads: Top mixed greens with pulled chicken, grilled vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.

Tips

• For a more flavorful chicken, marinate it in a mixture of your favorite spices and herbs for several hours before cooking.
• If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use water instead.
• If you’re using a frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough.
• The Instant Pot pulled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The End

Now that you’ve mastered the art of Instant Pot pulled chicken, it’s time to experiment with different flavors and variations. Whether you’re craving tacos, sandwiches, or salads, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

FAQ

Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can, but the cooking time will be reduced to 10-12 minutes on high pressure.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce for the pulled chicken?
A: You can thicken the sauce by simmering it in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce and cook until thickened.

Q: What are some other spices I can add to the pulled chicken?
A: Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices, such as paprika, cumin, oregano, or chili powder.