Spicy Barbecue Pulled Chicken Pressure Cooker Recipe
This spicy barbecue pulled chicken pressure cooker recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky and bold flavors. Ready in under two hours, it's perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts main protein source that soaks up flavor real good
- 1 cup barbecue sauce pick spicy or mild
- ½ cup chicken broth adds broth depth, keeps everything juicy and moist
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing the chicken quick before pressure cooker time
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika gives warm smoky flavor
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adds spicy pop, add more if you dare
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder makes everything better
- ½ teaspoon onion powder brings sweetness and depth
- to taste salt season well at start
- to taste pepper season well at start
- 4 hamburger buns to serve the pulled chicken on
Instructions
Instructions
- Start by mixing the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub this spicy mix all over your chicken breasts, making sure every part’s covered with flavor.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear but not burn.
- Place chicken in the skillet and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This locks in juices before pressure cooking.
- Transfer the seared chicken into your pressure cooker pot. Pour in barbecue sauce and chicken broth right over the top.
- Seal the lid and make sure the float valve is down. Set your pressure cooker to high for about 15 minutes to build that broth depth and tender chicken.
- When the cooking time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the steam cues slow and the float valve drops on its own.
- Open the lid carefully, remove chicken, and shred it with two forks. Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce so every bite is saucy and spicy.
Notes
Serve pulled chicken on hamburger buns, optionally with coleslaw for added crunch and contrast.