Unlock The Secrets: How To Instant Pot Pulled Chicken In Minutes!
What To Know
- Traditionally, pulled chicken is made by slow-cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot or Dutch oven.
- So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for everything you need to know about how to instant pot pulled chicken.
- To reheat, simply place the pulled chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
Pulled chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be used in a variety of recipes, from tacos to sandwiches to salads. Traditionally, pulled chicken is made by slow-cooking a whole chicken in a crock pot or Dutch oven. However, with the Instant Pot, you can make pulled chicken in a fraction of the time.
In this blog post, we’ll share our favorite recipe for Instant Pot pulled chicken. We’ll also provide tips on how to customize the recipe to your liking. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for everything you need to know about how to instant pot pulled chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Add the remaining ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on high pressure: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes per pound of chicken. For a 3-pound chicken, cook for 30 minutes.
6. Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, quick-release the remaining pressure.
7. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
Tips for Customizing Your Pulled Chicken
- Use different sauces: You can use any type of barbecue sauce you like. For a sweeter pulled chicken, use a honey barbecue sauce. For a spicier pulled chicken, use a chipotle barbecue sauce.
- Add other seasonings: In addition to the seasonings listed in the recipe, you can add other spices and herbs to your pulled chicken. Some popular options include cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
- Cook the chicken for longer: If you want your pulled chicken to be extra tender, you can cook it for longer. Just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time per pound of chicken.
- Shred the chicken differently: You can shred the chicken into different sizes, depending on your preference. For larger chunks of chicken, use two forks to shred it. For smaller shreds, use a meat shredder.
Serving Suggestions
Pulled chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Tacos: Pulled chicken tacos are a classic dish. Serve the pulled chicken on tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Sandwiches: Pulled chicken sandwiches are another popular option. Serve the pulled chicken on buns with your favorite toppings, such as barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickles.
- Salads: Pulled chicken can be added to salads for a protein boost. Serve the pulled chicken on top of a bed of lettuce with your favorite vegetables and dressing.
Storage and Reheating
Pulled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pulled chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to shred the chicken?
A: You can shred the chicken using two forks or a meat shredder. For larger chunks of chicken, use two forks. For smaller shreds, use a meat shredder.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
A: You can use any type of sauce you like. Some popular options include honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or ranch dressing.
Key Points: How to Instant Pot Pulled Chicken
Pulled chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. With the Instant Pot, you can make pulled chicken in a fraction of the time. We hope this blog post has given you everything you need to know about how to instant pot pulled chicken. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!