Last Updated on October 5, 2021 by Anne-Marie

This easy Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly. Not only is it crowd-pleasing, you'll have the entire family asking for seconds!

How to make pulled BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot

This is one of my favorite instant pot recipes for BBQ chicken since it takes minimal cooking time.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, Swerve Sweetener, and vinegar to make a quick homemade BBQ sauce.

You can also use your favorite BBQ sauce. See below for some low-carb suggestions.

2. Add Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, whisk until well combined.

3. Pour into Instant Pot and add chicken broth.

4. Add chicken and turn to coat. Lay chicken on an even layer on the bottom of the pot.

5. Lock lid in place and cook for 8 minutes on High pressure.

6. Do a Natural Release.

7. Remove the lid of the pressure cooker. Remove the chicken with tongs and place it on a cutting board.

8. Shred the chicken with forks.

9. Store leftover shredded chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Read this if you're wondering why your Instant Pot isn't heating or working.

What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use either:

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• boneless skinless chicken thighs

Use what you have on hand, what's on sale, or a combination of both.

What kind of sugar-free ketchup do you recommend?

Looking for a sugar-free or keto-friendly ketchup? Try these:

● Heinz Tomato Ketchup, No Sugar

● Primal Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Ketchup

● NOBLE MADE by THE NEW PRIMAL Tomato Ketchup

● Keto Classic Ketchup by Yo Mama's Foods

All are gluten-free, too.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

You have the option of making a simple BBQ sauce with sugar-free ketchup, white vinegar, and Swerve Sweetener, Brown.

You also have the option of using 1 cup of your favorite sugar-free barbeque sauce instead.

What's the best way to shred the chicken?

Make sure your barbecue chicken is cooked all the way through so it's easily shredded.

Most people shred chicken using two kitchen forks.

Or you can place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Then use a hand mixer on low speed to break the chicken into shreds.

You can also put the chicken in your Kitchen-Aid mixer bowl. Then use the paddle attachment to shred the cooked chicken.

Yes, you have more things to wash, but using your mixer saves time, especially when you're shredding a large amount of hot chicken.

What do I do with the leftover liquid?

I like to keep the leftover liquid at the bottom of the pot in a container in the refrigerator for a few days after cooking the chicken.

If the shredded chicken seems too dry, you can add some of the remaining liquid.

Can you make BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes! Try my Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe.

If you want Mexican-style shredded chicken, try my Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe.

For a Buffalo pulled chicken recipe, try this Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe.

Serving Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Serve Instant Post BBQ chicken in:

• BBQ chicken sliders
• pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches
• in low-carb, keto-friendly salads

Serve this BBQ chicken recipe with the following keto-friendly side dishes:

• Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe
• Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe
• Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe
• Marinated Asparagus Recipe

Can I freeze Instant Pot pulled BBQ chicken?

Yes! Just divide any cooled leftovers into meal-sized portions. Then place into freezer-safe containers or Ziploc freezer bags (make sure to press the air out). Label and date the container or freezer bag.

Frozen leftovers are good in the freezer for up to 4 months.

What if I don't want to make a keto version?

Then go ahead a use real brown sugar, regular ketchup, or regular BBQ sauce in this Instant Pot BBQ chicken recipe.

More tips for making pressure cooker pulled BBQ chicken

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Sure. It's not quite as acidic as white vinegar, but it shouldn't matter.

Can I add a little liquid smoke or chili powder to this recipe?

If you want a little more smoke or kick to this recipe add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke or 1 teaspoon chili powder.

Oops, I forgot to pick up some chicken broth at the store.

You can use 1 cup water with (gluten-free) chicken bouillon.

I got a burn notice on my pressure cooker.

Wipe the rim with a damp paper towel.

It’s often caused by a piece of food or some sauce that may have splashed up between the rim and lid before closing.

Get more Instant Pot Tips at When is it Safe to Open my Instant Pot?

What's your favorite BBQ chicken recipe?