Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
This is one of my new favorite recipes.
The other night, I couldn’t decide what to make for dinner, and Forrest suggested BBQ chicken.
To be honest, I wasn’t totally thrilled about making it, but since it was easy, and we had all the ingredients, I figured it was a good idea. I also had some potatoes and onions that had to be used up, so I thought those would be a good addition to the meal.
I was about to start it in the oven when I decided I should see how it turned out in the Instant Pot.
The result? Truly one of my new favorite dishes. I put the chicken in completely frozen, and in about 25 minutes, we had perfectly juicy chicken with tender potatoes and onions.
It was so good that we made it again about a week later. I don’t know what it is about this dish, but I am in love! It’s a great beginner recipe for the Instant Pot, so I definitely recommend it.
I used Sticky Fingers Carolina Sweet BBQ sauce, but you can definitely use whatever kind you want. I thought this brand was delicious, though! Oh, and I HIGHLY recommend getting a pair of Bear Claw Meat Shredders. I got some at Christmas during a white elephant exchange, and I love using them.
Originally posted in 2017; pictures and content updated in 2019.
Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken
printable version available below
Tools Needed
Shredding Tools (I like Bear Claws, but forks or a hand mixer would work well, too)
Meat thermometer (if you are worried about if it’s done or not).
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breast (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/2-1 cup water (if your sauce is thicker, I would add extra water)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2-3 large potatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions
Place all ingredients into Instant Pot
Put lid on and select “poultry” or “meat/stew” setting. 15 minutes for fresh chicken, 25 for frozen.
Let natural pressure release for 10 minutes
Remove lid and take chicken out – shred.
Put chicken back in the pot and toss until chicken is covered in sauce
FAQ
I use a variety – I try and pick one that is a little more liquidy than thick. Sweeter rather than spicy.
There’s likely not enough liquid. If you are using a thicker BBQ sauce, you probably will want to add a little bit more water to it. You could also try and put your trivet in the bottom of the bottom to the keep the ingredients off the bottom
Yes, just adjust the time according to the recipe below
Sure! Frozen take about six minutes.
Absolutely! Sounds delicious.
If your chicken was defrosted at all, you may have overcooked it. Some Instant Pot models cook differently than others, so it may just take some trial and error.
If it has a meat setting, select that. If not, manual should be just fine!
The Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken with Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh or frozen chicken breast
- 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2-3 large potatoes, chopped
- 1 large red onion, sliced
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in Instant Pot.
- Put lid on and select poultry. 25 minutes for frozen, 15 for fresh.
- Let natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid and take chicken out - shred.
- Put chicken back in the pot and toss until chicken is covered in sauce.
- Enjoy!
Notes
If the sauce isn't thick enough once you are done cooking, remove the chicken to shred and then turn the IP to "saute". Cook for a little bit to help thicken.
If you are using fresh chicken, make SURE you cook it for less time. I would usually recommend around 12 minutes for 2-3 pounds, though this may vary. Frozen is good at 15.
Other Instant Pot Recipes You May Enjoy:
Donna says
Yum, yum,, yum!!!! This was so easy and delicious. I love the potatoes being coked in the bbq sauce along with the chicken. I have never done that before and our taste buds were happy! Will save this recipe for sure!
Julie Uhall says
Really good flavor, mine had a lot of liquid, probably shouldn’t have added the 1/2 c of water. I may eat it as soup.
Jeanne Dillon says
Made this last night and it was so good! Thanks!
Katie says
I am so glad!
Linda says
Just found your site! Trying this recipe right now!
Katie says
I hope you enjoy it!
Jeanie says
I used bone-in thighs. My potatoes and chicken were undercooked. Since I’m cooking just for me, I knew I would have leftovers so I took out enough for one meal and popped it in the microwave. I put the IP pot in the refrigerator with the remaining food. The next night, I rearranged it so the chicken was on top of the potatoes and onions and let the pot sit on the counter to warm up some. I cooked it on Manual for 5 minutes and it was perfect. I didn’t shred the chicken but it was very tender. Delicious flavor after the adjustments. No changes in ingredients.
Katie says
Thank you for sharing! I’m glad it turned out well eventually for you 🙂
BeeWeather says
What size Instant Pot did you use for this amount of chicken/potatoes?
Katie says
I have a six quart 🙂
Laurie McCrea-Dunham says
I don’t have an Instant Pot yet and was wondering if anyone has tried making this in a crockpot or oven? I am just wondering about cooking times in either of those 2 methods.
Patty Jo says
Hi! I am not sure what I did wrong, as I followed your recipe exactly. But within minutes of it coming to temp, I got the burn notice. Turned it off, and scraped the bottom. Tried again, and again, got the burn notice. This time it was a lot more burnt. So I poured it out into a bowl, scoured out the pot, dried it really well, puree it back into the pot, added 1/2 cup more water (although I didn’t think it needed it) and tried again. 3rd burn notice, I scraped the bottom and changed to using “Pressure Cook” for 5 mins instead of “Poultry.” 4th burn notice. At this point the chicken was cooked enough to shred. I shredded it, put it back in, stirred it and let it sit in the hot juice for about 15 minutes. The potatoes weren’t done despite the chopped size. It was tasty otherwise. I just cannot figure out what the heck was going wrong? Any idea?
Katie says
Hmm, I’m sorry to hear this! Was the BBQ sauce you used very liquidy, or was it thicker. Perhaps try and add some more water to the bbq sauce to make sure there is enough liquid.
Patty Jo says
I would have wondered the same thing, but I got the burn notices even when it was basically soup consistency. Plenty of liquid. I would have also understood if it was because I put the chopped potatoes in first, but not the following 3 burn notices. hmmm… Oh well, it filled the bottomless pit of my 20 year old. 😉
Katie says
I’m sorry! I wish I had a better answer for you.
Jenn says
Making this tonight mine does not have poultry what would you set it to?
Katie says
I’m so sorry I am just now responding. I’m sure you’ve already made the dish. But for anyone else who has this question, I would just do manual for the same amount of time.
Kristi S. says
That meal was real good and easy for me to cook. I am 35 and EXTREMELY insecure in the kitchen when it comes to cooking. (But not when it comes to baking). I feel embarrassed bc I only know how to make a couple of meals at most that I feel taste wonderful. My other half always complains that “we have the same d..mn thing for dinner every night”. I guess maybe because I do not enjoy cooking like most really good cooks. He got me the instant pot so that it would be easier for me to make different meals and it has helped a lot.
I felt this came out the best that it possibly could and that made me really proud.
Thank you for assisting me gaining a little more confidence in the kitchen.
Katie says
Oh I’m so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, and that it’s helped you have more confidence in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
Jo Roth says
I have a lux 6 quart instant pot and it doesn’t have a poultry button. What would you recommend in place of that function? Manual.
Katie says
I would just use manual and use a similar time 🙂 You may have to experiment, though, to see what works best for your machine.
Kathy says
I hope I get an answer right away as I’m cooking this tonight. As asked above, with no answer yet, “venting” or “sealing”? Ty:)
Tealie says
The whole family loved this. First recipe I’ve made in the instant pot that turned out like it was supposed to. Thank you!
Katie says
So glad you loved it!
Maddie says
I think I should have used a different BBQ sauce. The one I used was Stubb’s Hickory Bourbon and it wasn’t great with this. I think with a sweeter sauce, it probably would’ve been great. After adding some salt, it tasted okay with that sauce but not fantastic. I definitely don’t fault the recipe for it though. I’m fairly certain it was my sauce. This was only the third time I used my instapot and the recipe instructions were easy to follow. When I started the pot, I initially received a burn alert on the pot. I’m not sure why because there was plenty of liquid. I ended up cutting my chicken into smaller pieces and it worked out fine after that.
Katie says
Thanks for your review – I appreciate it! I think a sweeter sauce is definitely a better choice for this recipe. I hope you’ll try it again!
Sally says
This was so easy & very good!
Katie says
Thank you so much!
Chris says
My wife tried this recipe for her first time using the IP. The chicken turned out good, but the potatoes were undercooked. Any suggestions as we are new to this technology!
Katie says
Hmm the potatoes can be tricky. I would maybe try the pot-in-pot method – have the potatoes cook in another bowl above the chicken, so they aren’t in the BBQ sauce
kennedi Wyman says
I am going to make this tonight for dinner…did you put the chicken on a bun or anything? or leave as is? I feel like it would be yummy on a hawaiian roll!
Katie says
We have done both! Hawaiian rolls would be totally delish.
JD says
Made this recipe and it was delicious! Thank you for posting Katie! I used a honey bbq sauce and added extra honey. Did sauté for 10 minutes to thicken and it was perfect ?
Katie says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Carrie says
Did you use red skinned or “regular” potatoes?
Katie says
Just regular 🙂
Carrie says
Thank you for the quick response! I’m making his tonight. It looks delicious!
Katie says
I hope you like it!
Abbey says
Hey! cooking this right now.. quick question. Do I leave it on “venting” or “sealing”?
Kathy says
Same question here. “Sealing” or “Venting”?
Katie says
Leave it on sealing and let the pressure naturally release.
Patricia says
It sounds yummy and I would like to give it a try! What kind of chicken? A whole bird? Bone-in chicken parts like breasts or thighs or boneless breasts or thighs?
Katie says
I used chicken breasts, but I think chicken thighs would cook nicely as well.
Kathleen says
Made this tonight and the whole family loved it! Even my 12 & 16 year old who get so tired of chicken. They all told me how good it was. This will be one I make alot! Thank you for sharing!
Katie says
I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Wendie says
I’m planning to make this within the next couple of nights but with thawed beef stew meat. Any suggestions? I’m a beginner with the IP…. Thanks!
Katie says
I honestly am not sure! I would look up the cooking time for beef stew meat and cook it at that. Let me know how it turns out. THat sounds delicious!
Heather says
This was really yummy!! Next time we are going to try this with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Katie says
I’m glad you liked it! I think chicken thighs would be great – I LOVE them in the Instant Pot!
JoEllen says
Made this recipe tonight with fresh chicken. What should liquids be adjusted to with fresh chicken? Will not pressurize for me either.
Katie says
I am not sure on that. Perhaps add another 1/2 cup of water. I wish I could recall the BBQ sauce I made it with. It definitely was more liquidy.
Yvonne says
Tried this recipe, when we took the chicken out yo shred it, it was still raw. Don’t think I will be using this pot anymore.
Katie says
Sorry to hear that! How thick was the chicken you were using and how many pounds? I’m not sure if perhaps the altitude changes things?
Lisa says
This was my very first time using my new pressure cooker… I think I did everything correctly, but my chicken was still raw inside, but the potatoes were done. I do have a different brand name of pressure cooker so maybe that’s why but I scooped the potatoes out and put the chicken back in for another ten min… fingers crossed!
Sarah says
I don’t have the poultry button on my IP… Should I select Meat/Stew?
Mike says
This did not turn out good for us. The IP wouldn’t pressurize at first (manual on my 3qt says to always use at least one cup of water or this can happen) and the recipe only calls for half a cup. I manipulated it till it sealed up and began to build pressure. After, the potatoes were undercooked, the chicken overcooked, and I think it just chose the wrong BBQ sauce, a store brand generic that was just kinda gross. Oh well, win some lose some.
Katie says
I’m sorry to hear that – this is one of my favorites! I have tried a few different BBQ sauces with good success (just last week, too!) I’m wondering why it didn’t reach pressure. I hope your next IP attempt works out better!
Elizabeth says
If the pressure cooker is over 2/3 full a lot of times it will not pressurize. I had the same issue with mine… made a smaller portion without issues
Cathy O'Brien says
My husband and I just finished eating this and it was so good!! I can’t believe how easy it was – and how flavorful. This is only about the 5th time I’ve used my new pressure cooker and I’m super happy with it. Thank you so much for this recipe 🙂
Katie says
I’m so glad you loved it! We had it last night for dinner again as well 🙂 It’s one of our favorites.
Jen says
Really really bad recipie . Just got my ip was excited to try as it said perfect for beginners. First of all where is the SALT????? Also the potato was very mushy the chicken was tender but without salt….. Season it people I should have listen to my instinct.
Katie says
Sorry to hear that Jen. I’ve made this recipe many times with rave reviews from everyone, and it has great flavor. If you like extra salt, feel free to add it next time 🙂 I would appreciate if you were a little more civil in your comments next time! Thanks!
Patricia says
I agree. Those kind are very unnecessary and not very kind. Thmk you Katie for all your effort. I Appreciate all your help in navigating this new experience.
Katie says
Thank you, Patricia. After the day I have had, your comment means so much to me!
Evelyn says
Hi! Just made this tonight. It is the first dinner I tried in my new IP. Very tasty, for sure! Ate it with chips. Hubby had it on bread and had chips with his, too. He suggested to add a few more kinds of vegetables and put it in a crust for a pot pie. That sounds good, too. Next time we will have steamed veggies along with this yummy meal. Thank you!
Katie says
I’m so glad you loved it!
Jennifer Paulsen says
What do you serve it with? On a bun? By itself? Rice?
Katie says
Whatever you want – the sky is the limit with this one! We just ate it with the potatoes, and it was great. But you can definitely use rice or put it on a bun.
Bobbie Elkins says
First time to use my Instant pot! This barbecue chicken was so good and easy to make! Will be making again!
Katie says
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Lynda says
This was so good! I didn’t enough potatoes, so I added a large sweet potato. Yum! I will definitely be making this again.
Katie says
So glad you enjoyed it! I will definitely try the sweet potatoes next time.
K says
Hi! I saw the previous comment on using this recipe in a crock pot (slow cooker). Would I need to add anything else (such as: liquids) if I were to use a slow cooker?
Katie says
I don’t think so!
Stephanie Raffaele says
Looking at your picture is very appetizing！It must be delicious！
There are many ways to making the BBQ chicken, especially using the grill.
I wrote some articles about barbecue grills。
Welcome to read and give advices.
Matt says
If using fresh chicken, wouldn’t the time be too short for the potatoes?
Katie says
I don’t believe so. We cook potatoes in the IP on their own for about 6-7 minutes. You could definitely do it for a little longer though if you’d like!
ann says
How long to cook if i double this recipe?? I all of a sudden have extra guest coming in an hr and no time to make anything else! lol
Kristin says
Hey! How many people does this feed? Thank you!
Katie says
I would say probably 4-6 adults!
Cindy says
Do you put the potatoes and Italian dressing in with the chicken and BBQ sauce all at the same time?
Katie says
Hi! It’s actually Italian seasoning, not dressing 🙂 but yes, everything at the same time.
Matraca says
Hi, I have the Instant Pot IP-DUO Plus60 9-in-1, how would I do this? It has a meat button, but not a poulty one…
Thanks!!
Katie says
I would just set it for manual high for about 15 minutes if the chicken is frozen 🙂
Sarah says
Hi, I want to try this both as the recipe you listed but is there a way to use the IP as a slow cooker for this recipe and if so can you explain how and for times. This IP was purchased for me because I use the Slow cooker just about every day and mine broke but haven’t seen any recipes that use the IP as a slow cooker. Please help if you can TIA
Sarah
Katie says
Hi, Sarah! You can definitely use this using the IP Slow cooker recipe. On high, probably about 2-3 hours, high aroun 4.
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says
I think I might need to ask for an instant pot for Christmas (or my birthday since that’s way sooner haha) because this looks so easy and delicious! That’s my kind of recipe!