If you’re short on time but craving the irresistible taste of barbecue chicken sliders, look no further than your Instant Pot. This kitchen gadget can transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in a fraction of the time. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a hassle-free recipe for Instant Pot barbecue chicken sliders that will leave you with tender, flavorful bites perfect for any occasion.
For the Barbecue Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sliders:
- Mini slider buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Sliced red onions (optional, for topping)
- Sliced pickles (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix together the chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the seasonings.
- Sauté in the Instant Pot:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, sear the seasoned chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Pressure Cook:
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the seared chicken and give it a gentle stir to coat. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 10 minutes.
- Natural Release:
- Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 5-10 minutes. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Using two forks, shred the tender chicken directly in the Instant Pot. The meat should easily pull apart, soaking up the flavorful barbecue sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Split the mini slider buns and layer each bottom half with a generous serving of Instant Pot barbecue chicken.
- Add Toppings:
- Customize your sliders with optional toppings like coleslaw, sliced red onions, and pickles. These additions provide a burst of freshness and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Secure the sliders with the top bun and arrange them on a platter. Your Instant Pot barbecue chicken sliders are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot and watch as they disappear within moments.
With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, you can whip up these barbecue chicken sliders in no time, making them a perfect solution for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The tender and saucy chicken combined with your favorite toppings nestled between mini slider buns create a delectable experience that’s both quick and satisfying. Say goodbye to long cooking times without sacrificing flavor with this Instant Pot barbecue chicken sliders recipe.