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Pulled chicken has gained immense popularity in recent years, becoming a staple in kitchens across the globe. Its versatility makes it a go-to option for busy weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, and meal prepping. Whether it’s served in a sandwich, tossed into a salad, or used as a filling for tacos, pulled chicken can adapt to any flavor profile, making it a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

Tender and Juicy Pressure Cooker Pulled Chicken

Discover the secrets to making tender and juicy pulled chicken in a pressure cooker with this easy step-by-step guide. This versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or meal prep, and can be adapted to suit various cuisines. Learn about the benefits of using a pressure cooker, including faster cooking times and flavor retention. With the right ingredients and techniques, creating a delicious pulled chicken to serve in sandwiches or salads has never been easier.
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup chicken broth

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Buns for serving and extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Rub the spices evenly over the chicken.

    Sautéing: In the pressure cooker, heat the olive oil on the 'Sauté' mode. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

      Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and bring up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

        Pressure Cook: Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into the liquid. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting for 10 minutes.

          Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining steam. Remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a cutting board.

            Shredding the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pressure cooker. Stir in the BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. If desired, you can sauté for an additional minute to heat the sauce through.

              Serve: Dish up the pulled chicken on buns with additional BBQ sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6