Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Homemade Coleslaw
- artisanistshop
- Jan 21
- 3 min read

If you’re craving the perfect combination of tender, flavorful pulled chicken and creamy coleslaw, this Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches recipe is exactly what you need. Made in under 30 minutes, the Instant Pot transforms boneless chicken breasts into juicy, shredded perfection, while the homemade coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing for game day, or just looking for an easy family dinner, these sandwiches are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken:
1 ½ cups sliced yellow onion (about ½ an onion)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 garlic clove)
½ cup water
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup unsweetened tomato paste
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Homemade Coleslaw:
16 ounces classic coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
1 scallion (greens only), sliced thin
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ of a lemon, juiced
½ tablespoon white vinegar
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
For the Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken:
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Build the Base:
Add sliced onions and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in the BBQ sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to create a flavorful base.
Cook the Chicken:
Return the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot, coating them in the sauce. Seal the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 14 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing it into the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
For the Homemade Coleslaw:
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and sliced scallions.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice your favorite hamburger buns (homemade if you have them!).
Pile the shredded BBQ chicken onto the bottom bun, top with a generous scoop of coleslaw, and finish with the top bun.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot ensures your pulled chicken is perfectly tender in a fraction of the time.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet and smoky BBQ chicken paired with tangy, creamy coleslaw creates the perfect bite.
Versatile: Ideal for casual family dinners, meal prep, or hosting guests.
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches recipe is your ticket to an effortless and delicious meal that everyone will love. Serve it with chips, fries, or a fresh salad for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or tagging us on social media. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next dinner or gathering. Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!
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