Instant Pot Maple BBQ Chicken: Your Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Family Favorite
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this unbelievably simple and incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Maple BBQ Chicken. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a triumph of flavor and convenience, crafted to be both gluten-free and dairy-free. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot enthusiast or just starting your pressure cooking journey, this dish will quickly become a cherished part of your meal rotation, proving that delicious barbecue can be enjoyed year-round, right from your Instant Pot.
We all crave that smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue goodness, but often the effort involved in grilling or slow-cooking for hours can be daunting. Enter the Instant Pot – a game-changer that delivers fork-tender chicken smothered in a rich, homemade maple BBQ sauce in a fraction of the time. My family, including my discerning husband and kids, absolutely raves about this dish. In fact, my three-year-old was literally clapping between bites – a true testament to its irresistible appeal!
Why the Instant Pot is Your BBQ Best Friend
You might be thinking, “Another Instant Pot recipe?” And yes, it is! While I adore my slow cooker, the Instant Pot has undeniably captured my heart (and my kitchen counter space) these days. The speed and efficiency it offers are simply unmatched, especially when you need a delicious meal on the table without the fuss.
Imagine this: unbelievably delicious Maple BBQ Chicken Thighs cooked to perfection with just ten minutes of pressure cook time. Yes, ten minutes! This rapid cooking transforms boneless, skinless chicken thighs into succulent pieces that practically melt in your mouth. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the chicken beautifully, infusing it with the vibrant flavors of the maple BBQ sauce, making it taste like it’s been slow-simmering for hours.
For those who are still holding onto their trusty crock pot, don’t worry – I’ve included slow cooker directions in the recipe card below, because I truly heart *you* and want everyone to enjoy this fantastic recipe. However, if you’re on the fence about an Instant Pot, this recipe might just be the one to convince you!
The Secret to Our Flavorful Maple BBQ Sauce
Beyond being incredibly tender, these chicken thighs are so darn tasty, and the magic lies in the homemade BBQ sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s the same tried-and-true recipe from my popular Pulled Pork, perfected for speed and flavor. It strikes just the right balance with a delightful tang from apple cider vinegar and a beautiful sweetness from pure maple syrup. The richness of tomato paste and the umami of coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce for those not strictly gluten-free) round out a truly delectable profile.
The awesome part about this recipe is how incredibly simple the sauce preparation is. Forget dirtying extra pots and pans to simmer your sauce on the stove beforehand. For this Instant Pot Maple BBQ Chicken, you simply mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl and pour it directly over the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. This not only saves you precious time but also reduces cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Easy-Peasy Cooking Steps for Perfect Chicken
One of the beauties of this recipe is its minimal effort. While some recipes suggest searing chicken thighs first for extra browning, I opted out this time. Frankly, I didn’t think it was worth the extra step for such a quick and flavorful dish, and the results were still phenomenal. However, if you prefer a slightly crispier edge, feel free to sear your chicken thighs for a few minutes per side before adding the sauce. The Instant Pot is incredibly forgiving, so either way, you’re in for a treat.
Once your chicken and sauce are in the pot, simply seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual (or pressure cook) for just ten minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, you have a couple of options for releasing the pressure. I typically go for a quick release, which means manually turning the vent to release the steam immediately. This stops the cooking process faster and helps prevent overcooking. However, if you prefer, a natural release (where the pressure dissipates on its own) is also perfectly fine – chicken thighs are quite resilient in the Instant Pot, so it’s all good.
Thickening Your BBQ Sauce to Perfection
After your ten minutes of pressure cooking are up and the pressure has been released, you’ll notice the sauce is a bit thin – this is completely normal for Instant Pot cooking. To achieve that rich, spoonable BBQ sauce consistency, gently remove your cooked chicken using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Then, set your Instant Pot to the “Saute” function.
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. As it reduces, it will naturally thicken. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, this is the time to add a thickener of your choice. A teaspoon of tapioca flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder mixed with an equal part of cold water (creating a slurry) works wonders. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce one teaspoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust the seasonings – perhaps a touch more maple syrup for extra sweetness or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Once thickened, pour the luscious sauce back over your tender chicken, and it’s ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Maple BBQ Chicken
This Instant Pot Maple BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic barbecue experience, I highly recommend serving it alongside my crisp and refreshing Cilantro Lime Slaw and perfectly cooked Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. These two sides complement the sweet and tangy chicken beautifully, adding freshness and texture to your meal.
Looking for other ideas? This chicken is fantastic with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice (brown or white), roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a simple garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with sweet potato fries or a side of baked beans. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a family gathering.
Benefits of this Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipe
One of the standout features of this Maple BBQ Chicken recipe is its suitability for various dietary needs. Being both gluten-free and dairy-free, it caters to those with sensitivities or allergies without compromising on flavor. It’s a fantastic option for families where members have different dietary requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal together.
Furthermore, the ease of preparation makes it perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch on the weekend, and have flavorful chicken ready to be added to salads, sandwiches, or served with different sides throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, retaining its tender texture and rich taste. This recipe truly embodies healthy, convenient, and utterly delicious eating.
Tips for Instant Pot Maple BBQ Chicken Success
- Don’t Overcrowd: For best results, avoid stacking too many chicken thighs in your Instant Pot. Ensure there’s enough room for the pressure to build and for the chicken to cook evenly. If doubling the recipe, you might need to cook in batches or use a larger Instant Pot.
- Adjust Sweetness/Tang: The homemade BBQ sauce can be customized. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more maple syrup during the simmering stage. For more tang, a splash of extra apple cider vinegar works wonders.
- Consistency is Key: While the sauce will thicken on its own, don’t hesitate to use a slurry of tapioca, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder if you want a really thick, glaze-like consistency. Remember to add it gradually.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Maple BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic cold in wraps or reheated gently.
And that’s it! Enjoy delicious, perfectly tender Maple BBQ Chicken all year round, thanks to the incredible convenience of your Instant Pot! This recipe truly brings the taste of summer barbecue to your table any day of the week, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Maple BBQ Chicken
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or sub low sodium soy sauce if not gluten-free
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Sprinkle sea or Himalayan salt and black pepper
- Optional – thickener of your choice arrowroot, tapioca, cornstarch, etc
Instructions
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Place chicken thighs in Instant Pot.
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Mix together the remaining ingredients (besides thickener). Pour sauce over chicken.
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Set to manual for 10 minutes. After cook time, switch to quick release. Open the lid carefully once it is unlocked. Remove chicken thighs with slotted spoon and set aside.
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To thicken the BBQ sauce, set Instant Pot to saute. Stir as it simmers. If you need to thicken it more, add in your choice of thickener, one tsp at a time until desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasonings and add a touch more maple syrup for a sweeter sauce. Cover chicken with sauce and enjoy!
For the slow cooker:
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Place thighs and ingredients for BBQ sauce in crock pot. Cook on low for 4 hours. After cook time is through, simmer sauce in a small saucepan over medium low heat until desired thickness. Enjoy!
Notes
WW: 8 points (per serving) [Calculated using 1 tsp arrowroot powder]
Nutrition