The Inspiration Behind Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight
When I think of summer gatherings, the smell of barbecue instantly comes to mind. I wanted to create a recipe that captures the heart of a summer BBQ but with a twist. That’s how Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight was born. I remember hosting a small family get-together in my backyard one warm evening, and I didn’t have time for long hours by the grill. The pressure cooker saved the day! It gave me tender, juicy chicken in no time, and a quick broil made it look like I had been slow-cooking all day.
Easy Prep, Big Flavor
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients—chicken, water, and my favorite tangy BBQ sauce—I can make something that tastes like I’ve been perfecting it for hours. Layering the chicken with sauce in the pressure cooker is a trick I’ve learned to ensure every piece is coated in flavor. Plus, the broiling step adds that irresistible caramelized finish. It’s like bringing the grill indoors!
A Hit for Every Occasion
The first time I served this chicken at a summer BBQ, everyone was asking for the recipe! It’s not just great for BBQs though. Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight has become a family favorite for quick weekday dinners. Even on a busy weeknight, I can throw it together in under 40 minutes. And the best part? It’s versatile. Sometimes I serve it with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic Southern vibe, or with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
Adding My Own Twist
As with most of my recipes, I always leave room for a personal touch. For this BBQ chicken, I like to add a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless—whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just making dinner for the family, Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight always hits the spot. It’s my go-to when I want to bring big flavor to the table with little effort!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight
- Opt for a barbecue sauce you really enjoy because its flavor will define the dish. If you like your chicken extra tangy, go for a vinegar-based sauce. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, pick a honey or molasses-based sauce.
- Using bone-in chicken helps retain moisture and flavor during cooking. If you use boneless chicken for a quicker meal, reduce the pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
- Don’t skimp on the barbecue sauce! Brush each layer of chicken generously to ensure that every bite is full of flavor. This also helps the sauce caramelize nicely during the broiling step.
- After pressure cooking, broiling gives that final crispy, caramelized finish. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning. You want a glossy, slightly charred look for the perfect BBQ chicken.
- To add a bit of heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the barbecue sauce before brushing it on the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight
4
pieces10
minutes25
minutes64
kcal5
minutes40
minutesGet ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight! Perfectly cooked in a pressure cooker and finished under the broiler, this dish promises juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky barbecue glaze. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a must-try for any chicken lover. Let’s get cooking and bring some excitement to your table!
Ingredients
1 cup your preferred tangy barbecue sauce
8 pieces bone-in chicken (mix of drumsticks and thighs)
1 cup water
Directions
- Pressure Cooking – Pour a cup of water into your pressure cooker. Arrange half of the bone-in chicken pieces at the bottom. Generously coat with barbecue sauce.
- Layering Technique – Add the remaining chicken pieces on top and brush them with more sauce. Ensure all pieces are well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Broiling Finish – Preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet. Optionally remove the skin for a healthier option.
- Final Touch – Brush an additional layer of barbecue sauce over the chicken and broil for about 5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes.
Equipment
- instant pot
- Baking sheet
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality barbecue sauce that you love as it will be the primary flavoring agent. Serve this dish with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick of heat!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 64kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 388mg
- Potassium: 87mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 85IU
- Vitamin C: 0.2mg
- Calcium: 12mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
FAQ- Zesty BBQ Chicken Delight
Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?
Yes! You can substitute bone-in chicken with boneless thighs or drumsticks. Reduce the pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes for boneless chicken to avoid overcooking.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the pressure cooking time by 5-7 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What if I don’t have a pressure cooker?
No problem! You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until it’s cooked through. Finish with the broiling step to caramelize the sauce.
What sides pair best with this dish?
This BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with classic summer sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh, vibrant salad.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can make this dish healthier by using a sugar-free or low-sodium barbecue sauce. Also, feel free to remove the chicken skin before broiling for a lower-fat option.
