Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
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Looking for a flavor-packed recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious? This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. It’s bold, tangy, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re making tacos, grain bowls, or doing meal prep for the week, this quick and easy chicken dish is a lifesaver.
There’s a reason buffalo chicken always makes it onto our weekly meal plan. It’s just so versatile. This version is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, your favorite hot sauce, and a pressure cooker. That’s it! You’ll love how tender and juicy the chicken gets in the Instant Pot, and how the zesty, buttery sauce soaks into every bite. It’s a go-to recipe when you need dinner fast but still want something that feels satisfying and full of flavor.
Even better? It’s totally meal prep-friendly. You can make a batch ahead of time and use it all week. Stuff it into tacos, pile it onto a baked potato, serve it over rice, or wrap it up in lettuce cups! The possibilities are endless, and the leftovers are just as good as the first bite.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my most important mom tested cooking tips for the most tender shredded buffalo chicken! We’ve made this countless times to ensure it turns out perfectly for you.
- Add sauce in stages for best flavor. Adding some buffalo sauce before cooking helps infuse the chicken with flavor, but saving the rest until after shredding keeps the sauce fresh, bold, and tangy. This two-step method ensures every bite is coated in delicious sauce.
- Shred while warm. Don’t wait too long to shred the chicken. It’s much easier to do while it’s still hot from the Instant Pot!
- Choose a sauce that fits your heat level. Buffalo sauces vary quite a bit in spice. If you’re making this for kids or spice-sensitive folks, look for a mild version.
Instant download of our tips to cook the best chicken!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Buffalo sauce
How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
This really couldn’t be easier! Here’s how to make this easy Instant Pot recipe:
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bowl of your Instant Pot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then pour in about ¼ cup of buffalo sauce to give the chicken flavor while it cooks.
You don’t need to add extra liquid. Since many hot sauces are thin enough to prevent a burn warning, it should be fine. If your chosen hot sauce is super thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or broth.
Seal the lid, set your pressure cooker to high pressure, and cook for 17 minutes. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release or a short natural release if you have a bit more time.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. It’ll be tender and juicy. Return the shredded buffalo chicken to the Instant Pot, pour in the remaining sauce, and stir until every piece is coated in bold, spicy goodness. You can always add more sauce if you like it extra saucy!
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot buffalo chicken is great with:
- Rice or tortillas: Serve over a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice or spooned into warm tortillas for tacos.
- Salads: We also love it on salads with blue cheese or a homemade ranch dressing.
- Veggies: Baked sweet potatoes or air fryer carrots are popular options. Or make this recipe to serve in cold, crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter option!
Make it kid friendly: If your kids aren’t big fans of heat, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a drizzle of ranch dressing after cooking. It cools down the spice and adds a creamy texture that little ones tend to love.
FAQ
Yes, just increase the cook time to about 20-22 minutes. Make sure the chicken isn’t stuck together when you add it to the pot so it cooks evenly.
We love Frank’s Red Hot for a classic buffalo flavor, but any cayenne-based hot sauce will do the trick. Just check the label. Some can be hotter than others!
Definitely. Just make sure the chicken is arranged in an even layer as much as possible. The cook time will stay the same.
I'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in an Instant Pot bowl. Cover with salt, pepper and ¼ cup buffalo sauce.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 17 minutes.
- When the timer finishes, release the pressure immediately. Using tongs, remove the chicken and add to a plate or cutting board and shred with two forks.
- Once shredded, place chicken back in the Instant Pot container and add remaining buffalo sauce and toss to coat. Add more sauce, if you’d like!
- Serve over salad, rice, or pasta!
