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Instant Pot BBQ Beer Pulled Chicken Tacos

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These Instant Pot BBQ Beer Pulled Chicken Tacos are smoky, tangy, and satisfying—tender chicken cooked in BBQ sauce, spices, and beer, then loaded into tortillas with cheesy goodness, corn-cabbage slaw, and creamy avocado ranch. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or gatherings.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (Instant Pot)
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Instant Pot / Slow Cooker / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

2 cups BBQ sauce (divided)

1/2 cup beer (pumpkin beer or chicken broth)

For the Slaw:

3 cups shredded cabbage

2 cups grilled or steamed corn kernels

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

A few spoonfuls of avocado ranch

Salt, to taste

For the Avocado Ranch:

1 avocado, halved

1/2 cup buttermilk (plus more as needed)

1 cup fresh cilantro

1 jalapeño, halved and seeded

Juice of 1 lime

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Kosher salt, to taste

For Serving:

Warmed corn or flour tortillas

Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Instant Pot Method: Combine chicken, spices, 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, beer, salt, and pepper in Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Release steam, shred chicken, and simmer on sauté mode 5 minutes to thicken. Stir in extra BBQ sauce if desired.
  2. Slow Cooker Method: Combine chicken, spices, 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, and beer in slow cooker. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3–4 hours. Shred chicken and stir in extra BBQ sauce if desired.
  3. Stovetop Method: Sear chicken with spices in oil. Add BBQ sauce and beer, cover, and simmer 1–2 hours. Shred chicken and stir in extra BBQ sauce if desired.
  4. Avocado Ranch: Blend all ranch ingredients until smooth, adding buttermilk to thin as needed.
  5. Slaw: Toss cabbage with avocado ranch, then stir in corn, cilantro, and chives. Season with salt.
  6. Assemble: Fill tortillas with shredded cheese, BBQ chicken, slaw, and extra ranch. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
  • Beer adds depth, but chicken broth works too.
  • Make it spicier with hot sauce or extra chipotle chili powder.
  • Swap cheddar for queso fresco or pepper jack.
  • Serve over lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

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