Cherry Chipotle BBQ Chicken

4 from 3 votes

We smell a new family favorite!

Enjoy our cherry chipotle bbq chicken on it's own or in a bun!

There’s nothing like good BBQ chicken that’s fall-off-the-bone tender and full of smoky flavor. This recipe is no exception. One of the things I always want people to take away from my recipes is that they are just a guideline. Once you have the basic concepts down, let your creativity be your guide. With this cherry chipotle BBQ chicken, as with many of my recipes, you can change things up to make the dish your own!

First, Control the Sweet Flavors

This cherry chipotle BBQ chicken dinner is a delicious new spin on barbecue.

I know what you’re thinking. I’m using cherry preserves AND cherry pie filling? Trust me. If you’re concerned about the sugar content, you can limit it by using light or no-sugar-added cherry pie filling. Next, limit added sugar by choosing no-sugar-added or sugar-free cherry preserves. Better yet, you can purchase frozen sweet or tart cherries and eliminate the pie filling altogether!

Finally, select a no-sugar-added BBQ sauce. These choices will help you create the perfect amount of sweetness for your Cherry Chipotle BBQ Chicken!

Second, Reign in or Bring on the Heat

Cherry and chipotle gives this chicken a sweet and smoky flavor you'll love!

The primary source of heat for this Cherry Chipotle BBQ Chicken comes from smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. They are ideal to use for controlling the heat for several reasons. For starters, the peppers themselves contain ample spice. Meanwhile, the smoky adobo sauce packs even more of a punch. So, in order to control the heat level, you should first decide how much heat you want, a little or a lot?

The first thing you can do to reign in the fire is to rinse the peppers off with cool water and omit the adobo sauce entirely. Not only will you get a hint of heat, but you also won’t sweat too much. After that, if you’re adventurous and want to take the spice a little further, scoop in extra adobo sauce and a few extra peppers. Finally, if you really want to heat things up, use a spicy BBQ sauce. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

The Perfect Complementary Side Dish Options

Serve your cherry chipotle barbecue chicken with a side of mac and cheese, coleslaw, potatoes, or corn on the cob!

Shredded chicken recipes are some of my favorite recipes. They taste so amazing, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Use the shredded chicken to create a great main course by serving it in a bun, with a side of veggies and rice, or over potatoes. You can also use it inside of tacos, wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas, or even on top of salads! The choice is all yours, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination!

We do have a few side dish recommendations if that’s the route you decide to take. Consider any of these delicious and nutritious options:

4 from 3 votes

Instant Pot Cherry Chipotle BBQ Chicken

This recipe offers tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that is full of delicious, smoky flavors!
Yield 8 people
Serving Size 0.75 cup (approximately)
Course Dinner
Cuisine American

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup sugar-free cherry preserves
  • 1/2 cup light cherry pie filling
  • 2 cups BBQ Sauce no sugar added
  • 1 tablespoon chipotles with adobo sauce minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves ground
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

For the Chicken:

  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Make the Sauce:

  • Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Place all ingredients in an Instant Pot. Pour sauce over the top.
  • Set cooker to Manual, high pressure. Seal and make sure the pressure vent is sealed.
  • Cook for 20 minutes, then allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure with the quick release method.
  • Shred chicken with a fork and serve.

Notes

Stovetop Method: Follow the recipe as instructed except place the chicken and ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer (low heat), cover and cook approximately 35-45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Combine shredded chicken with sauce before serving. 
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken and ingredients in a 9x13-inch casserole pan, cover with foil or lid and bake until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, approximately 35-45 minutes. Shred chicken with a fork and combine with sauce before serving. 
 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.75cup (approximately) | Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1254mg | Potassium: 843mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 12
Keywords Instant Pot

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Chef Sallie

Chef Sallie is a personal chef, recipe developer, cookbook author, and culinary instructor. She specializes in providing healthy meals for athletes, designed to prevent injury, promote healing and provide fuel for peak athletic performance. Her recipes are designed to use seasonal, whole ingredients. Her in-home and virtual cooking classes show her clients which ingredients can be used to help treat specific health issues and improve their quality of life. She is dedicated to the idea that delicious, healthy meals can be easily prepared and accessible regardless of budget.

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