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    Home / Recipes / Chicken

    Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Chili with Pineapple

    By Heather · Published: Nov 1, 2017 · Updated: Oct 14, 2019 · This post may contain affiliate links · See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick. My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick.

    BBQ Chicken Chili- it's not exactly traditional chili but I'm here to tell you it's a people pleaser. I've taken this chili to multiple chili cook-offs over the years and it just about always wins in at least one of the categories. In fact, just this last weekend it took "Best Non-Traditional Chili" at our church's Halloween party.

    I think the zinger in this BBQ Chicken Chili is the addition of pineapple. No one expects to bite down into a piece of juicy pineapple when eating chili, right? The combo of sweet, spicy, and smoky just works so well. Plus, everyone loves BBQ Chicken, so it is a crowd-pleaser all around.

    My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick.

    Pin This Recipe To Your Chili Board

    Tips for Cooking BBQ Chicken Chili:

    • I make this version in my Instant Pot because it's so quick, but if you don't have one, no problem! You can easily make this in the slow cooker, too.  Just brown your chicken on the stovetop and add ingredients to your slow cooker as listed in the recipe. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until the chicken shreds easily and continue to follow the directions as written.
    • Smoked Paprika vs. Regular Paprika-- using smoked paprika in this recipe really adds that extra smokiness that makes it pop, so I definitely recommend using it if you can.  Smoked Paprika can be found in most spice aisles at the grocery store. I use it often in recipes where I want just a little bit of smokiness without using liquid smoke or a real-live smoker.
    • The "Ranch Dressing Mix Step"-- as you read through the recipe you'll see that after the chicken is cooked I toss it in ranch dressing mix before adding back to the chili. This step may seem odd but it adds just the right amount of flavor and seasons the chicken well.

    Other Ingredient Options for BBQ Chicken Chili:

    • This chili is also fabulous when you substitute a pork roast for the chicken and turns it into BBQ Pulled Pork Chili.
    • Any kind of bean can be used-- Kidney and great northern beans work well, I'm just partial to Pinto and Black.

    Pin This Recipe To Your Chili Board

    My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick.

    Want More Easy Chili Recipes?

    • Amazing 30 Minute Chili
    • Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Chili
    • White Chicken Chili
    • Ammon's Favorite Chili

    Tools Used For This BBQ Chicken Chili:

    • The Instant Pot-- This is the model that I have and LOVE. It’s been with me for over a year and I’ve definitely put it through the ringer but still works like new! It’s changed the dinnertime routine at our house and helps me make meals in under an hour that used to take HOURS!

    Pin This Recipe To Your Chili Board

    📖 Recipe

    My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick.

    Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Chili with Pineapple

     My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick. 
    By Heather Cheney
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 11 minutes minutes
    Pressure Release Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 36 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds boneless chicken chicken breast
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 whole medium onion diced
    • 1 whole green bell pepper diced
    • 3 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits drained with juice reserved
    • 10 ounce can Ro-Tel Tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chilies
    • 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
    • 14 ounce can pinto beans rinsed and drained
    • 14 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    • 2 tablespoons corn meal
    • 3 tablespoons or 1 packet ranch dressing mix
    • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

    Instructions

    • Set Instant Pot on "Saute" mode and heat until the display reads "HOT". Add olive oil to the pot.
    • Season chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt and the full amount of pepper and brown in the pot until golden brown on both sides. 
    • Add onions and bell pepper to the chicken and stir. Continue by adding the chili powder, cumin, ginger, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir and allow to cook for 1 minute longer. 
    • ¾ cup of the reserved pineapple juice to the pot followed by the Ro-Tel tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and place the lid on the Instant Pot.
    • Set the Instant Pot on "Manual' mode and set the timer for 11 minutes. When cooking time is up, allow the pot to release pressure naturally or allow about 10 minutes before doing a manual pressure release.
    • Remove chicken from the chili and set aside on a plate.
    • Set Instant Pot on "Saute" mode once again and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle cornmeal over the chili and stir to combine. Simmer, stirring frequently until slightly thickened. Turn off the Instant Pot. 
    • Shred the chicken breasts and sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the chicken, tossing to coat. Return chicken to the chili, followed by the pineapple and cilantro. Stir to combine and serve. 
    •  

    Nutrition Facts

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 402 kcal | Carbohydrates: 51 g | Protein: 31 g | Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 72 mg | Sodium: 1373 mg | Potassium: 1134 mg | Fiber: 9 g | Sugar: 24 g | Vitamin A: 1340 IU | Vitamin C: 18.2 mg | Calcium: 113 mg | Iron: 4.5 mg

    Nutrition and Food Safety Disclosure

    ARE WE FRIENDS ON INSTAGRAM?Tag me @heatherlikesfood and use #heatherlikesfood so I can see what you're making and enjoying!

    Other Soup Recipes You Might Like

    • Keto Chicken Soup
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    • Thai Ramen
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    • BBQ Chicken Chili
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    • Southwestern Potato Corn Chowder
    « Creamy Slow-Cooker Tortellini Soup
    Garlic Ranch Chicken Marinade »

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      This BBQ Chicken Chili recipe sounds absolutely delicious! The combination of sweet pineapple with smoky BBQ flavors is such a fun and unexpected twist—no wonder it’s a chili cook-off winner. I especially love the tip about using smoked paprika for extra depth, and the ranch dressing mix step is genius for boosting flavor. Can’t wait to try this in my Instant Pot—perfect for busy weeknights and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Thanks for sharing such a creative and flavorful recipe!

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      August 06, 2025 at 3:52 am

      This BBQ Chicken Chili recipe sounds absolutely delicious and so versatile! I love how you've included thoughtful tips, especially the use of smoked paprika—it really does make a difference in adding depth of flavor. The ranch dressing mix step is a clever twist that adds an unexpected layer of seasoning. And it's great that the recipe can be adapted for both Instant Pot and slow cooker users. Plus, the flexibility with beans and protein options makes this a go-to comfort dish for any season. Can’t wait to try it out!

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      Just made this and it was a hit with the whole family. I threw in a can of black beans and some corn, then topped it with crushed tortilla chips and avocado—ended up being a delicious one-pot meal. Thank you for the inspiration

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    Headshot of Heather in an apron

    Hi, I'm Heather! Want to become a rockstar cook? I’m a former chef, caterer, and culinary arts school graduate that just wants to help you make some killer food! I truly believe that with a little know-how anyone can totally rock their kitchen. Stick around for ultimate recipes of your favorite foods, cooking tips, guides, and more!

    More about me →

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    Cooking Method

    • Slow Cooker
    • Grilling

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