Part 1: Making the Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Set up the Instant Pot: Pour the 1 cup of chicken broth into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside the pot. This keeps the chicken from sitting directly on the bottom, ensuring it steams evenly rather than boils.
3. Add Chicken and Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet. Pour 1/2 cup of the BBQ sauce over the top of the chicken.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
5. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This is a crucial step for tender, juicy chicken. A quick release can make the meat tough. After 10 minutes, carefully move the valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining steam.
6. Shred the Chicken: Carefully open the lid. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily. Drain the liquid from the Instant Pot.
7. Sauce the Chicken: Pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and toss until every piece is generously coated. Your pizza topping is now ready!

Part 2: Assembling and Baking the French Bread Pizza

1. Preheat Oven: While the chicken is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. Place the two halves, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet. Brush the cut surfaces lightly with olive oil.
3. Toast the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and golden. This step is key to preventing a soggy pizza crust.
4. Assemble the Pizzas: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread the saucy shredded BBQ chicken evenly over the two halves of the toasted bread.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the chicken. Finally, cover generously and evenly with the shredded cheese blend, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
6. Bake to Perfection: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden brown in spots.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh chopped cilantro. Slice into individual portions and serve immediately.