Prepare this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken and have tender, flavorful shredded chicken for your favorite recipe in under 30 minutes. This simple instant pot recipe is my secret weapon for every chicken taco, quesadilla, or BBQ chicken sandwich and it never disappoints!
Follow the step-by-step instructions to learn how to make homemade shredded chicken in no time.
How To Video
Watch me make a delicious variation of the basic recipe in this 2 minute video!
This easy way to cook Instant Pot chicken breasts makes tender, flavorful, shredded chicken that will never be overcooked. It’s perfect as a base for:
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
- Chicken lettuce wraps
- Nachos
- Chicken sandwiches
Or make a batch ahead of time to have shredded chicken available as a healthy addition to soups, salads, pasta, or chicken stews throughout the week.
How to Make Shredded Chicken in the Instant Pot
While we all enjoy a hearty chicken recipe, the timing of cooking a tender, juicy chicken breast can be tricky. The Instant Pot makes it easy and fairly foolproof.
We’ve included a very basic and versatile recipe that invites improvisation. Have fun and put your own spin on this dish by adding different seasonings to it if you’d like.
Simple Ingredient List
If you want to rock this Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breast: I tested this recipe using boneless chicken breasts and boneless chicken thighs (either fresh or frozen) and I like the combination of both cuts of chicken. In addition, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time may vary a little.
- Chicken broth (or water): To keep the chicken juicy and moist, prevent it from burning, AND add extra flavor, use one cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Or use my favorite, Better Than Bouillon, plus 1 cup of water. Plain, room-temperature water will work fine too.
- Seasonings: I typically use a simple mixture of smoked paprika, poultry seasoning mix, salt, and ground black pepper. In addition, you can add onion and garlic powder, hot chili pepper flakes, or a spoonful of soy or BBQ sauce.
Variety is the Spice of Life
This is a really short and simple ingredient list, but it’s a great base for improvising. Follow your own taste and preferences when it comes to seasonings. Let me know in the comment section below if you have a favorite seasoning combination to share!
I often use the recipe as a base for tacos, nachos, or enchiladas. Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 cup salsa, and 1 sliced onion to the recipe and omit 1/2 of the broth to use in a variety of Mexican recipes. And don’t forget the quick pickled red onions!
Amazingly easy and delicious!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Step-by-Step Recipe
You can Watch a video of how to make this recipe here!
- Add the chicken breasts, seasonings, and chicken broth to the bowl of your instant pot. Give everything a toss to combine, then arrange the chicken breast pieces so that they are spread out in an even layer.
- Next, cover and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release, followed by a quick release. The total time for my machine, including preheating and pressure release, is 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken. I find it easiest to remove the chicken to a bowl on the countertop to do this. If you do, return the chicken to the pot after shredding and give it a good toss with the remaining juices from the pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of chicken seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts, seasonings, and chicken broth to the bowl of your instant pot. Give everything a toss to combine, then arrange the chicken breast pieces so that they are spread out in an even layer.
- Next, cover and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release, followed by a quick release.
- Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken. Also, give it a good toss with the remaining juices from the pressure cooker.
- Category: main dish
- Method: instan pot
- Cuisine: American
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tips and Tricks
- This instant pot shredded chicken is so great for your weekly meal prep. It’s super easy to store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss into soups or other hot chicken dishes, or reheat on the stovetop with a few tablespoons of broth.
- You can also freeze the shredded chicken in zip lock bags, with as much air pushed out as possible and it will keep for up to 4 months. When using, it should be left in the refrigerator overnight to defrost or tossed directly into your pot on the stovetop.
- There are so many uses for shredded chicken breast. Try to make a few batches to have to hand for easy meals and store it in the freezer as previously noted. Here are three of the recipes where I love to add shredded chicken.
Simple, Fresh Corn Salad Recipe
Frozen corn, chopped tomatoes, peppers, black beans, zucchini, scallions, and lime with a smoky viniagrette. Makes a perfect accompaniment to Shredded Chicken Tacos!
Enjoy Your Shredded Chicken Dishes!
There you have it: a delicious low-carb, gluten-free way to cook chicken breast for any delicious shredded chicken dish you plan to serve!
Other Serving Ideas for Shredded Chicken Breast
Last but not least, if you need some delicious side dishes to pair with the shredded chicken as the main dish, here are three of great side dishes:
I welcome your feedback!
What do you think ? Did you use the basic recipe or did you add other seasonings? Tell us all about it in the comment section below.
Your feedback is extremely helpful. It lets me know what you like and what else you are looking for in my recipes. If you ask questions in the comments section, I will respond as soon as possible!
