Instant pot shredded chicken is so easy to make and my favorite way to prep dinner for easy meals all week long!
Shredded chicken in the instant pot is an absolute life saver. We do this at least once a week to make meal times easier. Enjoy some now and freeze some for later. Try your shredded chicken on our BBQ chicken pizza recipe!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken – Pictured are breasts, but thighs work well too.
- Liquid – I prefer to use chicken stock or broth, but water can be used too.
- Seasonings – You can do them totally unseasoned, but I like to add a little salt and pepper. Read below for more seasoning suggestions.
Chicken, broth, salt, pepper.
How do you make shredded chicken in the instant pot? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, arrange chicken in bottom of Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top.
⭐ Next, cook on high pressure, then allow to natural pressure release.
⭐ Then, carefully remove chicken from instant pot and allow to rest.
⭐ Finally, shred with a fork or electric mixer.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Place chicken in the pot with broth (or water) and seasonings.
Preparation
Can you make instant pot chicken ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this is the primary reason I make it. We fix several pounds of chicken at a time and then put it aside for easy dinners. The shredded chicken will last 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator or up to a year in the freezer.
How long do you cook raw chicken in the instant pot?
It takes about 5 – 6 minutes of pressure time to cook raw chicken in the instant pot. This recipe calls for a few minutes more because we want it cooked enough to shred.
What type of liquid for shredded chicken in the instant pot?
Chicken stock or broth is best because it will infuse flavor into your chicken, but water works fine too. You can also infuse flavor by adding seasonings, vegetables, or sauces.
Can you overcook chicken in the instant pot?
Yes, you can overcook the chicken, but thankfully because the pot cooks by pressurizing liquid (essentially high powered steam cooking) this is hard to do. Make sure with meat that is not fully submerged you always do a natural pressure release to avoid drying it out when depressurizing.
Can you make shredded chicken from frozen chicken in the instant pot?
Yes, to make shredded chicken from frozen chicken add about 5 minutes to the pressure time, then proceed normally with the remainder of the recipe.
Allow a natural pressure release so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
Leftovers and storage
How long does shredded chicken from the instant pot last?
It will keep 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator or up to a year in the freezer. Make sure to store in an airtight container for best results.
Can you freeze instant pot shredded chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded chicken for up to a year. For best results, allow the chicken to cool in its broth, and then freeze (in the broth) in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Thaw in the refrigerator, on the stove top, in your microwave on the ‘thaw’ setting, or directly in your soup!
Shred with forks or an electric mixer.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
How do I keep my chicken from drying out in the instant pot?
Make sure, if your chicken isn’t fully submerged in broth, that you do a natural pressure release. If you quick release it will pull the moisture out and can create a dry result.
Can I use chicken breasts to make shredded chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs work great if you prefer a super moist shredded chicken. And they can be a cost saver too!
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
My favorite way to shred chicken is with an electric mixer. Toss the chicken in a bowl and turn the mixer on medium. This can be done with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Put the shredded chicken back in the pot with the broth and juices.
Variations
❤ Give it a taco Tuesday flair by adding a packet of taco seasoning, that way your chicken is ready for taco night!
❤ Go Asian with a bottle of teriyaki sauce.
❤ Make it fajita night with a packet of fajita seasoning.
❤ Chilly night? How about a packet of chili seasoning!
Enjoy as-is or in your favorite dishes.
What to eat with instant pot shredded chicken (serving suggestions)
I love using pre-cooked shredded chicken in casseroles like this cheesy chicken and rice casserole, enchilada chicken casserole, chicken taco casserole, or hot chicken salad. It’s also great on its own with a side of sautéed vegetables or broccoli cheese potato casserole.
And if you love shredded meat in the instant pot, try this instant pot balsamic pot roast next. Only two ingredients!
We like to use half and freeze half.
More ways to cook chicken
- Buffalo chicken burgers
- Baked BBQ chicken recipe
- Easy parmesan crusted chicken
- How to spatchcock chicken
- See all our easy chicken recipes!
Other instant pot favorites
- Instant pot tortellini salad
- Instant pot corn recipe
- Lasagna soup in the instant pot
- Instant pot spaghetti
- Instant pot stuffed pepper soup
- Sloppy joes in the instant pot
- Check out all our instant pot recipe ideas!
Store the chicken in it’s broth to keep it super moist and flavorful.
Tools we love
- Instant pot pressure cooker – Mine is a 6 quart basic model, but there are lots of bigger, smaller, and fancier options to choose.
- Stand mixer – Perfect for shredding chicken easily.
😍😍😍
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How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 - 3 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange chicken breasts in bottom of Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow to natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Allow chicken to rest at least 5 minutes.
- Shred, and then return to juices in pot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
More chicken recipes!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
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Courtney says
A family FAVORITE! We make this weekly! Love it. Thank you for the recipe.
April Woods says
You’re welcome!
Kristyn says
This is the quickest & easiest ways to prepare chicken!! I am always using shredded chicken & I make a ton each week this way!
Jennifer says
Have used this recipe over and over again!! Such a delicious & incredibly easy way to make chicken!