Why we love this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe
I’m obsessed with this easy shredded chicken recipe. Here’s why I make it at least once a week:
Quick: It takes about 17 minutes (give or take) to make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot. Delicious: I use a combination of chicken broth and simple seasonings to achieve the very best flavor! Versatile: While the flavor is amazing, it’s also pretty subtle. You can toss your shredded chicken into salads, wraps, sandwiches, soups… The list goes on!
Can you make shredded chicken with thighs?
Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable if you have chicken thighs rather than breasts. Be aware they will take a little longer, you will need to cook them for 15 minutes, otherwise the recipe remains the same.
How to Store and Reheat
This recipe will make enough for eight servings and it’s a great option for meal prep. The cooked chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Take care to only reheat the shredded chicken once.
How to Freeze
You can also freeze shredded chicken for up to 4 months. Fully defrost before reheating and serve within 1 day.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many uses for this Instant Pot shredded chicken! I like to make a batch and toss it onto salads for easy lunches. It’s also great to toss in some buffalo or BBQ sauce and place onto buns for a quick and easy sandwich. It can be added right into soups, chilis and stews for hearty meals. Be sure to check out these recipes for ways to use shredded chicken.
More Instant Pot Recipes We Love
Instant Pot Whole Chicken Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Instant Pot Chicken Piccata
How to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Step by Step
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 TSP Italian seasoning, 1/2 TSP onion powder, 1/4 TSP garlic powder, 1/2 TSP salt and 1/4 TSP pepper. Season the chicken breasts with this mixture. Sear the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides. This step is optional, but it’s great at really sealing in the flavor! Pressure cook the chicken: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Put the chicken on top. Pour 1 cup chicken broth in the pot, right over the chicken. Seal the cooker and set to high pressure for 12 minutes. Release the pressure valve and wait for the pressure to release. Then, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken.
title: “Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-17” author: “Elizabeth Huggins”
What’s in Pressure Cooker Shredded Chicken?
I’m a big fan of easy recipes, and this is by far one of the easiest! You just need chicken, a few seasonings, and your pressure cooker, plus a few minutes to cook.
Chicken Broth: Helps ensure that the chicken stays moist and juicy while cooking. Broth also adds more flavor than water, so I highly recommend using it. Salsa: Infuses a bit more flavor into the chicken while cooking. Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken. Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade taco seasoning. Peppers: Jalapeño adds a bit of spice while chipotles in adobo add smokiness. Both are delicious additions, but completely optional.
Pro Tip: Try to arrange chicken in an even layer in the Instant Pot, instead of stacking it.
Variations on Instant Pot Pulled Chicken
I added salsa and taco seasoning to this chicken before shredding it for a delicious, slightly spicy flavor. However, you can use any combination of spices or seasonings you choose.
Simple salt and pepper will prepare the chicken for any possible recipe you might want to make with it. Make BBQ pulled chicken by adding your favorite BBQ sauce to the pot while it cooks. Use Italian seasoning to create something herby and flavorful for pastas or casseroles. Or try Creole seasoning, blackened seasoning, or any of your favorite seasoning blends.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheated in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
How to Freeze
To freeze instant pot shredded chicken, portion the shredded chicken into one large or several small Ziplock bags, seal, then press the chicken into a flat, even layer. Lay in the freezer until solid, then store for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot shredded chicken is so versatile and can be used in so many different shredded chicken recipes. That’s why I like making a batch of it when meal prepping, so I can use it in any dinners I might want for the week. Because of the seasoning I use here, I like to use this shredded chicken to make tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, or grain bowls. It’s also great in chicken taco soup, creamy white chicken chili, and baked chicken chimichangas. But with different spices or even simple salt and pepper, it becomes even more versatile. Add it to chicken pot pie or Buffalo chicken dip!
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes We Love
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Instant Pot Chicken Breast Instant Pot Chicken Thighs Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Instant Pot Buffalo Wings
