Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Tips and tricks to get the best Instant Pot Shredded Chicken that has great flavor, is tender and not overcooked. It’s perfect for weekly meal prep or a healthy addition to soups, salads, pastas or sandwiches. Best part is you can make it from fresh or frozen chicken breasts.

Once you try this Instant Pot shredded chicken you won’t buy one of those cooked rotisserie ones at the store again! I used to buy them all the time, but once I got a pressure cooker I realized I can make shredded chicken that is just as juicy and delicious. Plus, I know exactly what’s in it!

Making shredded chicken in the Instant Pot is so easy! I use it to make crock pot chicken tacos, salads, pizzas, wings, and so much more! Let me tell you, it’s saved me on many a busy weeknight!

The best news is that you can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts. I love that I don’t have to remember to thaw it so it’s perfect for last-minute meals. If you don’t have a pressure cooker I have a crockpot recipe, too!

I’m so excited to show you how to make the most delicious and juicy shredded chicken in your Instant Pot. You are going to love this recipe!

Steps to Prepare

Place whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. They should be in an even layer.

Add chicken stock. This keeps the meat from drying out and it adds flavor, too.

Some electric pressure cookers have a preprogrammed option for cooking meat and you definitely want to ignore it! In my experience, those settings aren’t always right and often over cook the meat – it will be so dry if you do. So, I’ve tested this recipe and have determined the perfect cooking time.

• For fresh or thawed: close the vent, and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Once down, allow the steam to naturally release for 10 minutes.
• For frozen: close the vent, and pressure cook for 15 minutes and do a natural steam release for 10 minutes.

So, it takes just a little longer for frozen ones, but not much! It’s a lot faster than waiting for them to thaw before you cook them.

Once the steam has released naturally, carefully open the steam vent (there may be some steam still left to vent).

Use two forks to shred the meat. You can do this right in the IP if you want. It will shred so easily – it will almost fall apart on it’s own!

Season it!

A lot of times I will leave it without seasoning so it’s verstaile to throw in my favorite recipes, but you can also give it a little seasoning if you’d like before you cook it.

Here are some ideas:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian Seasoning
• Garlic Powder
• Dried Thyme
• Dried Basil
• Dried Oregano
• Ranch Seasoning

How to Store It

If you don’t plan to serve it right away you can keep it in the refrigerator or freezer! Sometimes I make a few batches of this recipe and freeze it so I have it on hand when I need a quick dinner.

It will keep well in the refrigerator for three to four days. Or, you can freeze it for up to three months.

If you freeze it, be sure to fully cool it before storing it in freezer-safe containers.

Ideas for Using It!

Once you have your perfectly cooked and juicy chicken there are so many ways to use it! Here are some of my favorite recipes:

• Use to make my easy Mexican Casserole! It’s creamy, cheesy and so comforting.
• One of our family favorites is Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. It’s an easy chicken casserole recipe your family will love, too!
• Take your shredded chicken and make a batch of Buffalo Chicken Dip! It’s a hot dip that’s perfect for parties and game-day.
• You can make the best Enchiladas with it, too. Everyone will want seconds!
• If you love chicken noodle soup you will love my hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole! It has all of the same flavors but served up as a cozy casserole.
• Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups is a great way to use it. You only need six ingredients!
• Or try my amazing Alfredo Stuffed Shells – they are so good.
• Everyone loves my Chicken Tortilla Soup and it’s super easy to make with precooked meat!

Once you try this easy recipe you’ll want to have it on hand all the time! It’s so easy and you can use it in so many ways. I hope you love it!

Love it? I knew you would! Rate it, please!! It would be awesome if you’d give it a five-star rating below! If you snap any photos, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!