If you need a quick, easy, and versatile shredded chicken recipe that the whole family will love, this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is it! Bursting with flavor and perfectly tender, this hassle-free dish is a total game-changer for busy households. You’ll want to make it again and again!

shredded chicken in a yellow bowl with two forks.

Why Make Shredded Chicken In The Instant Pot

  • Easy Meal: This Instant Pot Pulled chicken is literally the easiest meal you’ll ever make.
  • Cooks Fast: If you need chicken and need it fast, then you’ll love how quick this chicken cooks.

Recipe Ingredients

Making Instant Pot pulled chicken is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table.

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts And Thighs: Offer a blend of lean and slightly fattier meat, resulting in shredded chicken that’s tender and full of flavor.
  • Your Favorite Rub: Infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor during cooking, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
  • Reduced Sodium Vegetable Broth: Keeps your shredded chicken moist and savory without excessive saltiness.
chicken breasts on a chopping board.

Substitutions

  • Broth: You may substitute the vegetable broth for chicken broth. You might also want to add a little garlic powder or smoked paprika to give the cooked chicken some extra flavor.

How To Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken?

chicken breasts in a bowl.

Step One: Mix together chicken and your rub in a bowl.

chicken breasts in a bowl covered in chicken stock.

Step Two: Add the vegetable broth to Instant Pot and add the chicken directly into the liquid.

chicken breasts and chicken stock in an instant pot.

Step Three: Cover and seal your pot. Select Pressure Cook/Manual, set to high pressure for 10 minutes.

chicken breasts and chicken stock in an instant pot.

Step Four: Cook and then allow the pressure to release naturally.

shredded chicken in an instant pot.

Step Five: Remove chicken from your Instant Pot onto a plate and shred using some forks.

shredded chicken on a white plate.

Step Six: Remove liquid from Instant Pot and add chicken back in, add some of the cooking liquid, mix and serve.

shredded chicken in a yellow bowl.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Fridge: To store shredded chicken, cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container or bag, and when ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Reheat shredded chicken by microwaving, sautéing, or incorporating it into other recipes. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken in a bowl.

What Can I Use Shredded Chicken For?

Shredded chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to soups and casseroles. And because it is already cooked, shredded chicken can save you time when you’re trying to get dinner on the table. Here are just a few ideas for how to use shredded chicken:

  • Chili Or Soup: Add shredded chicken to your favorite soup or Chili Recipe for extra protein.
  • Rice Or Quinoa: Stir it into some Cooked Rice or Quinoa along with some sauteed veggies for a quick and easy stir-fry.
  • Salad: Mix it with mayo, diced celery, and seasonings to make a tasty Chicken Salad.
  • Mexican: Use it as a filling for Mexican Chicken Pot Pie, chicken tacos, burritos, or Enchiladas.
  • Make a batch of cheesy Chicken Spaghetti by stirring shredded chicken into cooked pasta and a jar of Marinara Sauce.

When I have people over for dinner, I make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken and everyone is super happy and full. It’s a win-win. What do you think about shredded chicken?

FAQ’S

Is Shredded Chicken And Pulled Chicken The Same?

Both shredded and pulled chicken involve cooking the meat until it’s tender enough to be easily separated into smaller pieces.

Shredded Chicken: Typically, shredded chicken is cooked until fully done, then the meat is manually or mechanically shredded into bite-sized pieces using forks, a mixer, or other utensils. It can be a more controlled and uniform process.

Pulled Chicken: Pulled chicken often implies cooking the meat low and slow, traditionally in barbecue or slow-cooker style. The chicken is then pulled apart by hand or with forks into long, thin shreds. This method tends to result in a more rustic, uneven texture.

Can You Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?

Yes, if you wish to cook chicken breast from frozen then place boneless chicken breasts into your Instant Pot for 12 minutes. This two minutes of extra time will allow the chicken to cook through

Best Chicken Meat For Shredded Chicken?

To get delicious shredded chicken I use a combination of boneless skinless chicken thighs and chicken breasts, however either will work well for this recipe.

shredded chicken in a yellow bowl with two forks.

Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Make meal prep a breeze with this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, making it easy to shred and use in your favorite dishes. Perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or meal prep, it’s a versatile and time-saving recipe you'll love!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serving Size 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast and Thighs
  • 1.5 tbsp Herbs or Your Favorite Rub
  • 1 Cup Reduced Sodium Vegetable Broth

Instructions

  • Mix together chicken and your rub in a bowl.
  • Add the vegetable broth to Instant Pot and add the chicken directly into the liquid. Cover and seal your pot. Select Pressure Cook/Manual, set to to high pressure for 10 minutes. Cook and then allow the pressure to release naturally.
  • Remove chicken from your Instant Pot onto a plate and shred using some forks.
  • Remove liquid from Instant Pot and add chicken back in, add some of the cooking liquid, mix and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1050kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 194g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 581mg | Sodium: 1052mg | Potassium: 3365mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3mg

Notes

Fridge: To store shredded chicken, cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container or bag, and when ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat shredded chicken by microwaving, sautéing, or incorporating it into other recipes. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
meal plan for eat your beets.

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you’re a fan of this easy Instant Pot Chicken recipe, I’ve got a few more delicious ideas you’ll love! Check these out:

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