Quick, Simple, and Fast Shredded Chicken in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Shredded chicken for salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, soups, and casseroles! Easy fridge storage for a busy week, and freezer friendly!
Shredded chicken is a freezer staple for me year-round! I make it in big batches for my fridge and/or freezer so I always have some chicken on hand for meals during the week.
This method to cook chicken is hands-free and so easy! You will never want to cook chicken using a different method after using the Instant Pot. This is also a great money saver because there is no more running to the store for a rotisserie chicken!
I keep my recipe super simple:
Chicken: I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but boneless skinless thighs will work as well.
Chicken Broth: I prefer to use low sodium. Unsalted with work as well if you want greater control of the sodium levels.
Salt and Pepper.
That's it!
[easy-image-collage id=7603]To make the shredded chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, pour broth over the chicken, and season the chicken.
Seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 14-16 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Manually release the pressure, remove the chicken, shred, and return the chicken to the pot with the liquid. Store in the fridge or portion for the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, using frozen chicken in the Instant Pot is one of the perks. However, you will want to make sure that you adjust the cooking time. I suggest adding 5 minutes, and make sure the chicken is not one large mass. I also suggest allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release for about 5 minutes before completing it manually.
What is the best method to shred chicken?
Two forks works great and sometimes I will shred right in the Instant Pot. However, my go-to method is in my stand mixer. Check out my post for Instant Pot Cola BBQ Chicken for my video demo of shredding chicken using my stand mixer. Remember that chicken shreds best when it is warm.
Can I use different seasonings for the chicken?
Yes! One of my favorite combos is Taco Ranch Chicken.
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Check out these recipes using shredded chicken!
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Sandwiches
Chicken with Chile Cheese Rice
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken (With Freezer Instructions!)
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken broth and seasonings.
- Place cover on Instant Pot and turn vent to closed position.
- Cook on high pressure for 16 minutes if chicken breasts are larger sized. If chicken breasts are small to medium sized cook on high pressure for 14 minutes.
- Manually release the pressure until the pin releases on the lid of the pot.
- Remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to the pot to allow it to soak- up the broth. Store chicken in a sealed container for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, place chicken (I typically freeze in 2 cup portions) in a freezer safe sealable bag. Lay flat and push out the air before sealing. Store in freezer till ready to use.
This is a really handy and easy recipe to follow! Shredded chicken is so good to have on hand for salads during the warm Summer months.
Shredded chicken is totally amazing for salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, soups, and casseroles. I love that you can get a few meals out of this slow cooker recipe.
This is a great recipe to have on hand. You can shredded to chicken to so many things so this will be perfect to make and have in the freezer at all time.
I love having my pressure cooker specifically for meal prep like this. It makes it so much easier to be able to throw quick and easy meals together with staples like this shredded chicken.
I can't wait to get an instant pot so that I can make things like THIS so easily!! This might become my year round staple too 🙂
I have never thought about making shredded chicken in the IP. Such a good idea. Chicken is a staple for us in summer. I use it a lot in salads and sandwiches! Pinning for later!
This is like the perfect example to make the most of my instant pot!! Thanks for sharing this and your tips!
This shredded chicken is so handy to have - versatile and it comes so handy when making a salad, a sandwich or any quick meal. Definitely saving this. Thanks for sharing.
I love how quick and easy the Instant Pot makes this recipe! I use shredded chicken for so many recipes, so this is really a handy recipe to keep in my back pocket. Thanks for sharing!
I love that this recipe is simple, yet delicious! Such a go-to recipe for any occasion!
There are so many ways I could use this shredded chicken! It is easy to store and easy to make - perfect! Great insights on the chicken broth!
I love recipes that are freezer friendly - I've been saving so much timme lately by cooking ahead. Can't wait to try your way of making shredded chicken!
Super handy to know! Thanks for sharing xx
Pressure cooker recipes are such a boon. And there are so many ways to use this shreds in recipes. I am saving this for my sister
The best shredded chicken I have seen this week! It is perfect for so many meals and I can definitely use this recipe this weekend. Thank you!
I would never have thought to create this. I will use your recipe and slice the chicken instead since I don't like pulled chicken, beef or pork.