Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken takes 20 minutes to make and is an amazing meal-prep recipe. You can customize the spices, add your favorite sauce, or even make shredded chicken tacos. The chicken is juicy and flavorful and can easily be added to any meal.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast is such an affordable method to cook a bunch of chicken that is ready to go. You can use it in so many ways like in chicken enchiladas, chicken tacos, chicken salad, on chicken pizza, or just in a bowl with some roasted veggies and a delicious sauce.

The best part about making shredded chicken in the instant pot is that it only takes 20 minutes. We like to make a large batch and use it all week since it stores great too.

This chicken recipe is very customizable. You can mix up the spices and use any blend you like or toss the chicken in your favorite sauce when you are ready to enjoy it.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and easy – ready in 20 minutes!
• Perfect meal prep recipe – it stores great and can be used in tacos, wraps, salads, and more.
• So flavorful– Juicy, flavorful, shredded chicken every time.
• Easy clean up – made all in one pot.

Ingredients you will need

• Chicken breast – boneless, skinless chicken breast. I used 3 medium size raw chicken breasts (about 1.5-2lbs) and it made a very good amount of shredded chicken. Chicken thighs will also work.
• Chicken stock – low-sodium chicken stock or you can use water but I think that the chicken stock really adds even more flavor to the chicken. 
• Seasoning – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

How to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

*Be sure to check out the complete list of recipe ingredients and detailed instructions in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Place the raw chicken into the bottom of the instant pot. Mix up the seasoning in a small bowl and season the chicken evenly on both sides. 
2. Pour the chicken stock over the chicken. Secure the lid and set it to the sealing position. 
3. Set the instant pot for 10 minutes in manual mode. It will take 5-10 minutes for it to come to pressure then it will count down the 10 minutes of cooking time. Note: if you are using chicken breasts that are larger than 4 ounces each then it may take a bit longer to cook. 
4. Once the chicken breast is done cooking and the timer beeps, you can do a quick release to release any extra pressure then carefully remove the lid. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of one of the chicken breasts to see if it is fully cooked to 165 degrees F. If not, then continue cooking the chicken for 2 more minutes at a time until it is fully cooked.
5. Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the instant pot and place it onto a clean plate. Then you can shred it using 2 forks, which only takes a few minutes and is so easy to do. 

Note: Strain and save the liquid left in the Instant Pot and use it as chicken stock in other recipes like soup and chili. 

What types of chicken work best?

This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you are looking for recipes using chicken thighs then check out these air fryer chicken thighs that you can cook and shred as well. 

How do you shred chicken?

Shredding chicken is very simple and easy to do. Here are s few ways to do it. 

• Use two forks to pull and shred the chicken. 
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. 
• In a bowl using a hand mixer (my personal favorite).

Can I shred the chicken in the instant pot?

Yes, you absolutely can and this is a great way to do it! Plus you get all of the juices left in the pot that will be absorbed by the chicken without creating any more dirty dishes. Just use two forks to shred it easily right in the pot.

Tips for making instant pot shredded chicken

• Fresh, uncooked chicken breasts will yield the best results. The frozen chicken will work but I have found that it comes out drier and doesn’t always cook as evenly. Note: see below for how to use frozen chicken. 
• Season the chicken well for the best flavor. Change up the seasoning and use taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, or even cajun seasoning. 
• Use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water since it is already seasoned and adds a nice flavor to the chicken. 
• Make sure to use enough liquid. 1 cup of stock was the perfect amount for 3 medium size chicken breasts but if you find that your instant pot burned on the bottom then that means you need to add more liquid next time. 
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it for 10 minutes, then check the temperature using a meat thermometer and continue cooking in 2-minute intervals until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

Can you cook frozen chicken in the instant pot?

In the event that you forget to defrost your chicken, don’t worry, you can cook it frozen. It will take a bit longer but it will work just fine. 

To use frozen chicken: Use the same method as thawed chicken but cook it for about 18 minutes or until fully cooked to 165 degrees F.

Is it possible to overcook chicken in the instant pot?

Yes, it is possible for you to overcook chicken in the instant pot since it is difficult to check the temperature as it cooks. Once the chicken is done cooking check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer and continue cooking it until it is done to 165 degrees F and you won’t overcook it. 

Serving suggestions

• Chicken salad: use the shredded chicken in any chicken salad recipe like cranberry chicken salad, or a chicken taco salad. 
• Chicken tacos: pile it into some warm corn or flour tortillas and top it with your favorite taco toppings.
• Nachos: use it as a topping in place of the beef or beans for chicken nachos.
• Pizza: use it as a topping on pizza.
• Buffalo shredded chicken: toss it in your favorite buffalo sauce for a yummy, spicy addition to any meal. 
• Use it in a dip – use it in this amazing healthy buffalo chicken dip.

Storing and reheating suggestions

• To store: Easily store this shredded chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Place the chicken into a freezer-friendly container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure to press out any extra air if using a freezer bag to store it. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it as noted below when you are ready to use it.
• To reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

More healthy chicken breast recipes

• Air fryer boneless chicken breast
• BBQ Chicken Breast
• Baked Chicken Cutlets
• Healthy Chicken Soup

Other Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
• Healthy Turkey Chili
• Curried Butternut Squash Soup
• Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash

Did you try this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out.

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