Making shredded chicken in your Instant Pot is the perfect way to save time and money! You will always have “ready to go” chicken for just about any quick recipe that required shredded chicken!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Cooking chicken in advance and then shredding it, is one of the best ways to have meals ready to go for the week ahead. One of our favorite ways to make shredded chicken to use in recipes is in the Instant Pot! If you want moist and tender shredded chicken quickly – then this is the method for you!
There are so many different healthy ways to use shredded chicken, from a healthy chicken salad to one of our most comforting meals of creamy chicken & biscuits.
The Instant Pot is a game-changer as far as getting food on the table quicker and for prepping food to use later in the week. This shredded chicken recipe actually does both. Use the chicken for a recipe today and freeze the rest of the chicken to have handy later in the month. Dinner and meal prep in the same pot!
– Read more about why your kitchen needs an Instant Pot! The Instant Pot is a Safe Pressure Cooker that is quickly becoming a necessary kitchen appliance.
How to Make Shredded Chicken in Your Instant Pot
1 lb. Chicken Breast – Pressure Cook Time 7 minutes
2 lb. Chicken Breast – Pressure Cook Time 14 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 or 2 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts
- salt & pepper
- 2 teaspoons sunflower seed oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth Or 1/4 cup if using 2 lbs. of chicken
- sprinkle of dried thyme and parsley
Instructions
- Lightly salt & pepper both sides of the chicken.
- Lightly coat the bottom of the Instant Pot with sunflower seed oil.
- Add chicken to the pot in a single layer if possible.
- Add the chicken broth to the sides of the chicken.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the Valve to “SEALING.”
- Push the “PRESSURE COOK” button and set time for 7 minutes. If using 2 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts, set the time for 14 minutes. (For 2 lbs. of chicken, let the chicken rest in the pot for 2 minutes before hitting the “Quick Release.”
- Once the time is up, hit the “Quick Release” and remove chicken to a cutting board.
- Cut chicken in smaller pieces and shred using your fingers or two forks.
TIP – If you always have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can get a delicious family dinner on the table in no time at all. This is a HUGE time saver and the start to quick & easy meals.
What type of chicken did we use to make this easy shredded chicken?
We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Shredded chicken is a great source of quality protein but make sure you always buy the healthiest chicken possible for you and your family.
- You can use chicken thighs for shredded chicken as well. Just check the time as chicken thighs can be thicker and take longer.
2 teaspoons of sunflower seed oil to coat the bottom of the pot –
1 lb. Chicken Breast – 2 tablespoon chicken broth
2 lb. Chicken Breast – 1/4 cup chicken broth
Sunflower seed oil is said to be healthier to cook with at higher temperatures than olive oil. When using the Instant Pot, we always use sunflower seed oil.
Make a Delicious Meal and Do Meal Prep all at the Same time with This Quick & Easy Shredded Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts (or use 2 lbs.
- salt & pepper
- 2 teaspoons sunflower seed oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth Or 1/4 cup if using 2 lbs. of chicken
- sprinkle of dried thyme and parsley
-
Lightly salt & pepper both sides of the chicken.
-
Lightly coat the bottom of the Instant Pot with sunflower seed oil.
-
Add chicken to the pot in a single layer if possible.
-
Add the chicken broth to the sides of the chicken.
-
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the Valve to "SEALING."
-
Push the "PRESSURE COOK" button and set time for 7 minutes. If using 2 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts, set the time for 14 minutes. (For 2 lbs. of chicken, let the chicken rest in the pot for 2 minutes before hitting the "Quick Release."
-
Once the time is up, hit the "Quick Release" and remove chicken to a cutting board.
-
Cut chicken in smaller pieces and shred using your fingers or two forks.
The amount of shredded chicken will vary depending on how finely you shred the chicken.
1 lb. Chicken Breast = close to 3 cups shredded chicken
2 lb. Chicken Breast = close to 6 cups shredded chicken
2 lbs. of raw boneless chicken breasts fits nicely in the bottom of the Instant Pot. These are thick breasts and we did not pierce them with a fork. Just add a little salt, pepper and dried thyme.
Push the “PRESSURE COOK” button and set the time for 7 minutes. If you are cooking 2 lbs. of boneless chicken breasts, set the time for 14 minutes. Let the chicken sit in the pot for 2 minutes before hitting the “Quick Release.”
How to Shred Cooked Chicken
There are a few ways to go about shredding the chicken once it has been cooked. Our favorite way is to cut the chicken into smaller pieces and then gently pull apart using your fingers. This is the best method because it’s always easier to work with nimble fingers rather than a utensil.
Another way to shred chicken is by using two forks and gently pulling away at the chicken from both sides of the meat. You can also use a knife and fork to tug at the chicken.
How to Use Delicious Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
There are many recipes that use shredded chicken as a main ingredient. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Chicken Enchiladas – Shredded chicken is rolled in tortillas and covered in a tomato or enchilada sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden brown. Top with cheese, avocado, and sour cream for a delicious meal.
Chicken Salad – Mix shredded chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings to make a flavorful chicken salad that can be served on bread, crackers, or over lettuce. Make your fresh Chicken Salad with homemade Mayonnaise
Buffalo Chicken Dip – Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese to create a spicy and creamy dip that is perfect for game day or parties.
Chicken and Rice Casserole – Mix shredded chicken with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen vegetables, then bake in the oven for a comforting and hearty casserole.
BBQ Chicken Sliders – Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, then serve on small buns with coleslaw for a fun and easy party food.
Chicken Quesadillas – Shredded chicken, cheese, and sautéed onions and peppers are sandwiched between two tortillas and cooked until crispy and golden brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Chicken Noodle Soup – Shredded chicken is simmered with vegetables and noodles in a flavorful broth to create a classic and comforting soup.
Delicious Chicken Tacos – who doesn’t LOVE chicken tacos.
Here are two of our favorite ways to use that shredded chicken –> Easy Chicken and Biscuits and Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup
How to Freeze Shredded Chicken to Use Later in Dinner or Lunch Recipes:
Freezing shredded chicken is a great way to always have chicken available for future meals.
Here’s how to freeze shredded chicken:
- Always make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes, then shred it into small pieces using two forks.
- Portion the shredded chicken – divide the shredded chicken into portion sizes that you will use for future meals. You can use freezer-safe bags or containers for this.
- Label and date – Label each bag or container with the contents and the date that you froze the chicken. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
- Freeze – Place the bags or containers of shredded chicken in the freezer. Make sure they are stored flat and not stacked on top of each other until they are completely frozen.
- Thaw and use – When you’re ready to use the shredded chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. You can then use it in a variety of recipes, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and sandwiches.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Beef Roast
Instant Pot Red Potatoes
Instant Pot White Rice
Lasagna Soup Instant Pot
