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Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is perfect for recipes that call for cooked chicken like tacos, enchiladas, BBQ chicken and more. This juicy chicken recipe also works great for meal prep.
One of my favorite kitchen hacks is to buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to use in recipes that call for shredded chicken like chicken tacos, chicken enchiladas, chicken quesadillas, a chicken and rice casserole, or even chicken salad sandwiches. While it’s hard to beat the convenience of a pre-cooked chicken, it is SO easy to make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot.
Today I’m going to run through the quick and easy steps to make this time-saving and convenient shredded chicken recipe in the Instant Pot. PS: Don’t forget about my easy slow cooker shredded chicken recipe if you are the type that plans ahead! Let’s cook this shredded chicken together. You aren’t going to believe how truly simple it is while offering so much versatility in both the flavor and the use of the chicken. ❤️-Ashley
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Pin It NowHow to Make Chicken in the Instant Pot
Here is a brief overview of how this instant pot shredded chicken recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all cooking times, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Place the chicken in the instant pot. Place the raw chicken breasts in the bottom of the instant pot. Season with salt and pepper, or whatever seasonings you prefer. Add 1 cup water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Cook the chicken. Close the lid, ensure the valve is set to sealing, then cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 ℉.
- Shred the chicken. Quick release the pressure, then shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer.
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How to Shred Chicken
Once fully cooked, these Instant pot chicken breasts are super moist and tender. They can be shredded easily using two forks. You can also put them in the bowl of your stand mixer and shred them using the paddle attachment or use your hand mixer. This is a great method if you are making a big batch!
How Long to Cook Chicken in the Instant Pot
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. If using large chicken breasts, allow 12 minutes to cook. When I purchase the large Costco chicken breasts, they are around 8 ounces each and take the full 12 minutes to cook. Smaller chicken breasts will cook through in around 10 minutes.
The best way to know when chicken is fully cooked in any recipe is to use an instant read thermometer. Chicken is considered fully cooked at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to insert the thermometer at the thickest part of the breast. When using a meat thermometer, you will know when your meat is cooked enough for food safety purposes, but not overcooked which would result in dry chicken.
Yes! This recipe can be made with fresh or frozen chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly so be sure to rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than the timer.
The key is to have the chicken in a single layer in the instant pot and not overlapping. I can usually fit two at a time, so if you plan to make more than that, you will need to cook them in batches.
Variations
This recipe is the base for cooking chicken in the instant pot. You can season and adapt it to your liking and what you plan to do with the chicken! From as simple as salt and pepper, garlic or onion powder, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika would all be delicious. I love the flavor that chicken broth adds, but plain water can also be used to cook the chicken and keep it moist.
You can even make instant pot chicken tacos by adding taco seasoning and salsa!
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, this chicken can be used or eaten immediately, or stored for later. You can keep any leftover chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. Always use your best discretion with leftovers.
Freezing Cooked Chicken
Having frozen cooked chicken is a great way to always have cooked chicken on hand during the busy weekdays. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely then transfer it to a freezer safe bag or container. I like to put them in individual servings that are labeled so I can grab a bag and know exactly how much is in the bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months.
Shredded Chicken Recipes
Instant pot shredded chicken breasts can be used in so many ways and is a great way to meal prep! Here are a few of my favorite recipes that call for cooked shredded chicken.
- Green Chicken Chile Enchiladas
- Easy Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
- Baked BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Pesto, Chicken & Provolone Flatbreads
If you make this easy instant pot shredded chicken recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot (or other pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- salt, pepper, and other seasonings of choice
Instructions
- Arrange chicken breasts in the Instant Pot in a single layer.
- Season with salt, pepper, and other seasonings of choice.
- Add 1 cup water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, ensure the valve is set to sealing, then cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 ℉.
- When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure. Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken.
