Instant Pot Shredded Chicken – easy way to cook fresh or frozen chicken breast into a juicy, flavorful shredded meat and use in many dishes, like tacos, BBQ chicken, Buffalo chicken, sandwiches or soups.
You can cook delicious chicken in your pressure cooker, like my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs or Instant Pot Whole Chicken.
INSTANT POT SHREDDED CHICKEN
If you love to meal prep or need an easy way to cook shredded chicken, I got just the recipe for you! This fail-proof method makes juicy and flavorful chicken that you can use for meal prep. This chicken is perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps or main dishes like BBQ chicken, enchiladas, tacos, casseroles and soups. Simply cook seasoned chicken in stock, then shred. Instant Pot makes meal prep so easy!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- dried oregano
- chicken stock (low-sodium recommended)
How to make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot?
- Start by measuring out 2 to 3 lbs of chicken breast.
- Season generously with salt (I used sea salt), black pepper, dried oregano and Italian seasoning. If you know you will be using this chicken for Mexican dishes only, use taco seasoning; if you need it for Greek dishes, use Greek seasoning, etc.
- Add chicken stock to Instant Pot insert, place chicken breast inside.
- Close the lid and cook chicken on HIGH pressure for 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Drain chicken from liquid (you can discard it or use it for soups) and shred chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken?
Yes, if you have frozen chicken on hand, you can still make this shredded chicken in your Instant Pot. That’s one of the brilliant things about this cooking device! For frozen chicken, set the timer to 16 minutes. It will also take longer to come to pressure.
How long can I keep this chicken in the fridge?
If stored in the fridge, this chicken is good for 3 to 4 days. If stored in the freezer, you can keep it for 2 to 3 months.
Tips for the best Instant Pot Shredded Chicken:
- use chicken stock: you want the chicken to cook in the liquid for the juiciest and most flavorful meat.
- chicken breast vs. chicken thighs: you can use either or a mix of both. Chicken thighs have dark meat which and are more flavorful.
- seasoning: use more seasoning than usually to ensure flavorful chicken. If you know you will use the chicken for Mexican, Greek, Asian, etc dishes, use specific seasoning blends.
How to shred chicken?
The fastest and easiest method is to simply use two forks. There are tools out there for shredding meat (they look like claws) but placing the chicken on a plate or large bowl and using forks is my go-to method. You can also use a hand mixer and shred it right in the Instant Pot insert.
How to use shredded chicken?
You can easily shred this chicken with two forks or use a hand mixer. It shreds better while it’s still warm. You can also let the chicken cool completely and then slice it. It’s perfect for sandwiches! Here are recipes you can make with shredded chicken:
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes:
Instant Pot Roasted Whole Chicken
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes.
More Meal Prep Instant Pot Recipes:
New to Instant Pot? Make sure to check out our Instant Pot Guide for Beginners and browse our Instant Pot Category for more recipes.
Fail-proof and easy way to cook fresh or frozen chicken breast into a juicy, flavorful shredded meat and use in many dishes, like tacos, BBQ chicken, Buffalo chicken, sandwiches or soups.
- 2 to 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken stock low-sodium recommended
- Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot.
- Place chicken breasts on a plate and season generously with salt, pepper, oregano and Italian seasoning.
- Pour chicken stock into IP insert. Add chicken into the liquid.
- Close the lid and set valve to sealing position (newer models do it on their own).
- Press "manual" or "pressure cook" setting and set timer to 12 minutes. Make sure the Instant Pot is set to cook at HIGH pressure.
- The IP will beep after a few seconds and it will start coming to pressure. It can take 8 to 10 minutes.
- When the timer is done, press the "cancel/off" button. Do not switch the valve. Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally.
- When the pressure pin is down, carefully open to lid away from your face. Remove chicken onto a plate. Discard liquid or keep for soups.
- Shredd chicken with two forks or hand mixer.
Divide into 2-cup portions and place in freezer-safe bags or containers to use later. Store in fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Taylor says
My absolute favorite way to make chicken! So easy, quick and moist!
Anna says
Thanks, Taylor!
Jen says
I use this recipe so much! It totally saves me when I forget to take chicken out of the freezer for dinner. We love it!
Anna says
That’s fantastic! I am so glad it’s helpful! Thank you, Jen!
Kristyn says
Love the idea of chicken being ready so fast!! And, I love keeping shredded chicken on hand. Thank heavens for the instant pot!
Sara Welch says
Loved this recipe! Chicken was prepared quickly and was perfectly moist!
Melissa says
This is so great! I love my Instant Pot and this is such a great use! Thank you!