Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, the most tender and juicy meat that is ready in no time and can be used in so many recipes. Great for meal prepping as the poultry freezes very well. This will be your go-to recipe for getting succulent chicken every time. Use in quesadillas, chicken bacon stromboli, enchiladas, salads, and casseroles.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Who doesn't love a great meal using chicken? This recipe has become a staple for preparing my weekly meal plans. I highly suggest buying your poultry on a good sale and making a big batch of shredded chicken to freeze in quart size bags to use for quick and easy meals like quesadillas and salads.
Essential Ingredients:
The full ingredient list is in the recipe. Here are the highlights.
- Chicken: Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Thighs can be used
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder are fabulous to add flavor to the poultry.
- Bay Leaf: The leaf adds flavor to the water which will enhance the flavor in the chicken.
- Carrots: Gives a sweetness to the broth and poultry.
- Celery and Onions: Adds another level of flavor.
- Thyme: The herbs enhance the flavors of the poultry.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- For easy and delicious chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken. They should not be frozen together but individually frozen chicken breasts. Add 7-minutes to the cooking time.
- The chicken can be layered in the Instant Pot. They will cook evenly.
- The cooked chicken temperature will be 165°F.
- Store chicken in freezer-safe bags.
How do you freeze shredded chicken?
Lay the cooked chicken on baking trays and place in the freezer for at least 30-
I love using my freezer bags( when I am meal prepping! The chicken stays fresh and no freezer burn! They can keep in the freezer longer too. Using sturdy freezer bags are also great to store chicken.
Can I overcook the poultry?
Overcooked chicken is never good. The beauty of the Instant Pot and this recipe is perfectly cooked chicken.
What do I do if my chicken is not at 165F after being cooked?
If this should happen, place the cover back on the Instant Pot and let the chicken sit in the hot water another 5 minutes. There should not be an issue with the chicken temperature after the additional 5 minutes.
Note, I have never had my chicken not be done. I had someone else make the recipe for testing and there chicken was 160. They also were using partially frozen chicken breasts.
Recipes to make with the shredded chicken
Endless possibilities, here are a few ideas:
- enchilada chicken sliders
- Instant Pot Chicken Chow Mein - a fantastic take-out fake out.
- chicken salad
- quesadillas
- tacos
- casseroles
- BBQ pizza
- Asian Chicken Sliders from Unicorns in the Kitchen
- Apple Slider Pulled Chicken from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
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Shop this Recipe:
- 6-Quart Instant Pot: The 6-quart is perfect for a family of 4.
- Shredding Claws for Meat: I own these meat shredders, they work great. Easy on the hands.
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Step by Step Recipe Instructions
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- Remove excess fat from the chicken breasts. Season with thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the rack in the bottom of Instant Pot. Put the chicken pieces on the rack.
- Add water, onion, bay leaf, carrot, and celery.
- Place lid on Instant pot, Set to high pressure 5 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes. Turn the valve to open and let the remaining steam release.
- Remove chicken. Let sit for about 10 minutes. Shred chicken.
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The Best Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 5 ounces each
- 1 large onion, peeled no need to chop
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
Chicken Breast Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 cups chicken broth or water Note 1
Instructions
- Trim chicken breasts of any excess fat. Season chicken with the thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Place the insert into the Instant Pot. Add chicken stock or water. Place seasoned chicken breasts into Instant Pot. Add in the onion, bay leaf, carrot, celery, and whole garlic. (Note 2)
- Place lid on Instant Pot, seal. Ensure the sure vent is closed. Set pressure to high and cook, 5 minutes. Once the cycle is complete, natural release for 10-minutes. Then, turn the valve to auto-release to release the remaining steam.
- Remove lid, chicken should be at 165 degrees. Shred chicken. Strain broth and use as chicken broth.
- Chicken can be used as slices or shredded. Store chicken in storage or freezer bags. Place in freezer or use in other recipes.
Bella Watson
This recipe makes me so happy! My sweet Mom who was an AMAZING cook passed away few years ago and poached chicken all of the time…and used a hand mixer to shred! I completely forgot until I read this recipe Thank you for the recipe and lovely memories of my Mom
Eileen xo
Aw, thank you so much Bella. I am so glad you have wonderful memories with your Mom in the kitchen.
Natalie
This is such a great recipe with so much helpful information. Thanks for sharing all this. Meat looks fantastic.
Eileen xo
Wonderful Maria, so glad you enjoy the recipe.
Sam
Yum, this shredded chicken looks delicious! I think I am the only person who doesn't have an instant pot yet. I need to get my hands on one asap!
Eileen xo
Sam, you need an Instant Pot, they are the best.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Instant Pot Chicken is a weekly Sunday thing for me. It's so versatile and perfect for weekly meal prep! I'm loving the recipe ideas you gave to use the shredded chicken!
Eileen xo
I'm happy you are enjoying the recipe.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
This looks so so good. My husband will love this instant pot shredded chicken for sure.
Eileen xo
Excellent. I hope you all enjoy it.
Jenny
Love your shredded chicken recipe. Great details and steps, it looks foolproof and quick! Will make it for chicken tacos, they will be amazing! Thank you!
Eileen xo
Nice, Jenny. Enjoy the tacos.
Anna
Wow, so many helpful tips and tricks, thanks so much for sharing it all! I love how many different uses the chicken meat has, and this recipe is so versatile!
Eileen xo
Thank you Anna, enjoy the chicken.
Ramona
What a wonderful idea to make this and use for picnic sandwiches or with a sauce over some pasta or rice. Wonderful idea, thanks for sharing!
Eileen xo
I'm so glad you enjoy the chicken recipe, Ramona.
Heidy
This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken was so tender and flavorful. I loved how easy it was to make and will be making it again. The boys loved it.
Eileen xo
Wonderful Heidy. I'm happy you and your family are using the recipe.
Jacqueline Debono
Such a great idea for meal planning and prep. We use chicken a lot in summer especially in salads and sandwiches but I usually but a rotisserie chicken. Next time going to cook the breasts like this and freeze some!
Eileen xo
Excellent Jacqueline. Enjoy.
Amy
Love this recipe! Thanks for the super helpful steps and tips. 🙂 I think it's always great to have some chicken on hand and ready to be used, because there are soooo many yummy recipes you can throw it into to whip up a quick meal!
Eileen xo
I'm so glad you enjoy the recipe Amy. I hope you make this often.