Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: the easy and quick recipe

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is one of the easiest, most tender and tastiest recipes out there. Delicious and healthy, it's perfect for putting on salads, tacos, nachos… whatever! You can also change up the flavor a bit by using a different seasoning. Unlike crockpot chicken, this shredded chicken is very quick to make, so it's perfect for when you need to whip up a meal quickly. It is so moist and versatile that can be added to almost anything. Make delicious recipes by adding chicken to a salad, a sandwich, fajitas, or even tacos. So many delicious ways to use it! You can make this recipe in several different ways, which is very convenient depending on what is going on. Let's find out how to make shredded chicken with Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Chicken Ingredients

To make this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

Chicken: use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. If you use bone-in chicken, the cooking time may be longer. You can choose between fresh or frozen chicken as well.

Chicken broth (or water): it's perfect to keep the chicken moist. It's better to use a cup of chicken or vegetable broth if you have it on hand, to add flavor. If not, plain water will work as well.

Seasonings: mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper to add extra flavor to your recipe.

How to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

To make this Instant Pot Chicken recipe, simply combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Briefly stir to combine and arrange chicken breasts in an even layer. Cover with the lid and cook on high pressure for 17 minutes. Remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken, then let it count down for 5 minutes. Finally, serve the shredded chicken while it is still hot and add it to your favorite dish.

How to Shred Chicken

There are some simple techniques you can use to shred chicken. The good old fashioned fork method is one of the most used, but any of them will work just fine! Remember: be sure to shred the meat while it is still hot as it is much easier and literally falls apart.

Fork Method: The most common way is to place a fork on the chicken breast and use another fork to separate the chicken.

Stand Mixer: Another quick way is to put the cooked meat in the blender and turn it on low until it is shredded.

Hand blender: You can also place it in a large bowl and use a hand mixer.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Variations

– Instead of paprika and garlic powder, feel free to use your favorite seasoning such as the Italian or Cajun one.

– If you want to use frozen chicken instead of fresh chicken, cook it for 2-3 extra minutes.

– For extra flavor, add a bay leaf or tomatoes.

How to store Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Store Instant Pot Shredded Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze shredded chicken: let the meat cool and freeze it in a Zipper bag for up to 3 months. Before serving, thaw it overnight. You can also run the bag with hot water. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Ways to use Shredded Chicken

There are so many ways to use a batch of shredded chicken! Try a chicken soup, chicken noodle soup, chicken salad, chicken avocado salad, chicken casseroles or a chicken enchilada casserole. Use shredded chicken also to make Buffalo chicken dip or the Alfredo chicken bake.

Instructions

Add the chicken breasts, seasoning and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.

Attach the cap and close the pressure valve (make sure it's sealed).

Cook for 17 minutes on high pressure.

Let it count down for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.