There’s something truly magical about having a go-to recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, and that’s exactly what you get with Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, offering savory, juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken that’s ready in a flash and works beautifully in countless meals. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or putting together a quick dinner, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a trusty friend you’ll want in your repertoire again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great meal starts with great ingredients, and what I love here is how just a handful of simple staples come together to create something irresistibly flavorful. Each ingredient plays its own special role in taste, juiciness, and that gorgeous golden color — let’s walk through them:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The star of the show, giving you a choice between lean, firm texture (breasts) or extra juiciness and richness (thighs).
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist during cooking and injects extra savory depth, plus makes for a lovely poaching liquid.
- Garlic Powder: Brings aromatic warmth and that unmistakable savory kick to each bite.
- Onion Powder: Adds a mellow sweetness and subtle complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Paprika: Infuses just the right amount of smokiness and lends a touch of appetizing color.
- Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of earthiness that plays beautifully with the other spices for a Mediterranean hint.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken all the way through and enhancing every flavor.
- Black Pepper: A bit of zip and pleasant heat to balance the mild spices.
How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Step 1: Add the Chicken and Broth
Begin by arranging your boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs right into the base of the Instant Pot. Pour that cup of chicken broth over the top to create a cozy bath — this not only helps build juicy, tender meat, but sets you up for infusing every bit with flavor from the start.
Step 2: Sprinkle on the Seasonings
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Don’t worry if the layers of spice look thick at first; as the chicken cooks under pressure, all those seasonings will melt right in, ensuring every shred is mouth-wateringly good.
Step 3: Set and Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. If you’re starting with fresh chicken, select high pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes. Using frozen chicken? No problem — just bump it up to 12 minutes. The pressure does all the heavy lifting, locking in flavor and tenderness with zero fuss.
Step 4: Pressure Release
Once cooking is finished, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. This gentle pause is key to keeping the chicken ultra-moist. After that, carefully do a quick release to let out the remaining steam and get ready for the best part!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl. Now, shred it up using two forks for classic texture, or bring in a hand mixer if you’re feeling speedy. For maximum flavor and extra juiciness, spoon a little of the cooking liquid over the shredded chicken. Your Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is deliciously ready for action!
How to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or thinly sliced scallions over your Instant Pot Shredded Chicken before serving. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also brighten things up — especially if you’re using it in tacos or salads.
Side Dishes
This chicken loves company! Pile it onto fluffy rice, nestle it into taco shells, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a perfectly balanced plate. It’s also amazing over quinoa bowls, tossed in a grain salad, or even wrapped in lettuce for a lighter twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Because Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is so adaptable, let your creativity soar! Pile it into baked potatoes, stuff it in sliders, or stir into soups and stews for extra protein. Toss with buffalo sauce for spicy sandwiches, or add barbecue sauce for a Southern-inspired pulled chicken vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a true gift for busy days! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and juicy for up to four days. It’s perfect for tossing into meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or just love having ready-to-go protein on hand), portion the cooled shredded chicken into freezer bags or containers. Add a little of the cooking liquid to keep it moist, and freeze for up to three months. Label your portions for easy grab-and-go!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of the leftover cooking liquid if needed. This keeps it from drying out, making it just as tasty as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs yield a slightly richer, juicier result, while breasts are leaner. Both work beautifully, and the method stays the same — just choose whichever you love most or have on hand.
Is it safe to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes, one of the many perks of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is that you can cook it straight from frozen. Just add a couple of extra minutes of cooking time (about 12 minutes total) and make sure the pieces are separated, not in one frozen block.
How do I keep the shredded chicken from drying out?
Saving some of the flavorful cooking broth to mix back into the shredded chicken is the secret to juicy results, even after reheating or storing. Toss just enough to moisten before serving or storing — it makes every bite more delicious!
Can I add extra spices or change the seasoning?
Definitely! The seasoning blend here is a classic base, but Instant Pot Shredded Chicken welcomes all sorts of flavor variations. Add chili powder, cumin, Italian herbs, or even a splash of hot sauce to match your meal plans.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
I love using two forks for a hand-shredded texture, but a hand mixer (on low) makes lightning-fast work if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to add a little broth for maximum tenderness, no matter which method you choose.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to simplify meal prep without sacrificing big flavor, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is the answer you’ve been searching for. It’s endlessly versatile, delightfully easy, and always crowd-pleasing — so I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a regular star in your kitchen lineup!
Print
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and tender Instant Pot shredded chicken that’s perfect for all your favorite dishes. This easy recipe yields flavorful shredded chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot: Add chicken to Instant Pot.
- Add seasonings: Pour chicken broth over chicken and add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes for fresh chicken or 12 minutes for frozen.
- Shred the chicken: Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Shred chicken and add some cooking liquid.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Use the shredded chicken for tacos, salads, sandwiches, or meal prep bowls.
- Experiment with different seasonings for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
