Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is one of the easiest ways to prep tender, flavorful chicken for quick meals all week long. This simple pressure cooker recipe uses chicken broth for extra flavor and makes juicy shredded chicken in about 25 minutes.
Use this easy shredded chicken for tacos, casseroles, soups, sliders, salads, meal prep, and freezer meals. It is a budget-friendly recipe that helps make busy weeknight dinners faster and easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
As a busy mom, I make this shredded chicken almost every week because it saves so much time during hectic days. I can use it for tacos one night, salads the next day, and freeze extra for quick meals later in the month. Having cooked chicken ready to go makes dinner so much easier when life gets busy.
- Quick and easy meal prep recipe
- Uses only a few simple ingredients
- Easy to freeze for later meals
- Much faster than slow cooking chicken all day
- Budget-friendly protein for busy families
If you not not have an Instant pot, try our Crock Pot Shredded Chicken.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless skinless chicken breasts work best because they cook quickly and shred easily. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Chicken Broth – Using broth instead of water gives the chicken more flavor and helps keep it tender. You can also use vegetable broth.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning, Taco Seasoning Recipe or Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe keeps this shredded chicken versatile and great flavor so it can be used in tacos, casseroles, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Step 1 – Put the chicken breasts in the pressure cooker. I used this 6 quart electric pressure cooker. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper or different seasonings. Add the chicken broth and pour all over the top of the chicken.
Step 2 – Put the lid on and set the lid valve to the “sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once it has finished cooking, do a quick release on the pressure by moving the valve on the lid to the “venting” position. Take the chicken out of the instant pot and shred.
Tips for Success
- Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
- We tested this recipe with both fresh and frozen chicken breasts with great results.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding for the juiciest texture.
- Use a hand mixer for faster shredding when making large batches.
- Double the recipe for freezer meals and weekly meal prep.
How to Use Shredded Chicken
- Chicken Taquitos – Mexican Monday is even easier since you have the shredded chicken ready to go.
- Tacos- Shredded Chicken tacos with all of the toppings are a favorite around here. Baked Chicken Tacos are also a hit.
- Sliders- The chicken is perfect to make Balsamic Chicken Caprese Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Sliders and Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- Appetizers- Buffalo Chicken Wonton Cups are packed with flavor and so easy.
- Chicken Pot Pie- the best comfort food.
- Crack Chicken– This is yummy over pasta, on a sandwich or alone. You may even like this Chicken Salad Recipe.
- Mexican Chicken Soup– Great way to stretch your meat budget!
- Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Salad- Top your favorite salad with chicken for added protein. We love this Easy Caesar Salad Recipe.
The ideas are endless. I also like to make extra to freeze. It is so handy having shredded chicken ready to go for quick meals.
Check out What to Make with Shredded Chicken.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator-Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze shredded chicken in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Portion into smaller amounts for easier meal prep.
- Reheating – Reheat in the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Yes. Frozen chicken breasts work well in this recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time depending on thickness.
Two forks work well, but a hand mixer or a stand mixer is the fastest option for shredding large amounts. See How to Shred Chicken for even more tips.
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful in the Instant Pot.
More Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
This Shredded Chicken Recipe is one of the easiest ways to prep flavorful chicken for quick meals throughout the week. It is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for tacos, casseroles, soups, salads, and freezer meals when you need dinner fast.
If you make this shredded chicken recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. We love hearing how your family used the chicken and which meals became favorites.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs Chicken Breasts approximately 3-4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Add 2-3 pounds chicken breasts, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper to the Instant Pot.
- Place the lid on and set the lid valve to the “sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. After the cook time, do a quick release on the pressure by moving the valve on the lid to the “venting” position.
- Remove the lid and shred the chicken with 2 forks.
- Serve immediately while warm.
What can you use if you don’t have any broth? Just water?
Yes
This is so great. I know you have the boiling and crockpot versions, too, but seriously! How much easier does it get?! LOVE this for portioning & freezing, THEN – makes your cp chicken n stuffing, chicken fajitas, instant pot chicken n dumplings, ETC…a breeze! Thank you, Carrie! ??