Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Whenever I find myself in need of a comforting, versatile dish, I turn to Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. This recipe has been a lifesaver for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its incredible flavor. Picture this: tender, juicy shredded chicken that’s infused with savory broth, perfect for tacos, salads, or even a cozy sandwich.
There was one particular evening when I had friends over unexpectedly. I had a couple of boneless skinless chicken breasts in the fridge and a craving for something warm and hearty. That’s when I whipped up my go-to Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. Within minutes, my home was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of chicken cooking under pressure. It was a hit! Everyone loved how easy it was to make and how it paired perfectly with various sides. I quickly turned our casual gathering into a delightful feast.
What I love most about Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is its versatility. You can use it in so many ways, whether for a busy weekday dinner or a fun gathering with friends. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Recipe Snapshot
15 mins
5 mins
10 mins
Easy
260 kcal
50 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
6 g
Mixing Bowl, Instant Pot
Why This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Shines
Quick and Easy
One of the standout features of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is how quickly it comes together. With just five minutes of prep time and ten minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. This makes it perfect for those evenings when you don’t have much time but still want a homemade dinner.
Tender and Juicy
The pressure cooker method ensures that the chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy every time. There’s nothing worse than dry chicken, and with my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, you never have to worry about that. The chicken absorbs all the flavors from the broth while it cooks, resulting in a satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Versatile Ingredient
This shredded chicken can be the star of many meals. Whether you’re prepping a taco bar, adding it to a fresh salad, or serving it on a bun, the possibilities are endless. You could even use it in soups or wraps. It’s a fantastic way to meal prep and have multiple meals ready to go!
Minimal Cleanup
With just one pot to clean, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken saves you time on both cooking and cleanup. I love how I can throw everything in the pot, set it, and forget it, allowing me to focus on other tasks while dinner is cooking.
Kid-Friendly
Kids love shredded chicken! It’s easy to eat, and you can customize it with their favorite toppings. Whether it’s tacos or sandwiches, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Healthy Option
By making Instant Pot Shredded Chicken at home, you control the ingredients completely. It’s a lean protein option that is low in calories and can fit into many healthy eating plans without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
The ingredients for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken are simple yet effective in creating a delicious meal. The magic lies in the combination of the key players: tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, a pinch of salt, and flavorful chicken broth. These ingredients come together to produce a dish that is satisfying and versatile, making it ideal for any occasion.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The heart of this dish! These lean cuts of chicken are perfect for shredding after cooking and soak up all the flavors during the process.
- Salt: A vital ingredient that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This adds depth and moisture to the chicken. The broth infuses the meat with flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
Making This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Making Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is as easy as it gets! Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the dish comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious shredded chicken in no time.
- Start by seasoning each piece of the chicken with salt. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural flavors of the meat. Make sure to rub the salt in well, coating each piece evenly.
- Next, add the chicken broth to your Instant Pot. This liquid will not only keep the chicken moist but also help it cook evenly under pressure. Layer the seasoned chicken on top of the broth, ensuring it’s well-arranged.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the valve to “sealing”—this is an important step to ensure that your chicken cooks properly under pressure. If you forget this step, you’ll end up with a long wait time.
- Now, set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for ten minutes. You’ll hear the pot start to build pressure, which is a good sign that dinner is on its way!
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a five-minute natural pressure release. This means you should just let the pot sit without touching the valve. After five minutes, carefully switch the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure. It’s exciting to hear that hissing sound!
- Open the lid once all the pressure is released and take a moment to enjoy the aroma. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. It should be very tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into shreds.
- For extra moisture, consider mixing the shredded chicken with a bit of the cooking liquid. This will enhance the flavor and keep your chicken juicy.
- You can choose to either discard the remaining cooking liquid or reserve it for other recipes like soups or sauces. It’s full of flavor!
- Serve your Instant Pot Shredded Chicken in tacos, on a salad, or in a sandwich.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking time: Cooking time will remain the same if you cook multiple chicken breasts. The Instant Pot will take longer to come up to pressure with more chicken inside but will still cook in ten minutes.
- Frozen chicken: For frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to twelve minutes and allow for a natural pressure release.
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer using chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time to thirteen minutes with a natural pressure release for best results.
- Inactive time: Keep in mind that the inactive time indicates how long the Instant Pot takes to get up to pressure and release pressure naturally.
Recipe Variations about Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
There are so many ways to enjoy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken! Here are some variations and tips to make this dish even more exciting:
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this shredded chicken! Place it in a freezer-safe container with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. It can last for up to three months.
- Pairing: Pair this chicken with fresh vegetables, like a side salad or steamed broccoli, for a balanced meal.
- Spice it up: For those who love a kick, add some taco seasoning or your favorite hot sauce to the chicken before cooking.
- Different broths: Experiment with different types of broth, such as vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or adding herbs for additional aroma.
- Wrap it up: Use the shredded chicken in wraps or burritos for a delicious lunch option that’s easy to take on the go.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, there are numerous delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas that you can try:
- Tacos: Fill corn or flour tortillas with the warm shredded chicken, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a fresh, zesty meal.
- Salads: Create a hearty salad by adding the shredded chicken over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. It’s a perfect option for lunch.
- Sandwiches: Use the chicken in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Rice bowls: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, adding beans and veggies for a delicious and healthy dinner.
- Meal prep: Prepare this dish ahead of time for easy meal prep. Store individual portions in containers and grab them for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Kids’ favorite: Use the shredded chicken in quesadillas or stuffed into baked potatoes for a hit with the little ones!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Shredded Chicken stands out as a quick, versatile meal that suits any occasion. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is. Your family will be asking for seconds, and it might just become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless skinless
- to taste Salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season each piece of chicken with salt. Add the chicken broth to your Instant Pot, along with the chicken.
- Close the lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for ten minutes.
- Once the countdown has completed, do a five-minute natural pressure release, and then release the rest of the pressure by doing a quick release.
- Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Mix it with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- You can either discard the remaining cooking liquid or reserve it to add to soups, etc.
Notes
- Tip 1: Cooking time will remain the same if you cook multiple chicken breasts. The Instant Pot will take longer to come up to pressure with more chicken inside but will still cook in ten minutes.
- Tip 2: For frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to twelve minutes and allow for a natural pressure release.
- Tip 3: If you prefer using chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time to thirteen minutes with a natural pressure release for best results.
- Tip 4: Keep in mind that the inactive time indicates how long the Instant Pot takes to get up to pressure and release pressure naturally.
