How To Make Shredded Chicken in Instant Pot

Name: How To Make Shredded Chicken in Instant Pot
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts (✅); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup water

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Learn How To Make Shredded Chicken in Instant Pot in a few short steps. Use during the week or in future recipes. Our simple cooking method for chicken makes mealtime even easier. Instant pot shredded chicken can be used in everything from tacos to casseroles. It can be made in bulk and frozen. Prefect for busy nights!

Cooking chicken in the instant pot is quick, easy and delicious. It is one of the best ways to cook chicken!

Chicken thighs became a staple in our home because we didn’t have to worry about dried-out chicken. Now, with the Instant pot, we can pick between chicken thighs or chicken breasts without fear.

It is possible to overcook chicken in the Instant Pot, which is why our recipe has been tested over and over. We are excited to share that when followed as written, you will end up with juicy and tender chicken every time!

Serve plain chicken or seasoned to perfection with your family’s favorite seasoning blend.

Looking for more gluten free chicken recipes? We have you covered with our Green Chili Chicken Soup, Chicken Cutlet Sandwich, and Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breasts ✅
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup water

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Add the trivet and water to the instant pot. Add the chicken on top of the trivet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place the lid on the instant pot and turn the vent to sealing.

Cook

Cook on high pressure for 11 minutes. When the time is up do a quick release by turning the valve to venting.

Remove the chicken and shred it with 2 forks. Use as desired.

The liquid in the bottom of the Instant pot after cooking is in fact homemade chicken broth!

You can save the broth for future use by pouring into a container and storing in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes a great freezer staple.

Best Ways To Use Shredded Chicken

Are you ready for all the ways that you can use instant pot shredded chicken? This versatile protein can easily be cooked in bulk then served hot or chilled during the week.

Instant pot shredded chicken tacos are one of our top family favorites along with chicken enchiladas, burritos, taco salads, chimichangas, and nachos.

You also cannot go wrong with pasta recipes with shredded chicken such as Gluten Free Alfredo, Chicken and Bacon Pasta, or Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Bake.

Shred chicken to incorporate into casseroles, soups, chilled salads, creamy chicken salads, wraps and sandwiches.

Freezing batches of shredded chicken is ideal if looking for an easy meal prep idea. Easily grab chicken from the freezer when looking to make Cast Iron Shredded Chicken Nachos, Gluten Free Chicken Tortilla Soup, Oven Baked Chicken Tacos, Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole or Grandmas Chicken Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook chicken in instant pot?

You will cook for 11 minutes; however, make sure to plan for the time it takes the instant pot to come to pressure and the time it takes for the instant pot to release the pressure.

How long to cook frozen chicken in instant pot?

This recipe is made with fresh chicken breasts. If looking to cook with frozen chicken (which you can do!), follow our step-by-step instructions in our How To Cook Frozen Chicken in Instant Pot guide.

Can you use chicken thighs?

Yes! Simply swap the breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

How to store?

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to freeze?

To freeze, let completely cool after shredding then add to freezer. Using stasher or Ziploc bags to freeze in batches is an easy meal prep idea. Grab a portion when needed, thaw overnight in the fridge then use as directed.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Read the package or weight the chicken until you have 2 pounds for this recipe. If looking to make in bulk, double the recipe by cooking 4 pounds of chicken with 2 cups of water.
Before you turn on the Instant pot, make sure the valve on the lid is closed.
When you turn the valve to venting to release the pressure, be aware some water may spray out the top.
Shred chicken with forks or learn how easy Shredding Chicken With Kitchenaid Mixer is.

More Ways To Cook Chicken

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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