Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, or as a protein-packed addition to any meal. The best part? It’s ready in no time and can be customized to suit your favorite flavors!
Equipment:
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Tongs or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: juice of 1 lime, or 1 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up the Instant Pot:
- Pour chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned chicken directly into the liquid.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes for fresh chicken or 12 minutes for frozen chicken.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it in a mixing bowl or on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, or use a hand mixer for faster results.
- Add Flavor (Optional):
- If desired, return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and mix it with the cooking liquid for added flavor and moisture.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the shredded chicken in tacos with salsa, cheese, and avocado.
- Use it as a topping for salads or grain bowls.
- Add it to pasta dishes, casseroles, or soups.
- Use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, use chicken stock instead of water and add a splash of lemon or lime juice.
- Customize the seasoning to match your dish (e.g., taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or barbecue sauce).
- Freeze leftover shredded chicken in portioned bags for quick meals later.
This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is the ultimate time-saver for busy cooks. It’s flavorful, tender, and endlessly versatile, making it a must-have recipe in your repertoire. Whether you’re prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe will never let you down!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is quick, versatile, and perfect for meal prep! Juicy, flavorful chicken ready in under 30 minutes for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Tongs or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: juice of 1 lime or 1 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up the Instant Pot:
- Pour chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned chicken directly into the liquid.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the "Sealing" position.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes for fresh chicken or 12 minutes for frozen chicken.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it in a mixing bowl or on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, or use a hand mixer for faster results.
- Add Flavor (Optional):
- If desired, return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and mix it with the cooking liquid for added flavor and moisture.
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