There is something truly magical about how effortlessly tender and flavorful chicken can come out when using the pressure cooker, and this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe proves it beyond doubt. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts shredded to tender perfection in under 30 minutes, with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re prepping for a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a versatile protein to toss into salads, tacos, or sandwiches, this recipe quickly becomes your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, combining to create a beautifully seasoned, moist chicken with just enough broth to keep things juicy without diluting the flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect base for countless meals.
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, lean and ready to soak up all the seasoning and broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and helps bring out its juiciness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds a subtle, savory punch without overwhelming the mildness of the chicken.
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper: Just enough heat to give the chicken a gentle kick.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken tender and infuses it with savory depth during cooking.
How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Place Chicken in Your Instant Pot
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts inside your Instant Pot. It is important to lay them flat so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious seasonings and broth. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly cooked shredded chicken.
Step 2: Season Both Sides
Sprinkle garlic salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken. Seasoning early like this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth, which is essential not just for flavor but also for creating the steam that cooks the chicken tender and juicy under pressure. It’s the magic liquid that guarantees moist results.
Step 4: Seal Instant Pot and Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely, and make sure the valve is set to sealing to lock in the steam. Press the poultry button for automatic timing, or if your Instant Pot lacks this setting, manually set it to 15 minutes on HIGH pressure. Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the Instant Pot to depressurize naturally—this natural release keeps the chicken tender and avoids drying it out.
Step 5: Optional Quick Release Method
If you need to speed things up, use the quick release after adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time. When the timer ends, carefully switch the valve to venting to release steam faster. This option requires a bit more attention but is handy when you are short on time.
Step 6: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, or slice it if you prefer chunkier portions. The chicken will fall apart effortlessly, showcasing its tender texture, perfect for any dish you have in mind.
How to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your shredded chicken to restaurant-quality meals. Fresh chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions add vibrant color and fresh flavor, while a squeeze of lemon or a scattering of shredded cheese provides an irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to create a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. For a lighter touch, toss the shredded chicken in a crisp salad or wrap it in whole wheat tortillas with fresh avocado and salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
This shredded chicken is a versatile star that shines in tacos, enchiladas, chicken salads, or even stuffed baked potatoes. Use it as a protein-packed topping for homemade pizzas or a hearty filling for pita pockets. The versatility of this Instant Pot method encourages creativity, making meal planning effortless and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover shredded chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it an excellent prepping shortcut for busy weeks and reduces mealtime stress.
Freezing
For longer storage, frozen shredded chicken is a game changer. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to three months. It’s ready to thaw and toss into your favorite dishes whenever you need a quick protein boost.
Reheating
Reheat your shredded chicken gently to maintain its tenderness by microwaving it with a splash of chicken broth or warming it on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out, and enjoy your perfectly juicy chicken every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for the Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great benefits of the Instant Pot is its ability to cook from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The simplicity and efficiency of this recipe make it perfect for meal prepping. Cook a batch, store leftovers, and you have ready-to-use shredded chicken for the entire week.
Can I add other seasonings or spices?
Definitely feel free to customize the seasonings. Adding smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder can transform this core recipe into a southwestern or barbecue-inspired dish. The Instant Pot is very forgiving with spices.
What if my Instant Pot does not have a poultry setting?
No worries! Just set the cooking time manually to 15 minutes on high pressure. This timing works perfectly for chicken breasts, delivering tender results every time.
Is the natural release necessary?
Natural release helps keep the chicken tender by allowing the pressure to drop gradually. However, if you’re in a hurry, quick release with an extra 5 minutes added to cooking time works fine too.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a simple, reliable, and incredibly tasty Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe in your cooking arsenal, meal preparation just became a whole lot easier and more exciting. This recipe is a true kitchen lifesaver that delivers consistently juicy, flavorful chicken ready to star in countless meals. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more—happy cooking!
Print
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast recipe provides a quick and easy method to prepare tender, juicy shredded chicken using minimal ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, tacos, salads, or any dish requiring shredded chicken, it utilizes the pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot to drastically reduce cooking time while sealing in flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Liquid
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Place chicken in Instant Pot: Arrange the boneless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your Instant Pot inner pot.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for flavorful results.
- Add broth: Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the pot, which will create steam and help keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Press the poultry button, or manually set to 15 minutes on high pressure if no poultry function is available.
- Natural pressure release: Once cooking completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure. This means waiting for the pressure to drop on its own rather than venting immediately, which preserves moisture and tenderness.
- Optional quick release adjustment: If you prefer a quick release, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release pressure faster.
- Shred or slice: Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred them using two forks or slice them as desired.
Notes
- Natural pressure release yields moister, more tender chicken than quick release.
- Chicken broth boosts flavor and helps prevent drying.
- For larger quantities, increase cooking time slightly for fully cooked meat.
- Leftover shredded chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for several months for meal prep convenience.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; additional herbs or spices can be added prior to cooking.
