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
Scale
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.
