This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is perfectly moist, seasoned, and it freezes well for your weekly meal prep! The easy way to pressure cook chicken breast for shredding, from fresh or frozen! It’s a protein-packed addition to soups, salads, pastas or sandwiches throughout the week.
But my goal here is to share recipes that make dinnertime easier — and more delicious!
And since this shredded chicken is the perfect meal prep option and can be used in so many delicious shredded chicken recipes, I know we’ll never run out of ways to use it.
The seasoning on this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is mild but so, so flavorful. It’s not too spicy or too salty or too peppery or too herby. It’s just right.
Cooking chicken in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare moist, delicious poultry for any meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked chicken ready to use in a variety of recipes. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make tender, juicy chicken breasts in the Instant Pot every time.
Why Cook Chicken in the Instant Pot?
There are several advantages to using the Instant Pot to cook chicken breasts:
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Speed – The pressurized environment allows chicken to cook up to 70% faster than traditional stovetop or oven methods. Boneless chicken breasts take only 8-10 minutes to cook through perfectly in the Instant Pot.
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Convenience: Just put the food in the pot, close the lid, and press “start.” The Instant Pot does most of the work for you, so you don’t have to. You can even cook frozen chicken breasts right away without having to let them thaw.
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Consistency: The Instant Pot’s enclosed space gets rid of the factors that can cause chicken to be overcooked or undercooked. Your chicken will turn out moist and tender each time.
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Flavor: Cooking chicken breasts in liquid makes them extra juicy and lets the spices and aromatics add flavor. The pot liquor can be used to make broth, rice, or sauce.
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Versatility – Instant Pot chicken can be shredded, cubed, or kept whole for use in an endless variety of recipes. It’s the perfect protein to meal prep for grab and go lunches and quick dinners.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot
Follow these simple tips for the best results when cooking chicken in the Instant Pot:
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Size matters – Cook time is based on thickness, not total quantity. For breasts under 2 inches thick, cook 8 minutes. Over 2 inches, cook 10 minutes. Adjust time up or down as needed.
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Arrange breasts evenly – Chicken cooks most evenly when arranged in a single layer. Stacked or piled chicken may undercook in the center.
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At least one cup of liquid should be used. The liquid helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it juicy. Water, broth, wine, or juice all work well.
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Add seasonings – The cooking liquid seasons the chicken. Add herbs, spices, garlic, citrus, etc. as desired. Keep it simple or get creative!
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Allow a natural release – Letting pressure come down gradually ensures tender chicken. Quick release can make it dry or tough.
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Rest before slicing – Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting so juices redistribute for maximum moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect Instant Pot chicken breasts every time.
1. Add Liquid to Pot
Pour 1 cup water, broth, wine, juice or combination into pot. Chicken broth adds great flavor.
2. Place Trivet and Chicken in Pot
Add trivet to pot if available. Place chicken breasts in an even layer on trivet or bottom of pot.
3. Season the Chicken
Sprinkle chicken all over with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you want. Herbs, garlic, citrus, soy sauce all work great.
4. Lock Lid and Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set valve to sealing. Press Manual or Pressure Cook and adjust time to 8 minutes (10 for thicker breasts).
5. Natural Release, Then Quick Release
When timer beeps, let pressure come down naturally for 5 minutes. Then quick release remaining pressure.
6. Check Doneness
Breasts should register 165°F internally. If under, lock lid and cook 1-2 minutes more.
7. Let Chicken Rest
Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Juices will redistribute for maximum moisture.
And that’s it! Your chicken is now ready to use in any recipe calling for cooked chicken.
Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts
You can absolutely cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with excellent results. Simply add 1-2 minutes to the cook time, and make sure breasts are separated, not frozen together in a block. Quick release pressure as soon as cook time is complete. Frozen chicken may take a few extra minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.
Using Your Cooked Instant Pot Chicken
Instant Pot chicken is very versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use cooked chicken from the pressure cooker:
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Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes
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Pasta dishes like chicken alfredo, chicken carbonara, or chicken pesto pasta
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Chicken salad with mayo, celery, onion, herbs, and spices
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Chicken sandwiches topped with veggies, cheese, bacon, avocado, etc.
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Stir fries, fried rice, and other Asian-inspired meals
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Salads like chicken caesar, chicken Cobb, or chicken Greek
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Soups, chilis, and stews that call for cooked chicken
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Casseroles and bakes like chicken pot pie or chicken enchiladas
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Pizza topped with diced or shredded Instant Pot chicken
The possibilities are endless! Having tender cooked chicken breast ready in the fridge makes throwing together a quick, healthy dinner or prep ahead meals a breeze.
Save the Chicken Broth
Don’t pour that flavorful chicken cooking liquid down the drain! Strain out the solids and you’ll be left with about 2 cups of homemade chicken broth.
Refrigerate broth for up to 5 days or freeze for 6 months. Use it as the base for soups, cook grains like rice or quinoa in it, or simmer veggies or pasta in it. Homemade broth is nutritious and boosts flavor in many dishes.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes
If you’re looking for some recipe inspiration, here are some of my favorite ways to use Instant Pot chicken breasts:
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – A fast and flavorful Mexican-style chicken soup.
Simple Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – Made entirely in the Instant Pot in 30 minutes!
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Healthy, low carb, and full of zesty buffalo flavor.
Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls – Loaded burrito flavor without the tortilla.
Instant Pot Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Pasta and chicken coated in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala – An easy, aromatic version of the Indian classic.
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo – The quickest alfredo sauce ever thanks to the pressurized heat.
BBQ Instant Pot Chicken Sandwiches – Saucy pulled chicken for juicy, flavorful sandwiches.
How to Make Shredded Chicken in the Instant Pot:
Yes, it’s easy, but here are some pictures to help you! The full instructions are written at the bottom of the recipe card.
- Combine broth and seasonings
- Add the chicken to the instant pot.
- Put the lid on and set the timer for 10 minutes. Then start counting down the minutes.
- When the cooking time is up, be patient and let the pressure drop on its own. Then open the lid and shred the chicken.
Yes, this recipe is simple, but there are a few tricks to make it even easier!
- Make sure you add enough liquid. The liquid is what makes the chicken tender and tasty when it is shred or “pulled.” Broth tastes so much better than water, and more liquid means your chicken will be more moist!
- Season well. Even though you don’t want to go too far, remember that meat (and vegetables, grains, pasta, and so on) tastes best when it’s being cooked, not after. You will drain off most of the liquid, so you won’t be taking in all the salt, etc. as is listed in the recipe.
- Which should I use? Boneless chicken breasts or thighs? You can use either, or mix some of each! Thighs taste better than breasts, but breasts are leaner. You choose.
How to shred chicken:
Chicken breasts coming out of your pressure cooker are pretty much falling apart without you having to do anything, so you don’t need to get fancy.
Be sure to shred the chicken breast in the liquid (or at least some of it!) as it the chicken will reabsorb some of the broth and seasoning as you are pulling it, and it will give you the best results by far!.
With two forks:
I prefer to use two forks, because I’m lazy and I’m not into extra dishes. They do a fine job! With this method, the shreds of chicken will be a little bit chunkier and not as fine.
With a mixer:
A lot of people shred chicken with a hand mixer or stand mixer, but I don’t see why you would. I don’t want to wash any more dishes than necessary!.
However, if you’re doing a large batch and want your chicken in fine shreds, this is a great way to do it.
Instant Pot Chicken Breast–Tender, Juicy, and Perfectly Cooked
FAQ
Can you cook chicken in an Instant Pot?
You can cook chicken breasts in whatever size instant pot you have. Just make sure you add at least 1 cup of liquid, and then place the chicken in the pot in a single layer. If you have a smaller instant pot, simply cook your chicken in batches so you can keep it in single layers.
How do you cook chicken breast in an Instant Pot?
For just $25 and no work at all, learn how to cook fresh or frozen chicken breast in an Instant Pot. Place your inner pot into the instant pot and place the trivet in the bottom. Add 1 cup of liquid to the instant pot (water, chicken broth, pineapple or apple juice).
How do you cook chicken thighs in an Instant Pot?
Get my full Instant Pot chicken breast recipe. Place trivet inside the Instant Pot. Season chicken thighs and place on the trivet in a single layer. Pour water or broth into the pot (directly over the chicken). Seal cooker and set to HIGH pressure for 12 minutes (15 minutes for frozen).
Can you cook shredded chicken in the Instant Pot?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken breasts are loaded with lean protein, and meal prepping shredded chicken couldn’t be easier in the Instant Pot! Cooked in chicken broth with parsley, bay leaves, and celery, this recipe makes the best shredded chicken.
How do you cook chicken drumsticks in an Instant Pot?
Get my full Instant Pot chicken drumsticks recipe. Place trivet inside the Instant Pot. Season chicken wings and place on the trivet in a single layer. Pour water or broth into the pot (directly over the chicken). Seal cooker and set to HIGH pressure for 10 minutes (15 minutes for frozen).
How do you cook chicken tenders in an Instant Pot?
Place trivet inside the Instant Pot. Season chicken tenders and place on the trivet in a single layer. Pour water or broth into the pot (directly over the chicken). Seal cooker and set to HIGH pressure for 6 minutes (8 minutes for frozen).
How do you cook chicken in the Instapot?
Pour water or chicken broth into inner pot. Place chicken breasts in liquid or on trivet. Option 1 Fresh Chicken: Press Pressure Cook/Manual and use +/- buttons to set for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, set the steam release to “venting” for quick release.
Does chicken need to be submerged in an Instant Pot?
If you didn’t completely submerge the meat in broth, it would come out dry. If you completely submerged the meat in liquid, it would pull some of the flavor out of the meat. The sealed Instant Pot keeps all the juices and flavors in the meat, even if the meat isn’t submerged.
How long does it take to pressure cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot?
Close the lid and set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High. General rule of thumb for cooking chicken is 6 minutes per pound for fresh chicken and 10 minutes per pound frozen. Fresh from the store, my 6-pound chicken took 36 minutes to cook, plus the time it takes to pressurize and then let go. Nov 23, 2022.
Can I cook chicken in the Instant Pot without the trivet?
Instant Pot Chicken Breast FAQs
Yes, unlike fresh chicken breasts, you can cook frozen chicken breasts directly on the bottom of your Instant Pot without using a trivet. In that case, add a cup of water or chicken broth and season generously with salt and pepper.