INSTANT POT SHREDDED CHICKEN RECIPE READY FAST ⏱️

Get ready to shred your way to chicken heaven with this super simple Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe! 🍗 No more dry, boring chicken — this method yields the most tender, juicy, and flavorful shredded chicken that’s perfect for tacos, salads, soups, and more. Plus, it’s a total time-saver since the Instant Pot does all the work for you. 👏 So let’s fire up the pressure cooker and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This INSTANT POT SHREDDED CHICKEN

This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is a game-changer in the kitchen! Not only is it insanely easy to make, but the results are out-of-this-world delicious. 😋 The chicken comes out so moist and tender, you’ll be tempted to just eat it straight out of the pot with a fork. (No judgment here!)

Plus, the savory seasoning blend adds a ton of flavor, making this shredded chicken a versatile all-star that can star in all your favorite recipes. And if you enjoy pressure-cooking basics and tips for getting perfectly tender chicken every time, you might find this pressure cooking chicken guide from Serious Eats useful too.

And let’s not forget the biggest perk — the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, so you can just sit back and relax while it works its magic. 🙌 Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is about to become your new BFF in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is super simple, with just a handful of pantry staples. 🙌 You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth or stock, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. That’s it! So you can whip this up anytime without having to make a special trip to the grocery store.

• 2 lbs — Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup — Chicken broth or stock
• 3 cloves — Garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium — Onion, diced
• 1 tsp — Salt
• 1/2 tsp — Black pepper

Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)

• Chicken breasts → Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (still delicious, promise) ✅
• Onion → Shallots or green onions (easy dietary swap) 👍

How to Make INSTANT POT SHREDDED CHICKEN (Step-by-Step)

Let’s get cooking! 🔥

Step 1: Prep Work

First, grab your Instant Pot and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. (We want this chicken to slide right out, no problem!) Then, add the chicken breasts, broth, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Give it all a gentle stir to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Now it’s time to let the Instant Pot work its magic! Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. (Yes, really — that’s all it takes!) When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This slow release helps the chicken stay super juicy and tender.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

After the 10-minute natural release, do a quick release to get all that pressure out. (Careful, it’s hot!) Then, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. It should practically fall apart on its own! 🤩 Give it a taste and add any extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

And voila, you’ve got the most epic, flavor-packed shredded chicken ready to go! 🎉 Now it’s time to get creative and put this versatile protein to work in all your favorite dishes. Toss it with barbecue sauce for pulled chicken sandwiches, stir it into chicken noodle soup, or stuff it into tacos and burritos for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. The possibilities are endless!

How to Know It’s Done (No Guessing)

With this foolproof Instant Pot method, you’ll know your shredded chicken is perfectly cooked every single time. 👌

Look for

• The chicken should shred easily with two forks, falling apart in nice, tender strands.
• The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• The chicken should have a juicy, moist texture — no dry, stringy bits in sight!

Avoid

• Tough, dry chicken that’s hard to shred.
• Chicken that’s still pink or undercooked in the center.

If it’s too… here’s the fix

• Too dry — Add a splash of chicken broth or water and cook for 2-3 more minutes on high pressure.
• Too runny — Keep simmering on the Sauté function until some of the excess liquid evaporates.

Optional temp note (only if it makes sense): Not needed here — visual cues are enough.

What to Do If It Goes Wrong (Fix-It Guide)

No need to stress if your shredded chicken doesn’t turn out quite right the first time. Here are a few easy fixes to get it back on track:

• Too salty — Just stir in a bit of unsalted chicken broth to help balance out the saltiness.
• Too dry — Add a splash of chicken broth or water and cook for 2-3 more minutes on high pressure.
• Too runny — Hit the Sauté function and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to help evaporate some of that excess liquid.
• Not browning — Transfer the shredded chicken to a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and broil for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and crispy on the edges.

Good news: almost everything is fixable. Panic is optional. 😌

Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)

Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.

• Make it Spicy — Add a teaspoon or two of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the pot. ✅
• Get Saucy — Toss the shredded chicken in barbecue sauce, teriyaki, or buffalo sauce for easy sandwiches, wraps, and more. ✅
• Herb it Up — Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an extra flavor boost. 🎉
• Load it Up — Top your shredded chicken with cheese, avocado, salsa, and all the fixings for epic burrito bowls. 🚀

Warning: This may cause sudden happiness and suspicious silence at the dinner table. Proceed responsibly. 😅

Serving & Storage

Topic	Notes
Best Serving Ideas	Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, or on top of rice or pasta.
Fridge Storage	Store the cooked, shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage	Freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating	Reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tips	Prepare the chicken up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.

Nutrition Notes

This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also a total nutrition superstar! 🌟 Each serving is packed with 30 grams of high-quality protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it’s low in fat and carbs, making it a great option for anyone watching their macros. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a quick, healthy protein to add to your meals, this shredded chicken is a total winner. 👏

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 0 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Sodium: 430 mg

Print

Quick Questions People Always Ask

Try These Next

• Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot
• Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Recipe
• Chicken And Gravy Recipe