How To Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Learn how to make shredded chicken in the instant pot. This meal prep staple can easily be used in tacos, enchiladas, casseroles, soups and more for quick healthy meals during a busy week.

Shredded chicken is one of the most versatile things that you can prep ahead of time and use to make quick, healthy meals. We like to prep a big batch on the weekend because we can use it to make meals during the week and we don’t have to worry about cooking the chicken.

How To Cook Shredded Chicken In The Instant Pot

Cooking chicken in the instant pot really couldn’t be easier. Just open the package, dump the chicken in along with some chicken broth and set the instant pot to cook.

Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. If they’re thick, they’ll likely take about 20 minutes to cook. If they’re thinner it could be close to 13-15 minutes.

The nice thing about the instant pot is that if you open it and the chicken doesn’t shred easily, you just stick the lid back on and set the timer for a few more minutes. When in doubt, cook it a bit longer than needed. This will help it shred easily and taste less rubbery

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Step by Step

Watch my six-year-old prepare Instant Pot shredded chicken:

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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken FAQs

What is the trick to shredding chicken? What is the easiest way to shred chicken?

The easiest way to shred chicken is using a mixer – either a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Once your chicken is cooked, just transfer to a bowl and use the mixer to shred it up!

If you don’t have a mixer or don’t want to use one, you can shred by hand by grabbing two forks and pulling the meat apart.

What to add to shredded chicken

While I usually cook my shredded chicken plain so that I can use it in a variety of dishes, you don’t have to! Try these varieties:

• Add shredded apples or finely diced red peppers and onions to cook with the chicken.
• Cook in barbeque sauce or toss in bbq sauce once it’s shredded.
• Add a jar of salsa before cooking.
• Add your favorite spices like garlic, paprika, cumin, taco seasoning etc.

What to eat with shredded chicken

You can eat shredded chicken by itself with your favorite sauce. It pairs well with pretty much any vegetable or add it to a baked sweet potato.

If you need more ideas:

• Use it to make Chicken Enchiladas
• Make burrito bowls with rice and guacamole
• Add our homemade taco seasoning and use it to make tacos!
• Add it to this crunchy coleslaw salad
• Use it to make this white chicken chili.

How to make crockpot shredded chicken

If you’d prefer to make your chicken in the crockpot or slow cooker, follow the same directions, just cook on low for 6-8 hours until you can shred it easily.

Can you freeze shredded chicken?

Yes! Shred and let it cool completely. Then portion into your desired serving size and freeze in a Ziploc or other freeze safe bag. Freeze flat to save freezer space!

When ready to use, transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw and then use as desired.

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What’s your favorite way to make shredded chicken? If you need more ways to use it, try:

• Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw
• Chicken Ramen
• Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Tortellini

Enjoy!