Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is packed with flavor and easily adaptable for any meal. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy juicy, tender chicken in no time!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs fresh or frozen, bone-in or boneless
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus other seasonings as desired
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of water to the 6-quart Instant Pot. This is crucial for steaming the chicken.
- Insert the trivet into the pot. This will keep your chicken elevated and allow it to cook evenly.
- Place the chicken onto the trivet. If you’re using frozen pieces, make sure they’re not stuck together; they should be separated for best results.
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and any other spices you prefer. This is where you can get creative!
- Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure. The cooking time will vary depending on whether your chicken is fresh or frozen.
- Once the cooking time is up, you can either vent immediately or allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. This decision depends on how you prefer your chicken texture.
- After venting, carefully open the lid. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165 degrees F.
- If your chicken is not at the desired temperature, reseal the lid and cook for a few more minutes. If it’s close, just let it rest for a few more minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool until manageable.
- Shred or dice the chicken as desired. You can use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding!
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover cooked, shredded, or diced chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight when you’re ready to use it.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the shredded chicken in portioned bags for quick meals later.
- Tip 3: Consider serving with fresh vegetables, or in dishes like burritos, soups, and salads.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder for added flavor.
- Tip 5: Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Tip 6: Cook a large batch of chicken at once to simplify meal prep for the week.