Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Master the art of perfect shredded chicken with this foolproof Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe. Quick, convenient, and packed with flavor. Your new go-to meal solution!
One of the best things I’ve been making lately is Instant Pot shredded chicken breasts. It is so easy to make delicious shredded chicken in the Instant Pot. Then you can use it for dozens of different types of recipes or just eat it as is.
Chicken is the backbone of dinner for my family. We eat it at least 3 nights a week. After hundreds and hundreds of chicken dinners, I’ve mastered a few simple techniques: making shredded chicken, baking chicken breasts, roasting whole chickens, grilling with a chicken marinade, and baking bone-in chicken.
We love pulled pork in my house too and my Keto Pulled Pork is the best!
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Try to choose a package with smaller pieces. Large pieces can have an odd texture even after cooking. I’ve started to feel the chicken through the packaging before purchasing. If you can feel ribbing on the chicken it might be tough.
Butter Flavored Coconut Oil – Adding fat to help keep the chicken moist is important when cooking breasts since they are naturally low fat.
How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Step One: Put the chicken breasts directly into the liner, add buttery coconut oil and chicken broth, and cook for 7 minutes. Manually release the pressure.
Step Two: Remove the chicken, shred it, and back as much of the cooking liquid as needed to moisten the chicken. Save or discard the rest.
Top Tip 💡
The coconut oil and broth give the chicken flavor while it’s cooking. Giving the cooking liquid a great flavor is important because after shredding the chicken breast you add back most of the cooking liquid.
Variations
Fat – You can use any fat you like in place of the coconut oil. Olive oil, salted butter, bacon fat, etc. work well.
Seasoning – I normally season this lightly with a garlic salt blend. But any variety of spices or herbs will work. Keep in mind that pressure cooking can intensify the flavors. It is better to season lightly before cooking and to taste afterward.
Common Questions
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are easier to work with because, with a higher fat content, they don’t dry out as easily as boneless chicken breasts do. I cook boneless skinless thighs at 15 minutes high pressure and then release the pressure manually. I do not add fat or liquid when cooking thighs. Just a little adobo seasoning.
Can I use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot for shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I would suggest adding 5 minutes to the cook time listed.
Can I add seasonings and sauces to the shredded chicken while it cooks in the Instant Pot?
Yes, adding seasonings and sauces can enhance the flavor of the shredded chicken.
Is it necessary to manually release the pressure?
Yes, you will need to manually release the pressure after cooking is complete.
Can I make a large batch of shredded chicken in the Instant Pot and freeze it for later use?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.
How can I shred chicken easily?
I shred (or actually my husband shreds) chicken using these bear claw meat shredders. They are awesome! They work SO much better than shredding chicken or meat with forks. Sometimes I shred my chicken in a stand mixer but we have a small kitchen so my stand mixer isn’t easily accessible. It’s a bit of a production to lug it out and find counter space to set it on or get an extension cord so it can be used on our island.
Can I shred the cooked chicken directly in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can shred the cooked chicken in the pot using two forks or a hand mixer. However, I find it easier to transfer the Instant Pot chicken breasts to a large bowl that isn’t as deep as the pressure cooker liner.
What are some serving suggestions for shredded chicken?
You can use it in chicken tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for rice or pasta dishes. I try hard to switch up our chicken meals so they don’t get boring. Try it in these shredded chicken recipes:
American – Keto Chicken and Rice Casserole – pure comfort food. I swapped the white rice my grandma would use for cauliflower rice. But it is just as delicious as the classic.
Mexican – Mexican Chicken Casserole – only 5 ingredients but tons of flavor. We love this on top of a bed of lettuce or in Cheese Tortillas.
Italian – Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole – shown above. This only takes 10 minutes total when starting with cooked chicken!
Salad – Keto Spinach Salad – perfect for meal prep you can make this in a mason jar and take it to go.
Soup – Chicken Florentine Soup – wonderful flavorful soup that is a hearty lunch or light dinner.
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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3.75 lbs chicken breast
- 1/4 cup butter flavored coconut oil or fat of your choice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Add the chicken to the stainless steel liner of the Instant Pot (you do not need the rack). Top with the coconut oil and broth.
- Cook the chicken on manual high pressure for 7 minutes. Release the pressure manually.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot. Shred in a large bowl using two forks or barbecue claws. Slowly add in the cooking liquid until the chicken is moist. You don’t want it swimming like soup, you just want to add enough to moisten all the chicken thoroughly.
- Season or add sauce as desired.
Nutrition
Originally Published April 26, 2018. Revised and Republished January 25, 2024.
This recipe is so easy, and so versatile. Can be used in many recipes, etc. Also nice that can use either dark or white meat, or both. = )
This looks so easy and will make it with frozen chicken breasts. Just wondering if I can add liquid smoke to it and if so, how much would be the best amount?
Thanks!
I am not very familiar with liquid smoke. I would just add it to taste after the chicken cooks.
Regarding Shredded Chicken Recipe:
You say most of the liquid will be added back , but the recipe says nothing about it. Do you add the liquid back? When/how. Thank you
I edited the directions to clarify. Thanks!
What if you dont have a instant pot?
You can use a crock pot on high for 3-4 hours.
Does it have a coconut flavor to it from the coconut oil?
Not if you use refined or butter flavored coconut oil.
Do you let it naturally release? TIA
I use the quick release for this recipe.
Love this! What an easy way to make shredded chicken – which can be used for SO MANY THINGS! I usually just buy rotisserie chicken at the grocery store because I’m lazy – but this is going to have to take over for that!
Now that my husband and I are both on a low carb diet, keeping cooked chicken in the refrigerator has been so helpful in preparing meals. Your instant pot recipe has really come in handy. It makes it so easy for me to cook the chicken quickly and keep our meal planning on track.
I used this chicken to make taquitos for dinner tonight and it was so helpful! Turned out totally moist and perfect and it was so easy! Love it!
Yumm …. the recipe looks simple yet delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Frozen or Thawed?
I used fresh chicken. If you want to cook it from frozen you will need to increase the cooking time. I’ve done frozen chicken thighs for 15 minutes. My guess would be 10-12 minutes for frozen chicken breasts depending on their size.