Learn how to make Instant Pot shredded chicken. This is my favorite way to make it because it's so easy, and you don't have to watch it. Use this shredded chicken to make dinner or freeze for later.

Like you, I'm a busy mom. If I don't meal plan, we won't eat. Before I go grocery shopping, I play our meals for the week and make a list so I stay on budget and have a plan for the week.

When I get home, I try to meal prep as much as I can. We have activities at least two evenings every week and sometimes up to 5 nights a week. For being a homeschooling family, we are rarely home!

One of my favorite time savings tricks is to make Instant Pot shredded chicken. I can make it in an afternoon while I'm working or helping the kids, then we have our chicken cooked for the week. I also freeze leftovers for the following weeks.

Not a fan of shredded chicken? You can also use this to make cubed chicken for different recipes.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Can You Overcook Chicken In A Pressure Cooker?

Yes, you can. One drawback of using the Instant Pot pressure cooker is that you can't check on the temperature of the meat while it's cooking.

I've undercooked things and had to cook them longer, but I haven't overcooked anything when using the recommended times.

How Long Does Chicken Take in an Instant Pot?

That depends on the size of your chicken white meat and whether they are fresh or frozen. For fresh chicken, I use 10 minutes for large and 8 minutes for smaller ones.

For frozen, use 15 minutes for larger sizes and 10 minutes for smaller sizes.

I cook my chicken for a few extra minutes if I'm making shredded chicken so it gets tender.

Can You Stack Chicken in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. I normally cook several large pieces at a time. If you are cooking from frozen, make sure that they aren't stuck together before placing them in the Instant Pot.

Also make sure that each piece is seasoned well for best flavor.

Can You Cook Frozen Chicken In An Instant Pot?

Yes! I do this often. You'll need to adjust the time slightly and allow for more time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

Don't place a huge chunk of chicken in the Instant Pot though. It may not cook evenly. If they are stuck together, place in cold water until you can separate them.

Can You Shred Chicken?

Yes, it's very easy to shred chicken. I use either forks, shredding claws, or my Kitchenaid mixer. If I'm making a lot of Instant Pot shredded chicken, I use my mixer for convenience.

Recipes With Shredded Chicken

After you've made Instant Pot shredded chicken, what do you do with it? Here are some of my favorites recipes to use it in.

I usually cook several pounds of chicken at once. I use a few cups for recipes that week and freeze the rest for the following weeks.

Learn more about which foods can be frozen to help you save time on meal prep.

Instant Pot

I have two pressure cookers. I got one at Aldi because I wanted to try put a pressure cooker. I think I paid $40 for it, which is a fantastic price. Then my dad got me the Instant Pot Duo 6-quart for Christmas two years ago.

I use both. The Aldi one works great and has a non stick liner. Most recipes are for the actual Instant Pot, so I'm glad I also have that one.

Ingredients

White meat chicken
Salt
Pepper
1 cup water (use 1.5 cups for 8 quart Instant Pot)

Tools

Instant Pot
Kitchenaid Mixer or Chicken Shredding Claws

Directions

Step #1

Place the trivet on the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot.

Step #2

Add the chicken and season with your desired seasonings. I usually just use salt and pepper. I will add onion salt or garlic salt for certain dishes.

Step #3

Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook small fresh chicken for 8 minutes or 10 minutes for large chicken pieces.

Cook small frozen pieces for 10 minutes or 15 minutes for large. It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before it starts cooking.

Step #4

When it's done cooking, let naturally release for 10 minutes. Carefully release the pressure and let all of the pressure release before opening.

Step #5

Use tongs to remove the chicken. Use your Kitchenaid mixer or shredding claws to shred the chicken.

Use immediately or let cool and package in freezer containers or freezer bags to freeze. You can also store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I love using the Instant Pot for shredded chicken because I can turn it on and then I'm hands off until it's time to take it out to shred it. I can usually get 4 or 5 meals worth of chicken out of one batch, so it saves a lot of cooking time.

chicken, instant pot

main dish

American

Yield: 4 cups

Author: Cari @ Koti Beth