Name: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 chicken breast; 1 carrot; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/3 tsp chili flakes; 1 tsp ground paprika; 2 cup vegetable broth

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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is an easy, quick, and flavorful recipe to enjoy with some fresh veggies topped on a slice of fresh bread. I make it in the Instant Pot as the chicken meat is moist, juicy, soft, and shred in seconds. What can be easier and quicker on a lazy evening?

Shredded chicken, aka pulled chicken, is so versatile and can be used in many recipes, as appetizers, or simply as it is. Definitely, you can buy a rotisserie chicken, but an organic chicken made in Instant Pot is super easy and more dietary.

What type of chicken is best for shredding?

Both skinless and boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. So is up to chose what parts of a chicken will you choose. Commonly for most poultry recipes, I use boneless chicken thighs as the meat is moister. But anyway either part of chicken will work.

However, there are some tips that I use when preparing shredded chicken things. If you decide to cook shredded chicken thighs, and don’t want a dish with fatty consistency, then remove the skin. Skin and bones is an important ingredient for any Chicken stock as they enhance the taste and flavor of it. So, these ingredients could easily play the role of chicken stock/broth and so you could add just water.

* The fatty consistency that you will obtain is also an added value to the dish if you are on a ketogenic diet. Easy and with no leftovers you will get a tasty portion of protein, that paired next to some healthy carbohydrates will ensure a hearty diner or lunch.

Why make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken?

I consider that Instant Pot is the best option when cooking shredded chicken. First of course is the fact of a commodity. Also using Instant Pot, you will deal with a less mess. The great part is also that there is no need to thaw the meat. In

If compared to baking and grilling, the cooking time in Instant Pot is reduced considerably.

Making Instant Pot shredded chicken you will get healthier and even more flavorful meat. The meat, especially if you are using chicken breast will be juicer then if baked.

I love to make a batch of shredded chicken to have it on hand during busy weekdays. It saves me so much time.

What you will need for Instant Pot shredded chicken?

So the set of ingredients for the best Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe is pretty simple:

Chicken breast or chicken things – as you probably noticed I always mention that it is very important to buy high-quality poultry. So, I always try to use organic chicken meat. Which part to use, is up to your choice, preferences, and goals.

Fresh vegetables – various vegetables will enhance with extra aromas the meat. For today I add just carrot, as I have used rich vegetable broth. If you are using just water, for extra flavor you can add celery root, large onion.

Liquid – here is up to you choose too. Use whatever you have on hand – broth, stock, or water. Either of this will work well, just remember if using water add some extra aromas, like bay leaves, pimenta, thyme, fresh vegetables.

Seasoning – depending on what are you going to cook add seasoning. If you intend to make a salad, casserole or soup then do not add any spicy seasoning, just some dry herb mix. In case it will be a burger, tacos, burritos or enchiladas add some chili flakes. Garlic is an ingredient that practically never misses from my best recipes, especially in seasoning the meat. For me is easier to use garlic powder, as the shredded chicken I like better with it than with fresh garlic. And do not forget to add a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.

How to make Instant Pot shredded chicken?

Shredded chicken is one of those recipes that everyone should know to cook. If prepared well the meat, even chicken breast comes out moist and juicy.

Today I will share with you my best recipe of shredded chicken that is ready less than 20 minutes.

Also, when poaching chicken, you get soft and juicy meat while aromatic herbs add to the dish flavor and aroma. Actually I just adore poaching meat, because this process allows the meat to infuses more flavor.

Take one chicken breast, clean, remove the bones and skin if desired. Arrange it in Instant Pot. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, dry herb mix, and coriander powder. Actually you can add any seasoning to your taste. Then add-in one whole fresh carrot. Cover the chicken breast with 1 inch of liquid. For more flavor, I usually add chicken or vegetable broth.

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Then select Pressure Cook (on high pressure) or Manual for 10 minutes. If you grab bigger size chicken breasts, then better cook it 15 minutes. When the cooking time has elapsed, do a quick release – select vent knob to the VENT position and allow it to de-pressurize until the float valve drops down. Open the lid and let the chicken cool slightly.

How to shred chicken breasts?

Take out the meat from the pot, and shred the chicken. Actually, there are 2 methods to shred the chicken. The easiest way is to shred it with a hand mixer or stand mixer. But I do not prefer this method, as I have to clean than to many dishes just for one chicken breasts. For me, the easiest way of shredding any kind of meat is to use forks. I like how it keeps its texture. Place cooked chicken breast on a cutting board. Using two forks pull the meat apart. Then add some cooking liquid over the shredded chicken and toss it gently.

Serve shredded chicken in tacos, burgers, salads, or soups.