Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love how effortlessly tender and juicy the chicken turns out in this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe. It’s seriously a game-changer when you want protein ready to go in under half an hour without standing over the stove. Whether you’re prepping for busy weeknight dinners or batch cooking for the week, this recipe fits perfectly.

When I first tried making shredded chicken in the pressure cooker, I was blown away by the flavor and texture. You get this beautiful balance of seasoning and aromatics that make it so much more than just plain chicken. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can turn this shredded chicken into tacos, salads, sandwiches, or mix it into casseroles for an easy meal any night.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but together they create a beautifully seasoned chicken base that’s juicy every time. I usually lean on broth instead of water for an extra flavor boost, and fresh herbs make all the difference.

• Water or Chicken Broth: Broth adds depth, but water works fine if that’s what you have.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Fresh or frozen—both cook well in the Instant Pot (see notes).
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor without overpowering.
• Black Pepper: A gentle kick that balances the seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that’s my secret weapon here.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Brightens the dish and complements the herbs beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves smashed to release their magic into the cooking liquid.
• Thyme: Earthy and fragrant—fresh is best but dried can work in a pinch.
• Rosemary: Pairs wonderfully with thyme and chicken; don’t skip it.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to swap flavors to match whatever cuisine I’m craving. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Mexican Twist: I’ve swapped out lemon for lime, added a teaspoon of cumin, and used cilantro instead of thyme and rosemary—makes killer taco filling.
• Italian Flavors: Try adding some oregano and basil instead of the current herbs, and finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar when serving.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to heat things up without losing the juicy texture.
• Low-Sodium Option: Skip or reduce salt and use low-sodium broth to keep things heart-healthy without sacrificing moisture.

How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Pot and Liquid

Place the trivet inside your Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water or chicken broth. This is key because the liquid creates the steam necessary for pressure cooking, which ensures the chicken stays moist and tender. I like to use broth for extra flavor, but plain water works in a pinch.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and the lemon zest. Don’t rush this part—seasoning is what gives the chicken its base flavor, so make sure every piece is well-coated.

Step 3: Add Aromatics for Flavor

Squeeze half the lemon juice over the chicken, then toss in the smashed garlic cloves along with the thyme and rosemary springs. These aromatics will infuse the chicken as it cooks, giving you that gourmet flavor with minimal effort.

Step 4: Seal and Cook Under Pressure

Lock the lid on your Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to “sealing.” For fresh chicken breasts, set the cooking time to 12 minutes on high pressure; if using frozen breasts, bump the time to 14 minutes. I learned the hard way that timing is everything here—too long and the chicken can dry out, too short and it won’t shred nicely.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release for Juicy Results

Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually venting the remaining steam. This pause lets the juices redistribute, making the chicken super tender and perfect for shredding. Don’t rush to release immediately—that’s a mistake I used to make, leading to tougher meat.

Step 6: Shred and Finish

Transfer your cooked chicken breasts to a bowl and shred with two forks or meat claws—the texture should be fall-apart tender. If you want, squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the shredded chicken and toss it with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid for extra flavor and moisture.

How to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the shredded chicken with fresh chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a dollop of creamy avocado. A squeeze of lime or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce instantly elevates the flavors and adds freshness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple: a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice. For comfort food fans, pairing with mashed potatoes or buttery pasta makes for a hearty meal that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this chicken in mini slider buns with pickles and spicy mayo, which always gets rave reviews. It’s also great stuffed inside soft tortillas for build-your-own taco bars or layered in casseroles with cheese and veggies for cozy family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps perfectly for up to a week—making it a lifesaver when you need easy meals on hand. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen shredded chicken in portioned freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It thaws quickly in the fridge overnight and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the shredded chicken on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it covered with a damp paper towel—just don’t overdo it or it dries out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe has truly earned a top spot in my meal prep arsenal. Its simplicity, juicy results, and flavor boost from fresh aromatics make it a recipe I happily share with friends who want easy, delicious chicken any day of the week. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a trusted go-to for your kitchen too—give it a shot and see how it transforms your meal routine!

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