How Much Instant Pot Chicken Can You Make
In general, I recommend making no more than four pounds at once, and definitely no more than five.
Five pounds of pressure cooker chicken breast was really pushing it, as it fills up the Instant Pot and it takes a long time to reach pressure. Besides, the chicken starts to cook unevenly if you put in too much, since the pieces sit on top of each other.
Stick with one to four pounds if possible, but if you really want to make five, that will still work just consider it the limit.
When you arrange the chicken in the Instant Pot, try to do so in one layer if possible. If youre making a lot of pressure cooker shredded chicken and cant get the raw chicken in one layer, just disperse it as evenly as you can. This will help it cook more evenly.
What Do I Do If My Chicken Isnt Cooked Fully
Cook time can vary based on the size of the chicken breast youre using. After the 25 minutes cook time is complete, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165ºF.
If it isnt, place the breasts back into your instant pot and cook on high for another 3-5 minutes!
What Size Of Instant Pot Should I Use
You can cook chicken breasts in whatever size instant pot you have. Just make sure you add at least 1 cup of liquid, and then place the chicken in the pot in a single layer. If you have a smaller instant pot, simply cook your chicken in batches so you can keep it in single layers. If you have a larger instant pot, keep in mind it will take a little longer for your instant pot to come to pressure before cooking begins.
Pro Tips:
Storing and Freezing Instructions:
Shred the chicken with forks or a hand mixer and freeze it in individual bags to easily add to any weeknight dinner. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Or, chop the chicken and refrigerate to add to lunches throughout the week.
Recipes for leftover cooked chicken:
Recommended Reading: Instant Pot Slow Cook Settings
What Can I Make With Shredded Chicken
Instant Pot shredded chicken is so versatile, and can be used in so many different recipes. Thats why I like making a batch of it when meal prepping, so I can use it in any dinners I might want for the week.
Because of the seasoning I use here, I like to use this shredded chicken to make tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, or grain bowls.
But with different spices or even simple salt and pepper, it becomes even more versatile. Add it to soups and casseroles, make pulled chicken sandwiches, or top off your favorite salads and pastas.
Here are some of my favorite shredded chicken recipes.
And check this guide for even more ways to use shredded chicken!
Instant Pot Chicken Breast For Convenience
The convenience of having shredded chicken on hand has had me making it at least once a month for a couple years now, previously in my slow cooker . I still use my Crock Pot all the time, but since I discovered this method, the only way I make pulled chicken is using this Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe.
I picked up my Instant Pot pressure cooker on a whim over the holidays last year. It sounded like such a great idea! I have a confession to make, though. For most of that year, it sat stored away without seeing the light of day. Learning to use a new appliance kept getting moved down on the priority list, considering I had plenty of other kitchen appliances I already knew how to use. This turned out to be a mistake.
Once I started using my Instant Pot more often, I fell in love with it. I wish I hadnt waited so long! It saves so much time. Dishes that take hours in the oven or slow cooker can be done in minutes using a pressure cooker.
This pressure cooker shredded chicken recipe has been no exception. I love that it takes me ten minutes to make all the shredded chicken I need for a whole month. I keep a couple cups at a time in the fridge, and freeze the rest in small batches using a vacuum sealer.
If you prefer to make a whole chicken, try this Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe from Gluten-Free Pressure Cooker instead.
Read Also: Frozen Pork Loin In Instapot
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Learn how to make the best Instant Pot shredded chicken that is full of great flavor, nice and tender, and not overcooked.
Hey friends! Im back today with a meal prep recipe that you all have been requesting how to make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot! Or more specifically, how to make Instant Pot shredded chicken that is:
I agree that Instant Pot chicken can be a bit finicky at times. But Ive been testing different methods and cook times these past few months, and am happy to report Ive landed on a winner-winner-chicken-dinner recipe thats incredibly easy to make and checks all of those boxes. Ive included my favorite all-purpose chicken seasoning in the recipe that goes with pretty much everything. But if you are interested, I have also included some of my other favorite seasoning variations too if you would like to mix things up.
So pull out that pressure cooker, and lets make some Instant Pot shredded chicken!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breasts From Frozen
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breasts from Frozen is an easy trick that Ive been loving since I got my pot. It makes for very easy dinners all week long! There are a million things you could do with this simple starting point, but if you need some suggestions I think Ive got some things to keep you busy!
Recommended Reading: How Long To Reheat Tamales In Instant Pot
What About Using Frozen Chicken
Im so glad you asked! Ever find yourself at 6pm staring into your refrigerator and freezer and wondering: What can I cook for dinner, and quick? Im pretty sure weve all been there, and its no fun. But on those nights, our Instant Pot has become our best friend, for being able to whip up a quick and delicious dinner.
Something magical happens when the frozen chicken breast is cooked in the Instant Pot because it comes out as the most tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken weve ever had. And now that we know that, there is no going back. Read all about cooking frozen chicken in your Instant Pot. Weve done extensive testing on this one!
Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Is A Meal Prep Staple
Its versatile recipe that you can enjoy in many different and tasty ways. Salads, soups, stews & more!
Having cooked shredded chicken on hand makes weekday and weeknight cooking a breeze. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is delicious, quick to make and can easily be added to soups, stews, salads, stir-fries, casseroles and the list goes on. It truly is one of my weekend meal prep staples and a recipe I include with almost every meal prep. In this post I show you exactly how to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken with an easy to follow, step-by-step photo tutorial. So if youre one of those who are intimidated by your new Instant Pot and its been in the box ever since the day you purchased it , its time to dust it off and give it a try! For those of you thinking about purchasing on Instant, below is the one that I own and its is the perfect size for families up to 4-5 members.
How to Easy Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Full recipe below.
Place chicken breast in the Instant Pot with broth and a generous amount of seasonings of your choice. I like the Primal Palate Spice Blends such as Garlic & Herb or Adobo. For extra juicy shredded chicken, add a mix of boneless breasts and thighs.
Once the time is up, turn the Instant Pot to keep warm/cancel and turn the valve on the lid to venting. After the pressure is released entirely, remove the lid and transfer the chicken from the Instant Pot to a large pan.
Shred the chicken with whatever method you prefer. I use two forks.
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How To Use Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Congratulations! You’ve got tender, juicy chicken breast that’s ready to use in this week’s meals. Rub a little butter and salt on your whole chicken breasts and reheat for an easy weeknight meal . Use cubed chicken in Chef John’s top-rated Spicy Chicken Noodles. Shredded chicken makes Mexican night a breeze when used in this Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup or Baked Chicken and Rice Chimichanga. Browse our entire collection of chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Related:
Ways To Serve Bbq Chicken
The leftovers are delicious on slider buns, in tacos, quesadillas, on top of a salad, in a wrap, and on top of crackers. I am pretty sure my boys could come up with at least another half a dozen ideas.
My boys have gotten to the age, they are on the run. I love having something in the fridge that they can quickly warm up and it can be considered dinner if necessary. Depending on what sports season it is, there are some nights it is necessary.
Also Check: Where Does The Red Ring Go On The Instant Pot
How To Make Shredded Chicken In The Instant Pot:
To make this Instant Pot chicken recipe, simply
How To Make Shredded Chicken In A Crock Pot/slow Cooker
Same idea as above, you simply fill the pot with about an inch of water at the bottom of the pot, then add the chicken and cook on high for 3 hours and on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Which option is better?
Personally, I like the Instant Pot because faster is better in my books, but the results are pretty much the same.
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How To Actually Shred The Chicken
Once you’ve opened your Instant Pot, you can drain the remaining water and leave the meat in the pot. Now grab two forks and pull that chicken apart. It should be nice and juicy and pull apart beautifully.
If the old fashion way doesn’t suit you, you can also use a hand-held emersion blender or a Kitchen Aid blender, but that seems like unnecessary clean up to me.
A Great Chicken Recipe
Another fast recipe that requires limited work from your end. You can put the chicken breast or chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Literally set it and you can shred it.
You will get some great juices that you can use as a broth in many different recipes.
All it takes is to your chicken in the pressure cooker for 10 minutes.
When you shred chicken on the stove it can take up to 20 to 30 minutes and it needs your attention.
Not with the Instant Pot though. That is why I love cooking in the pressure cooker so much.
You can make this recipe with fresh chicken or with frozen chicken. It just requires 2 more minutes when you put frozen chicken in your pressure cooker. That is amazing right!
So no need to wait and thaw first or use the microwave. Just put it in the Instant Pot and it will take care of the rest.
If you know what you want to use the shredded chicken for you can season it with salt and pepper or chicken seasoning.
But if you want to store it in the freezer for future use you might want to omit the seasoning and do that when you are using it in a recipe.
Want to see how you can shred chicken? Take a look at the recipe video with step-by-step instructions so you can easily follow along.
This is made using a stove but the principle is the same as an Instant Pot.
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Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts In The Instant Pot
While this tutorial focuses on cooking fresh chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, you can easily achieve the same results with frozen chicken breasts using this technique. Just make sure to add 5 additional minutes of cooking time when using frozen chicken breasts. And be sure the breasts are separated before cooking. For more details, learn step-by-step how to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot.
Can You Make This In The Crockpot
Cook THAWED chicken with the remaining ingredients on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours in your slow cooker.
You need to thaw chicken before cooking it in the crockpot because, according to the USDA, youre not supposed to cook frozen chicken in the crockpot for food safety reasons. The slow cooker can take hours to reach a hot enough temperature to kill bacteria.
Because of this, I do HIGHLY recommend getting an instant pot if you can. It makes cooking quicker, easier, and more convenient. It really just makes life better.
Read Also: Instant Pot Hamburgers Frozen
What Is The Best Way To Shred Chicken
Chicken shreds the easiest when it is still warm, so if you plan on shredding the chicken its best to do it while its still warm from cooking. There are 2 ways to shred chicken easily:
- Two forks for 1-2 pounds of chicken you can shred the chicken with two forks. It should be very soft and easy to shred. You can shred the chicken in the liquid from cooking or in a separate bowl.
- Hand mixer or Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer if you made more than 2 pounds of chicken at once, it may be easier to shred the chicken using a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken in under 30 seconds. You can add the chicken back to the cooking liquid to absorb some of the liquid after cooking or leave it out of the liquid.
What To Use Shredded Chicken For
The possibilities are truly endless, yall. Shredded chicken can be used in *so* many different ways, and having pre-cooked shredded chicken on hand makes mealtime incredibly easy! Weve listed several different recipes to make great use of your shredded chicken below, and in each of them, youll simply skip the step that calls for cooking the chicken, and sub in your already cooked chicken instead!
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How To Make Shredded Mexican Chicken
Weber Kickn Chicken Seasoning
I like to mix up the seasonings with the shredded chicken. I always use the recipe I have above, with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder as my base. Then I will add additional seasonings!!
Just yesterday I came up with a healthy version of wingsnoit wasnt wings..but it killed the craving!!! I used the base above and added the Weber KICKN Chicken Seasoning and then dipped with wings sauce and Ranch!!!
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How To Make Shredded Chicken: Recipe Step
- STEP ONE: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of a large pot, then season them.
- For seasoning, I opt for a generous pinch of salt and pepper. If you like, you can add other seasonings, such as a bayleaf, poultry seasoning, or a few springs of fresh herbs.
- This shredded chicken recipe is meant to be more of a blank canvas to add to a wide range of recipes. Because I know I have some fellow Tex-Mex fans, if you are looking for Mexican shredded chicken options, I recommend these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos and this Instant Pot Mole Chicken.
- ARRANGING THE CHICKEN: If you are cooking a larger number of chicken breasts or thighs, you can overlap them slightly.
- If you have a lot of overlap, Id suggest upgrading to a larger pot or using two separate pots.
- STEP TWO: Cover the chicken with 1 inch of water .
- YES, water! If you like you can use chicken broth, though I find that with this cooking method, you dont need it. Unless you have some that you need to use up, save yourself an ingredient and make this shredded chicken without broth.
- STEP FOUR: Check for doneness.
- The chicken is done when the center reaches 165 degrees F .
- Check your chicken OFTEN towards the end. If your chicken is dry or tough, it is because it is overcooked. You can even remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 160 degrees F. Place it on a plate, cover it, and let rest for five more minutes. Check for doneness once more. The carry over should cooking finish the job.
