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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast is an easy, hands-free way to cook juicy, tender breast for recipes that call for precooked chicken. This method makes fresh or frozen chicken available in under 30 minutes.
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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast is one of our favorite, healthy meal prep ingredients. It takes minimal effort to assemble and doesn't heat up the kitchen, so it's great during summer.
I've dialed in the perfect timing to make this pressure cooker shredded chicken juicy and tender. As a result, it has earned its place as a popular protein added to healthy chicken fried rice, shepherd's pie with chicken, and Asian slaw.
Only 4 ingredients needed
- boneless skinless breast (or thighs) - Boneless skinless chicken breast is so easy to overcook in the pressure cooker because it's so lean. So, I've tested and dialed in the right combo of pressure cook time and pressure release to bring you the juiciest results for cooked breasts. Boneless skinless thighs won't require any more time than breasts, but they also won't be as lean.
- salt and pepper - These are the most basic seasonings for poultry. Feel free to add your favorites.
- broth or water - I've tested both, many times. To be honest, I'm not sure I would know the difference in a blind taste test. But the house sure smells good when you use chicken broth made with my favorite base because I can mix it by the cup.
How to make shredded chicken in the Instant Pot
Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the cooker, sprinkle seasoning, and add liquid.
Step 2: Close lid, close pressure valve, and pressure cook 6 minutes high pressure, followed by a 10 minute natural pressure release (NPR). Note: if using frozen breast, add 2 minutes / lb to the total pressure cooking time.
Release any remaining steam, open lid, and insert a meat thermometer to confirm 165 degrees Fahrenheit minimum internal temperature. NEVER SKIP THIS FOOD-SAFETY STEP!
Step 3: Transfer to a plate, cover, and allow to rest five minutes.
Step 4: Shred into bite sized pieces and enjoy immediately in all of your favorite recipes!
How long to cook chicken breast in the Instant Pot
In our test kitchen, I have found that two ¾ pound breasts cook perfectly in 6 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR). Even if you increase the weight of the chicken, you can use the same pressure cook time.
How long to cook frozen chicken breast in the instant pot?
Add 2 minutes per pound to the total pressure cook time for frozen breast or thighs. Always test the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer to make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
What if chicken doesn't get fully cooked?
This is not common with this recipe, but it's also why we always use a quick read thermometer. If, for some reason, your pressure cooked breasts don't register 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer inserted in the center, repeat the pressure cook cycle with only 1 minute cook time. Test it again using a clean thermometer. Repeat as needed.
How to shred chicken (2 ways)
- Hand mixer: You can use a hand mixer by placing the cooked chicken in a mixing bowl, and with beater attachments in place on your hand mixer, beat it into shreds on low to medium speed.
- Stand mixer: Did you know your stand mixer can shred chicken? This is especially helpful if you're shredding several breasts. Use the beater attachment and shred on medium-low speed until it reaches your desired texture.
How to pull chicken (2 ways)
- 2 forks: Forks are easy tools to shred chicken and are pretty much always available. Simply lay the breast on a cutting board or in a bowl, insert two forks into it, and pull apart repeatedly. Pro tip: shred chicken against the grain if you want it chunkier, or shred it with the grain if you want finely shredded. You can also use meat claws.
- your hands: When the cooked chicken breast is cool to the touch, your bare hands make a perfect shredding tool because...they're always available. Simply use your fingers to pull the it apart as finely or as chunky as you like.
Can you freeze shredded chicken?
Yes! Allow chicken to cool completely and store in freezers-safe containers up to 90 days, or longer if vacuum-sealed. Any longer than these times/methods, you run the risk of freezer burn and the chicken becomes dry and has unpleasant flavor. Chicken breast is quite lean and, unlike dark meat, it doesn't have the fat to protect it from drying out.
How to thaw frozen shredded chicken
Simply place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before you need to use it. If it's vacuum-sealed in smaller amounts (like 2-4 cups), you can drop the vacuum-sealed packets into cold water in the refrigerator and it will easily thaw in under an hour.
Things to cook in the pressure cooker
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Instant Pot Green Beans
- Instant Pot Beets
- Instant Pot Chickpeas (Garbanzos)
- Instant Pot Black Beans
- Instant Pot Artichokes
Recommended Instant Pot dinner recipes
- Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork Butt
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Breast
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Video
Note about scaling
When scaling (2x or 3x), the light gray ingredient amount doesn’t scale. Please adjust those accordingly.
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, about 1.5 lbs (fresh or frozen)
- ⅛ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Chicken Broth, or preferred cooking liquid
Instructions
- Place CHICKEN BREASTS in the pressure cooker. Season with SALT and PEPPER, and add BROTH.
- Select "Manual" or "Pressure cook" on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes followed by a FULL 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR).Note: Add 2 minutes per pound for frozen chicken breast
- Flip the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining steam. Open the lid and insert a quick-read thermometer in the center of the thickest breast to confirm 165°F minimum temp * see recipe footnotes about this
- Transfer chicken breasts to a plate, draped with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes before shredding.Note: This is key for moisture retention, so resist the temptation to shred them right away.
- Shred chicken into bite sized pieces with 2 forks (or your favorite method).
Storing and freezing
- Allow to cool completely. Refrigerate in airtight container up to 5 days or freeze 30 days (or longer if vacuum-sealed).
Equipment
- meat claws or two forks
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Owen says
Saved as a favorite, I love your website!
Elona says
Do you put the breasts on the trivet?
The Kitchen Girl says
Hello, it's not necessary to put chicken breasts on a trivet, but you're welcome to. You would use the same cooking instructions with or without it. Let me know if you have further questions 🙂
Jeffery says
This recipe makes perfect pulled chicken! It's great for adding to other recipes. I barely have to do anything and the Instant Pot makes the juiciest shredded chicken breast. Winning this one, KG! Thanks!
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm so glad you're loving this one! Thank youuuu!
Kelly Anthony says
I've never used a stand mixer to shred chicken but that is a great idea!
Traci Antonovich says
It totally rocks! So fast and saves the muscles in your hands 🙂
Irina says
This recipe-tutorial is a keeper. Love the freezing options as well. Thank you for sharing more recipes with shredded chicken:)
Traci Antonovich says
You're so welcome, Irina. Thanks for the comment 🙂
Tara says
I love how easily this comes together! That texture looks perfect too. I recently discovered shredded chicken with the stand mixer and wish I had known earlier!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, I hear ya, Tara...it's SO convenient.Thanks!
Cate says
Such an easy and yummy recipe for anything I need to add chicken to! Thanks for sharing!!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Cate! Yes, love it for so many things 🙂
Alisha Rodrigues says
I love how you've explained everything in so much detail. This post is definitely going to be of great help to us, chicken lovers
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Alisha! We do love our cooking details...hopefully something for everyone here 🙂
Katie says
Love how easy and convenient this is. The instant pot is my favorite!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, meee too, Katie! 🙂 Yay ALL things Instant Pot!
Saima says
Such good luck that I came across this recipe for shredded chicken! I am making a chicken with sour cream in the evening and was wondering how long it would take to cook frozen chicken breasts in the instant pot. Thanks!
Traci Antonovich says
Perfect, Saima 🙂 Enjoy!
safira says
Thanks for sharing this. It will be super useful for me during meal prep this sunday!
Traci Antonovich says
Yes! This is meal prepper's best friend 🙂
Katie says
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Traci Antonovich says
That's great...so glad you enjoyed it!
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
I need to finally start using my instant pot. I guess I need to start with chicken recipes, so I find your post really helpful!
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome...enjoy, Alina 🙂
Jeannette says
This is going to be THE way chicken is going to be prepped. How easy and versatile is this? Thanks so much for sharing!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha yes! It is definitely THAT for us 🙂 Thanks for saying so!