How to Make Shredded Chicken in Instant Pot: A Quick and Easy Guide

Cooking shredded chicken in an instant pot is an effortless and versatile way to prepare an ingredient that can be used in a multitude of recipes. From tacos and burritos to soups and salads, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, the instant pot allows you to cook the chicken quickly and efficiently, saving you precious time and energy in the kitchen.

To begin, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, some salt and pepper, and a cup of chicken broth or water. Place the chicken in the instant pot and season it with salt and pepper. Then, pour in the broth or water, making sure to cover the chicken. Close the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to “sealing”. Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes for fresh chicken, or 15-20 minutes for frozen chicken. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Open the instant pot and voila! You have perfectly cooked and tender shredded chicken.

Introduction:

Instant Pot has become a favorite tool for busy families to create delicious meals in less time. One popular dish is shredded chicken, which can be used in everything from salads to tacos. Making shredded chicken in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and results in juicy and flavorful meat. In this article, we will take you step-by-step through the process of making shredded chicken in an Instant Pot.

1. Choose the right chicken:

When making shredded chicken, it’s important to choose the right type of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best options for this recipe. Make sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.

2. Add flavor:

To add some extra flavor, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other seasoning of your choice. You can also add herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

3. Prep the Instant Pot:

Before you start cooking, make sure your Instant Pot is clean and properly prepared. Add one cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the Instant Pot to create steam.

4. Add the chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot, making sure that the pieces don’t overlap. If needed, you can cook the chicken in batches.

5. Set cook time:

Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. It’s important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.

6. Natural release:

Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. This will help to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

7. Shred chicken:

Using two forks, shred the chicken while it’s still hot. You can also use a stand mixer or food processor for faster shredding.

8. Add juices:

To keep the shredded chicken moist, add some of the cooking juices from the Instant Pot. You can also add your favorite sauce or marinade.

9. Storage:

If you’re not using all the shredded chicken right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later use.

10. Enjoy!

Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making shredded chicken in an Instant Pot, you can use it in a variety of dishes. Enjoy it in salads, tacos, burritos, wraps, or sandwiches. The options are endless.

10 Easy Steps to Make Shredded Chicken in an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is an excellent kitchen appliance that can help you cook meals faster, easier, and healthier. One of the best things about Instant Pot is that you can use it to make shredded chicken in a matter of minutes. Here are ten easy steps to help you make delicious shredded chicken using your Instant Pot.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Before you can start cooking your chicken, you need to clean it thoroughly and remove any excess fat. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Make sure to cut off any excess fat and rinse the chicken under cold water. Pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken

Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings or marinades you like. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other spices that you enjoy. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheating the Instant Pot

To use your Instant Pot, you need to preheat it first. Turn on the sauté function and wait for it to heat up. Then, add a tablespoon of oil to the pot and wait for it to heat up as well.

Step 4: Searing the Chicken

Once the Instant Pot and oil are hot, add the chicken and sear it for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This will help lock in the flavor and keep the chicken moist.

Step 5: Adding Liquid

After you have seared the chicken, add about 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot. This will create steam and help cook the chicken faster and more evenly.

Step 6: Setting the Cooking Time

Next, close the Instant Pot lid and set the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure. Make sure the pressure valve is set to sealed.

Step 7: Natural Release

After the cooking time has ended, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, you can release the remaining pressure by turning the pressure valve to venting.

Step 8: Shredding the Chicken

Once the pressure has released, take out the chicken and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and easy to shred.

Step 9: Adding Sauce or Flavoring

After you’ve shredded the chicken, you can add any sauce or flavoring that you like. You can add BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or any other sauce you enjoy. Alternatively, you can add your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.

Step 10: Serving the Shredded Chicken

The shredded chicken is now ready to be served. You can use it to make tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, or any other dish you like. Enjoy your delicious and healthy shredded chicken made in your Instant Pot!

How to Make Shredded Chicken in Instant Pot: Tips & Tricks

Making shredded chicken in an Instant Pot is quick and easy, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure the best results every time. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

When making shredded chicken, it’s important to choose the right cut of chicken. While you can technically use any part of the chicken, some cuts are better suited to shredding than others. Chicken breast, for example, is a popular choice because it shreds easily and has a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of different recipes. However, chicken thighs are also a great option because they tend to be more moist and flavorful than chicken breast.

Using the Right Seasonings

Seasoning your chicken is important for adding flavor to your shredded chicken. One of the benefits of making shredded chicken in an Instant Pot is that the pressure cooking process infuses the chicken with flavor. However, to enhance the flavor even further, be sure to season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs that complement your recipe. You can also add aromatics like garlic, onion, and ginger to give your chicken even more depth of flavor.

Properly Preparing the Instant Pot

Before you start cooking your chicken in the Instant Pot, it’s important to properly prepare the pot. This includes making sure the sealing ring is properly seated and that the valve is set to “sealing,” not “venting.” You’ll also want to make sure there is enough liquid in the pot to avoid burning the chicken. A cup of broth or water is usually sufficient.

Allowing the Pressure to Release Naturally

After your chicken has finished cooking, it’s important to allow the pressure to release naturally rather than using the quick release method. This will help ensure that the chicken stays moist and tender. Once the pressure has naturally released, you can use a fork or tongs to shred the chicken.

Storing and Freezing Shredded Chicken

One of the advantages of making shredded chicken in an Instant Pot is that you can easily make a large batch and store it for later use. To store your shredded chicken, simply transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze your shredded chicken for up to three months by placing it in a freezer-safe container and storing it in your freezer.

Below is a table summarizing the key takeaways from this section:

By following these tips and tricks, you can make delicious and tender shredded chicken every time in your Instant Pot. Experiment with different seasonings and cuts of chicken to find the perfect combination for your favorite recipes. Happy cooking!

And that’s it!

I hope this guide on how to make shredded chicken in an instant pot was helpful for you. Cooking with an instant pot is quick and easy, and shredded chicken could be a staple in your weekly meal prep routine. Thanks for reading, and I hope you come back for more recipes and tips soon. Don’t forget to grab your instant pot and get cooking!