Shredded Chicken Breasts
Shredded chicken breasts are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. This Instant Pot version takes your chicken preparation to new heights, delivering perfectly tender, flavorful chicken every time, whether using fresh or frozen breasts.
With simple ingredients like chicken broth, olive oil, and a blend of seasonings, this recipe infuses your chicken with savory flavors while saving you time. The Instant Pot ensures a quick and easy process, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Whether you need a quick dinner or prepped protein for the week, this shredded chicken is your go-to solution. Freeze it for easy, stress-free meals that can be enjoyed any night of the week.
Shredded Chicken Breasts Ingredients
The foundation of this Shredded Chicken Breasts recipe begins with savory chicken broth, which infuses the meat with rich, comforting flavor. Kosher salt adds the perfect seasoning balance, while Italian seasoning brings a herby depth.
A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper elevates the taste with a mild heat, and garlic powder introduces a subtle, aromatic warmth. A splash of olive oil helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring a juicy, succulent result every time.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Chicken: Whether you use fresh or frozen chicken breasts, the Instant Pot can handle both with ease. For frozen chicken, be sure the breasts are not stuck together; separate them slightly before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. This simple step helps avoid uneven cooking and ensures your chicken is tender and perfectly shredded.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The seasoning blend of salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder provides a flavorful base, but feel free to tweak it to suit your preferences. If you like a bolder flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or some smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier taste.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once your cooking time ends, it’s crucial to allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender. Don’t rush this step! If you release the pressure too quickly, the chicken could become dry and tough.
What to Serve with Shredded Chicken Breasts
- Over Rice: Serve the shredded chicken on a bed of steamed rice for a simple, satisfying meal. The chicken’s flavorful juices will soak into the rice, making each bite even more delicious. You can add a drizzle of extra sauce for more moisture and flavor.
- In Tacos or Wraps: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos or wraps. Top it with fresh salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime for a quick and satisfying meal. The tender, seasoned chicken makes the perfect base for a variety of fillings.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the shredded chicken with roasted vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. The earthy flavors of the vegetables balance the savory chicken, creating a wholesome, balanced dish that’s perfect for meal prep or dinner.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work well for this recipe. They will provide a richer flavor and slightly more moisture, making them a great choice if you prefer dark meat.
- How do I store leftover shredded chicken? Store any leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, ensuring you have ready-to-go protein for future meals.
- Can I cook the chicken with other vegetables in the Instant Pot? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the Instant Pot along with the chicken for added flavor. Just make sure the vegetables are cut into large pieces to avoid overcooking.
- How can I make the shredded chicken spicier? To add a spicy kick, try incorporating chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce into the seasoning blend. Adjust the level of heat to suit your taste!
Shredded Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a convenient and versatile ingredient for countless dishes. This Instant Pot recipe elevates your meal prep by transforming fresh or frozen chicken breasts into tender, shredded perfection in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt or seasoned salt, garlic salt, etc.
- ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter for a richer flavor
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Begin by combining the chicken broth, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Stir the mixture well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Add the chicken breasts, then secure the lid of the Instant Pot.
- For Fresh Chicken Breasts: Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Keep in mind that the Instant Pot will take approximately 10 minutes to come to full pressure before the countdown timer begins.
- For Frozen Chicken Breasts: Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting, and cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. As with fresh chicken, expect the Instant Pot to take around 10 minutes to reach pressure before the timer starts.
- After the cooking time ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This step ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid and drain about half of the cooking liquid. Shred the chicken with the remaining liquid in the pot to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve the shredded chicken as desired.
- To store for later use, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to freezer bags for easy meal prep.
Notes
This shredded chicken can be frozen for later use, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping easy, delicious weeknight meals.
