Juicy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

A white bowl filled with shredded chicken is paired with a tantalizing hint of canned cowboy candy, resting on a colorful checkered cloth. Nearby, a fork and spoon lie ready for action on the light surface.

Instant Pot shredded chicken is a flavorful and versatile recipe made with chicken breasts, broth, and seasonings. It's ideal for quick weeknight meals, meal prep, or serving in tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Make it ahead and use it throughout the week for easy, protein-packed dishes.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Pressure Release 20

Total Time 40

Servings (about 4 cups shredded chicken)

Calories 131

Author Gina Dickson

Equipment

Instant Pot - 6 Quart

Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth canned or homemade
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
4 chicken breasts fresh or frozen (about 2 pounds total)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prep the Instant Pot

Place the inner pot into your Instant Pot.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and stir in the poultry seasoning.
1 cup chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning

Add Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the broth. Sprinkle the top with salt and pepper.
4 chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper

Seal and Cook

Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” For fresh chicken breasts: cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. For frozen chicken breasts: cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes.

Natural Pressure Release

Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam. Carefully remove the lid.

Shred the Chicken

Transfer the chicken to a large plate. Use two forks to shred the meat into pieces about 2 inches long.

Save the Broth (optional):

If you don’t need the leftover broth, let it cool, pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container, and label it for later use in soups or rice dishes.

Notes

Gina’s Recipe Tips and Variation Ideas

Dietary Modifications: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste for a heart-healthy version.

Flavor Enhancements: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bay leaf to the broth for a deeper flavor profile.

Prevent Overcooking: If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, reduce pressure cook time by 2–3 minutes to avoid dryness.

Nutrition