Make Mouth-Watering Instant Pot Shredded Chicken in Minutes
As a chef who specializes in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I know the importance of having quick and easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe with you.
But don’t be fooled by its simplicity- this easy Instant Pot shredded chicken will quickly become a go-to meal in your household. Bursting with flavor from garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt, this recipe is as delicious as it is easy to make.
Whether you’re cooking for meal prep, a busy weeknight dinner, or a backyard barbecue with friends and family, this shredded chicken recipe can do it all. So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe is the perfect solution for those busy days when you want a quick and easy meal without sacrificing taste. This recipe is simple to follow, requires only a handful of ingredients and can be modified to suit your taste buds. The result is tender and juicy shredded chicken that’s perfect for meal prep, BBQ chicken sandwiches or pulled pork as a substitute.
But why should you choose this recipe over any others?
Firstly, this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts – a healthier alternative to other cuts of meat. Secondly, cooking with an instant pot means that the cooking time is significantly reduced compared to other methods. With high pressure cook settings, it only takes 8-10 minutes to get perfectly cooked and juicy shredded chicken. So not only do you get more flavor from the ingredients, but also save time while retaining all their nutrients!
Furthermore, this recipe has endless possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing. The shredded chicken can be added to a variety of Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos or quesadillas. Alternatively, add BBQ sauce and pile high on a bun for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich. Looking even more creative? Add some pulled pork instead of barbecue sauce and create some mini sliders!
Overall, this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe is ideal for those seeking simplicity without sacrificing flavor as well as for those who love easy meal prep options that provide maximum flexibility in how they utilize their protein intake for the day – either alone or paired with different dishes! Why settle for anything less when you can have a versatile dish that satisfies your taste buds while being healthy at the same time?
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you will be needing for this recipe:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Note: If you are using frozen chicken breast, increase the pressure cook time to 10 minutes on high pressure.
These ingredients are enough to make a flavorful batch of shredded chicken using an Instant Pot. Its tender and juicy texture is perfect for any meal – be it a BBQ chicken sandwich or a pulled pork inspired Mexican shredded chicken dish.
The Recipe How-To
Let me guide you through the easy steps on how to make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. This recipe requires 7 ingredients and is perfect for meal prep.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by selecting your favorite brand of boneless skinless chicken breast. With a sharp knife, trim the extra fat from the chicken breasts then season them with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Add Broth to Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. This will help to infuse more flavors into your shredded chicken.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot, ensuring that they are completely covered in broth. Add 2 bay leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. If you’re cooking frozen chicken, increase the cooking time to 20 minutes on high pressure.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking process completes and your Instant Pot beeps, wait for about 5 minutes before opening its valve to release any remaining pressure. Remove the shredded chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board, using two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Your shredded chicken is now ready for use. You can serve it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, freeze it for up to 3 months for future use.
Enjoy this easy and versatile recipe that can satisfy different meal plans or use cases such as pulled pork, bbq pulled chicken sandwiches or paired with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
The Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is quite versatile when it comes to substitutions and variations. Whether you’re looking to switch things up or you don’t have all the necessary ingredients, there are a few options to keep in mind.
For starters, instead of low-sodium chicken broth, you can use regular chicken broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the salt level accordingly. Additionally, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the boneless skinless chicken breast for tofu or jackfruit.
If you want to add more flavor to your shredded chicken, try using different herbs and spices in place of dried oregano and garlic powder. You can experiment with cumin, paprika, onion powder or even chili powder for a more Mexican-inspired flavor.
For those who prefer a bit of heat in their meals, consider adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the instant pot with the chicken. This will give the shredded chicken an extra kick that pairs perfectly with rice or as a filling for tacos.
Finally, there are many ways to serve and pair this delicious shredded chicken. If you’re in the mood for a BBQ-inspired meal, create BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches by mixing your shredded chicken with bbq sauce. Alternatively, this shredded chicken works well as a substitute for pulled pork on nachos or as a topping for loaded sweet potatoes.
Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken your own. It’s an easy meal prep option that can be adapted to suit your personal preferences and tastes.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have a delicious batch of Instant Pot shredded chicken, it’s time to talk about the best ways to serve and pair it with other dishes. The versatility of this chicken recipe means it pairs well with many different sides and flavors.
One classic way to serve Shredded Chicken Instant Pot is in tacos or enchiladas with some guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream on top. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Alternatively, you can use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches or wraps for a lighter meal.
For a BBQ flavor twist, consider making barbecue chicken sandwiches or pulled pork inspired by this recipe by adding BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and serving on buns.
In addition to these options, Shredded Chicken Instant Pot can be used as a base for other flavorful dishes such as casseroles or soups. Add your favorite vegetables and seasonings for an easy one-pot meal that will save you time on weeknights.
When it comes to pairing beverages with your Shredded Chicken Instant Pot, light lager beer or white wine pair perfectly with its subtle flavor notes. Watermelon salad, sweet corn fritters, or roasted vegetable medleys are great side dish options that can complement west-coast vibe dishes.
Overall, shredded chicken instant pot is a quick and versatile ingredient that can be served in various delicious ways. From Mexican cuisine to hearty casseroles and BBQ sandwiches, there are endless ways to enjoy this tasty meat.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can easily make this instant pot shredded chicken recipe ahead of time, and store it for later use. The cooked shredded chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan on keeping it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating the shredded chicken, you can do so from frozen by placing it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan on the stove top with a little bit of oil or butter.
Another great feature of this recipe is that it is perfect for meal prep. You can easily portion out the shredded chicken and store it in meal prep containers for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners. Simply heat up the desired amount when you are ready to eat and pair it with your favorite sides.
If you want to turn this shredded chicken into a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich or pulled pork, simply mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce and heat it up on the stove until warmed through. Serve on a bun with some coleslaw for an easy and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the best outcome for your instant pot shredded chicken, then you have come to the right place. Here are some tips that will help you prepare the most delicious and tender shredded chicken:
1. Don’t skip on the seasoning: The combination of garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper gives your chicken flavor that will make your taste buds tingle.
2. Use low-sodium chicken broth: This adds extra depth to the flavor of your shredded chicken without making it too salty.
3. Cut your chicken breasts into smaller, uniform pieces: This allows them to cook evenly and ensures that they are thoroughly cooked.
4. Try using frozen chicken breasts: Unlike other cooking methods, the Instant Pot is great for cooking frozen meat because it can still make it tender and delicious.
5. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes: This is the perfect amount of time to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Any longer, and they may come out overcooked and dry.
6. Allow natural release for a few minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually: This will prevent your chicken from becoming tough or chewy.
7. Use a fork to shred your chicken: Once your chicken is done cooking, let it cool before shredding it with two forks or using a handheld mixer to shred it.
8. Save the cooking liquid: The broth left over in the Instant Pot after cooking can be used as a base for soup or sauce or as a delicious addition to stews or rice dishes.
By following these simple tips, you’re ensuring your instant pot shredded chicken is juicy, flavorful, and melts in your mouth!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves quick and easy meals that are packed with flavor. With its short cooking time and minimal prep work, it’s perfect for meal prepping, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Whether you use it as a base for tacos or salads, or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps, the possibilities with this shredded chicken are endless. So don’t wait any longer and try out this recipe today!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to make this recipe your own. You can also substitute the chicken breast with other cuts of chicken or even add in some pulled pork to create a tasty BBQ pulled chicken sandwich with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Trust me; this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe will become your go-to recipe in no time. I guarantee that you and your loved ones will love it. So go ahead and give it a try; you won’t regret it!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dash garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Put the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Seal the lid and turn the steam valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on high pressure (manual) for 10 minutes (15 minutes for frozen chicken breasts). The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and then will start counting down the cook time.
- For frozen chicken, wait 5 minutes before opening the release valve after the Instant Pot is done cooking. Then release the pressure by turning the steam valve to vent.
- After all the steam is released, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot, leaving the broth in the pot.
- Let the chicken cool slightly and then shred the chicken.
- Stir in about 1/2 cup of the broth from the pot.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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