Description
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe perfect for meal prepping or adding to your favorite dishes. This method uses simple seasoning and fresh aromatics, steaming chicken breasts to tender perfection ready to shred in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 fresh or frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 sprig rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the pot. This liquid will create the steam necessary for pressure cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts on the trivet. Evenly sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well-seasoned for flavor infusion.
- Add Aromatics: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken breasts. Add the smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprig, and rosemary sprig into the pot for fragrant, herbaceous seasoning.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid by twisting it to lock. Set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Select High Pressure cooking and set the timer for 14 minutes if the chicken is frozen or 12 minutes if fresh.
- Pressure Release: After the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes to maximize tenderness. Then carefully switch the steam release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot carefully and place them in a bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Optional Flavor Boost: For extra moisture and flavor, squeeze the remaining half lemon juice over the shredded chicken and toss with about ¼ cup of the reserved cooking liquid before serving.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor.
- Frozen chicken breasts require a slightly longer cooking time compared to fresh ones.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Save some cooking liquid to moisten the shredded chicken if needed.
- This shredded chicken is versatile and can be used in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or casseroles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
