Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

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Using your Instant Pot to make shredded chicken cuts the time in half and gives you a perfectly juicy meat option.

This is one of those recipes that just keeps on giving. You can choose to add your chicken to a salad, soup, wrap it in lettuce, make tacos; you name it. 

This Instant Pot shredded chicken is:

• Simple
• Juicy
• Delicious
• Versatile

The main ingredients are:

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Broth
• Seasonings of choice

Optional additional ingredients:

• Onion powder
• BBQ seasoning

Health Benefits of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Rich Source of Protein and B Vitamins

Chicken is naturally rich in protein, which is the most satiating macronutrient. When you consume protein with your meals, you’ll feel fuller faster, and may even eat fewer calories than if your meal didn’t contain protein. 

In addition, since your muscles need protein to grow, you can also think of protein consumption, eventually leading to a greater calorie burn as the more muscle you have, the more calories you need daily[*].

Chicken is also a fantastic source of B vitamins—specifically, niacin (B3), pyridoxine(B6), and pantothenic acid (B5). Niacin is a crucial component of the energy-producing enzyme NAD, while pyridoxine plays a vital role in cognitive development, and pantothenic acid is essential for another energy production enzyme called coenzyme A(CoA)[*][*][*].  

Instant Pot Chicken Ingredients:

• Chicken: Any type of chicken should work, but chicken breast is the easiest to shred.
• Cooking liquid: Adding liquid prevents burning in the Instant Pot and adds moisture to your chicken. You can choose any type of broth (chicken broth, beef broth, bone broth). 
• Spices: Seasoning is where the fun is, here are a few seasoning options to choose from:

Basic:

•  1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

Italian:

•  1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Mexican:

•  1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Other Variations:

• Type of chicken — you could go with boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken with bone-in. The only difference will be that it’s a bit harder to shred chicken that has a bone. 
• Seasoning choice — choose from any listed above or make your own.
• Add crushed tomatoes or another liquid medium that’s low-carb.

Ways To Use Shredded Chicken

You can add it to a variety of meals including:

• Soups
• On top of the salad
• Low-carb chicken tacos
• Chicken casseroles 
• Chicken lettuce wraps
• Chicken salad

How To Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

To begin, add chicken stock to the bottom of the Instant Pot and then place chicken in the pot with your desired seasonings.  

Replace the lid, seal, and close valve.

Next, set your Instant Pot to MANUAL + 10 minutes.  When the timer goes off, manually release pressure and carefully remove the lid.

Finally, dice chicken or shred with two forks or use a hand mixer to break the chicken apart.

Add to your meal, or store in an airtight container, and you’re done. 

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