Imagine pulling apart the most succulent, flavor-packed chicken with just a gentle touch of your fork - no dry, stringy meat in sight! This Big Batch Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is about to revolutionize your meal prep game, delivering restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook, meal prep enthusiast, or simply craving a versatile protein that can transform countless dishes, this foolproof recipe will become your new kitchen superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Make sure they are laid flat for even cooking.
- Pour the 1 cup of chicken broth over the chicken breasts. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
- Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Use the manual or pressure cook function to select the time.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the broth remaining in the pot to keep it moist. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the shredded chicken immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This shredded chicken can be used in various dishes such as tacos, salads, or sandwiches.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Chicken: Always use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure chicken pieces are laid flat and not stacked to guarantee even cooking.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release to keep the chicken incredibly moist.
- Seasoning Hack: Mix your dry spices thoroughly before sprinkling to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Storage Wisdom: Store shredded chicken in its cooking liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Versatility is Key: This chicken works perfectly in tacos, salads, sandwiches, and meal prep bowls.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spice blends like taco seasoning or Italian herbs for exciting variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
