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Home » Recipes » Instant Pot » Bulk Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Bulk Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

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Recipe Cost $12.41
Recipe Serving Cost $0.52
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Bulk Shredded Chicken made in the Instant Pot.  via @easybudgetrecipes

This bulk Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is easy and such a time and budget-saver! This recipe will yield 12 cups of juicy shredded chicken that will help with dinner prep. Each cup of chicken will cost just $1.04!

A plate full of shredded chicken.

I can not tell you how many times bags of this shredded chicken has saved me at dinner time! Not only is it more economical to make yourself, but it sure is tastier, too! This recipe will cost you $1.04 per cup of shredded chicken versus $1.54 per 4.5 ounces can (1 cup) of frozen chicken. This recipe makes 12 cups, and I freeze the chicken in quart-sized freezer bags that each contain 2 cups of shredded chicken.

Well now that problem is solved with our shredded chicken recipe. Of all the shredded chicken recipes this is our favorite because of how versatile it is. It is also super easy because this is an instant pot shredded chicken recipe. You heard me right, you put the chicken in the instant pot and then shred it when it is done cooking. Easy peasy! You will want to print this recipe out and keep it at the front of your recipe book as one of your go to recipes. 

One of our readers, Julie C, said about this recipe, “This chicken was AMAZING! It’s so juicy and is just as great warmed up. My husband likes to buy the “Just Chicken” from Sprouts and this is better, and at a fraction of the cost. I’m looking forward to trying the flavor and recipe variations.”

How will you use this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe?

Overhead picture of shredded chicken.

How many calories are in a cup of shredded chicken?

Typically there are 80 calories in ⅓ cup of shredded chicken. That is a very healthy serving! 

Can you buy shredded chicken at a store?

Freshly shredded chicken is expensive and not very budget-friendly! That is why we love making this shredded chicken recipe ahead of time and freezing it later for busy weeknights. If you are in a pinch though, your best option is to buy a rotisserie chicken and then shred it at home. 

Can you shred raw chicken?

Raw chicken does not actually shred well so you should always make sure you are using fully cooked chicken before you shred it. 

How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken:

  1. First, place the frozen chicken into the instant pot. 
  2. Then, pour the white vinegar and olive oil over the chicken.
  3. Next, sprinkle the salt, pepper, and sugar over the chicken.
  4. Close and seal the Instant Pot and cook on HIGH pressure for 25 minutes.
  5. Once done, let the Instant pot natural release for 10 minutes, and then manually release the remaining steam and pressure.
  6. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re freezing the chicken, let it cool to room temperature before bagging it and freezing.

How to get the kids involved with this recipe:

  • Ages 2-3: Have them help you dump the ingredients into the instant pot. 
  • Ages 4-5: Have them help you measure the ingredients, 
  • Ages 6-8: Teach them how to turn on the instant pot and how to set it for this recipe. Teach them safe instant pot practices like how to put the lid on correctly and how to safely do a manual release. 
  • Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe. 
  • Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!

Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.

All of the ingredients that you need to make 12 cups of shredded chicken in the Instant Pot.

The flavor and Recipe Variations:

  • Mexican: Use lime juice instead of white vinegar, and in step 3 also add in 1.5 teaspoons each of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. 
  • Greek: Use lemon juice instead of white vinegar, and in step 3 also add in 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder and dried oregano. 
  • Italian: Use 1/2 cup of zesty Italian dressing instead of vinegar and olive oil. In step 3 also add in 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley.

Wondering what to do with all this shredded chicken? Check out these recipes using shredded chicken:

  • BBQ Chicken Braid
  • BBQ Chicken Salad
  • Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Cindy’s Sausage Gumbo
  • Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  • Inside Out Chicken Pot Pie
  • Large-Batch Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
  • Navajo Tacos
  • Tomato Chicken Alfredo

Side Dish Ideas to Serve with Shredded Chicken:

  • Large-Batch 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
  • Fresh Green Beans Almondine
  • Easy Garlic Bread

How long is this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken good for:

  • Serve: The chicken will be good for 2 hours at room temperature. 
  • Store: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
  • Freeze: Freeze shredded chicken in freezer-safe Ziploc bags for up to 4 months. 

Shredded chicken made in the Instant Pot.

How much will this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken cost:

Recipe Cost: $12.41 

Cost Per Cup: $1.04

Cost Per Serving: $0.52

To find out more on how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.

  • 5 pounds frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts – $11.68
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar – $0.05
  • 1/4 cup olive oil – $0.52
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar – $0.02
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – $0.02
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper – $0.12

 

Picture collage for Pinterest.

Cook’s Tools:

  • Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • liquid measuring cup
Overhead picture of shredded chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Recipe Cost $12.41
Recipe Serving Cost $0.52
This bulk Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is easy and such a time and budget-save! This recipe will yield 12 cups of juicy shredded chicken that will help with dinner prep.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Instant Pot Preheating and Pressure Release20 mins
Total Time50 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, Instant Pot
Servings: 24 people
Calories: 130kcal
Author: Easy Budget Recipes Original!

Equipment

  • Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Liquid measuring cup

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the frozen chicken into the instant pot.
    Add the chicken to the pot.
  • Pour the white vinegar and olive oil over the chicken.
    Pour in the vinegar and oil mixture.
  • Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and sugar over the chicken.
    Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and sugar over the chicken.
  • Close and seal the Instant Pot and cook on HIGH pressure for 25 minutes.
  • Once done, let the Instant pot natural release for 10 minutes, and then manually release the remaining steam and pressure.
    Cook for 25 minutes on high pressure.
  • Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you're freezing the chicken, let it cool to room temperature before bagging it and freezing.
    Shredded chicken made in the Instant Pot.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 351mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you love this recipe?We'd love to hear from you follow us on Instagram @EasyBudgetRecipes and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Filed Under: $15 RECIPES, Instant Pot, Main Dish Tagged With: chicken, chicken breast, instant pot, olive oil, pepper, salt, sugar, white vinegar

Previous Post: « 1-Hour French Bread
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie Champine

    September 3, 2019 at 7:50 pm

    I’m excited for this and thank you SO much for including the Instant Pot Preheating and Pressure Release time!!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 4, 2019 at 4:03 am

      The pre-heating and pressure release time are key! I didn’t take that into account the first time I used the Instant Pot and my meal wasn’t ready until about 9pm! LOL

  2. Julie Champine

    September 5, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken was AMAZING! It’s so juicy and is just as great warmed up.
    My husband likes to buy the “Just Chicken” from Sprouts and this is better, and at a fraction of the cost. I’m looking forward to trying the flavor and recipe variations.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 6, 2019 at 4:45 am

      This makes us do our happy dance!!!

  3. Audra

    September 9, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    I’m excited to try this recipe. Information on recipes on how to prep the meat is a pet peeve of mine too! I have never taken the plunge to buy an instant pot but this makes it look worth it!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 10, 2019 at 4:50 am

      Take the plunge! Treat yourself for Christmas!

  4. Marie Wright

    September 11, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    I love love shredding chicken this way. So easy. 20-30 min later & I have an entire week of shredded chicken ready for salads, casseroles, pasta, etc…

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 12, 2019 at 4:46 am

      Such a simple thing to help make meals a little bit easier!

  5. Taylor

    September 11, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    We make this weekly at our house! So easy and versatile!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 12, 2019 at 4:43 am

      That is so awesome! It makes meal prep so much easier!

  6. Nellie Tracy

    September 11, 2019 at 8:41 pm

    5 stars
    Love how easy this recipe is!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 12, 2019 at 4:43 am

      Me too! Hope you love it!

  7. Sonal

    September 12, 2019 at 2:03 am

    5 stars
    I love my instant pot. It makes cooking so effortless and easy. Love the idea of shredded kitchen in it.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 12, 2019 at 4:42 am

      The Instant Pot is a must have for sure!

  8. Irina

    September 12, 2019 at 4:35 am

    5 stars
    This Shredded Chicken recipe sounds so helpful for busy moms! I am going to try your recipe for sure! Thank you for the step by step photographed explanations!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 12, 2019 at 4:41 am

      You’re so welcome! Excited for you to try it!

  9. Tonje

    September 12, 2019 at 5:18 am

    5 stars
    What a great way to prepare for a busy week. I always do my shredded chicken in my slow cooker, but this would for sure speed things up. I’m definitely going to try it!

    Reply
  10. Brian Jones

    September 12, 2019 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    What a fab idea, perfect for filling up my freezer for autumn and it has so many uses!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 13, 2019 at 4:26 am

      Yes, such a good idea to freeze and use later!

  11. Tisha

    September 12, 2019 at 8:06 am

    5 stars
    This is a perfect way to cook chicken! So great for meal prep!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 13, 2019 at 4:26 am

      Agreed!

  12. Margo

    September 12, 2019 at 11:25 pm

    K, don’t laugh at my novice question… is white vinegar the same as distilled? I googled and got lots of different answers . My husband has a running joke in his family about him messing up a recipe for a date night dinner in high school using distilled vinegar on accident so now I’m nervous

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 13, 2019 at 4:31 am

      It’s a good question! They are not the same. However, you can use either in this recipe!

  13. Doris Huddleston

    September 15, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    Another winning recipe for the Instant Pot!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 16, 2019 at 5:08 am

      It is honestly my all time favorite recipe in the Instant Pot!

  14. Wendy Collins

    September 24, 2019 at 2:02 am

    5 stars
    Love this recipe! Made it tonight and used for dinner and still have enough to use for other meals this week or freeze. I am known for making dry chicken… but this recipe changed that! Even my husband and son raved about how moist and flavorful this was!!!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      September 24, 2019 at 6:05 pm

      Total win if the family is happy! Woot woot!

  15. Calvin

    May 21, 2020 at 1:13 pm

    Really useful, this yields a lot of chicken which is so versatile. Good idea.

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      May 21, 2020 at 10:33 pm

      Calvin, it is super cost effective too! We love how you can use it in so many different recipes.

  16. Liza

    November 10, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    This looks great! Does the chicken have to be frozen at the start? I’m new to the IP….do you know how the cook time would change, if at all, if not using frozen chicken? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jess Jankowski

      November 12, 2020 at 9:32 pm

      Hi. We have only made it from frozen chicken breasts because it is just so convenient. But I just did a google search and it sounds like you can do it with thawed chicken and just reduce the time to about 20 minutes. If you try it out, let us know!

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Beth, Jill, and Jess of Easy Budget Recipes

We’re Beth, Jill, and Jess, and we’re the team of sisters-in-law behind Easy Budget Recipes!

Combined, we have over 50 years of cooking, meal planning, and budgeting experience. Each of our recipes serves at least six people, and we have broken down the cost of every recipe for you so that it’s easier to budget your shopping list every week!

We’re so glad that you’re here. Find out more ABOUT US!

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