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!
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?
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:
- First, place the frozen chicken into the instant pot.
- Then, pour the white vinegar and olive oil over the chicken.
- Next, 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.
- 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.
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:
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.
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
Cook’s Tools:
- Instant Pot pressure cooker
- liquid measuring cup
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Recipe Cost 12.41 Serving Cost 0.52Equipment
- 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.
- Pour the white vinegar and olive oil 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.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you're freezing the chicken, let it cool to room temperature before bagging it and freezing.
Julie Champine says
I’m excited for this and thank you SO much for including the Instant Pot Preheating and Pressure Release time!!
Jess Jankowski says
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
Julie Champine says
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.
Jess Jankowski says
This makes us do our happy dance!!!
Audra says
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!
Jess Jankowski says
Take the plunge! Treat yourself for Christmas!
Marie Wright says
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…
Jess Jankowski says
Such a simple thing to help make meals a little bit easier!
Taylor says
We make this weekly at our house! So easy and versatile!
Jess Jankowski says
That is so awesome! It makes meal prep so much easier!
Nellie Tracy says
Love how easy this recipe is!
Jess Jankowski says
Me too! Hope you love it!
Sonal says
I love my instant pot. It makes cooking so effortless and easy. Love the idea of shredded kitchen in it.
Jess Jankowski says
The Instant Pot is a must have for sure!
Irina says
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!
Jess Jankowski says
You’re so welcome! Excited for you to try it!
Tonje says
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!
Brian Jones says
What a fab idea, perfect for filling up my freezer for autumn and it has so many uses!
Jess Jankowski says
Yes, such a good idea to freeze and use later!
Tisha says
This is a perfect way to cook chicken! So great for meal prep!
Jess Jankowski says
Agreed!
Margo says
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
Jess Jankowski says
It’s a good question! They are not the same. However, you can use either in this recipe!
Doris Huddleston says
Another winning recipe for the Instant Pot!
Jess Jankowski says
It is honestly my all time favorite recipe in the Instant Pot!
Wendy Collins says
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!!!
Jess Jankowski says
Total win if the family is happy! Woot woot!
Calvin says
Really useful, this yields a lot of chicken which is so versatile. Good idea.
Jess Jankowski says
Calvin, it is super cost effective too! We love how you can use it in so many different recipes.
Liza says
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!
Jess Jankowski says
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!
SL G says
Our budget for groceries hasn’t changed in the last few years, but this year’s inflation has everyone I know pinching pennies. This recipe has been such an asset, thank you very much for posting it!
I use the shredded chicken for a variety of dishes throughout the week. Using one recipe, I can make my father’s lunches all week and feed my family several meals. I can make a variety of dishes (soups, tacos, pastas, etc) and mix the flavor profiles so it doesn’t feel like the same chicken dish every night.
Putting good, lean protein on the table without breaking into the gas money is a big victory. Thanks again!
Jess Jankowski says
We so appreciate your perspective and feedback. We are so happy we can help you in a small way every week. Thank you!
Nicole says
Can you make this in a slow cooker? How long would you cook it?
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Nicole, we imagine that you can make it in a slow cooker, but we have not tested it. Just guessing it would need to cook for around 6-8 hours on low. Let us know if you try it.