It's time to get on the instapot train if you haven't already! This fantastic little appliance can do so much, and one of my favorite things to make in it is shredded chicken. It's so easy and fast and perfect for quick meals or snacks.
If you're like me, you love a good shredded chicken dish. But who has time to babysit a pot on the stove all day? Not me! That's why I love my instant pot. With this easy recipe, you can have shredded chicken on the table in no time.
Besides that, shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient - you can use it in tacos, salads, sandwiches or eat it plain. Give this simple recipe a try and experience the magic of the Instapot for yourself!
Shredded chicken instapot
How to cook chicken breast and thighs in instapot, even from frozen, is a breeze. IP chicken recipes like this are so simple, and you can have dinner on the table in no time!
If you're looking for an easy way to cook chicken, look no further than your trusty Instant Pot. Whether you start with fresh or frozen chicken, cooking it in the Instant Pot will produce juicy, shredded chicken that's perfect for any recipe.
I have been experimenting with different recipes since I bought my instant pot. This shredded chicken recipe is one of my favorites. It is easy to make, and the chicken is moist and flavorful. I'm telling you, this is the easiest way to make shredded chicken. You can use it in tacos, enchiladas, and burritos or eat it plain. It's also great for meal prep.
Can frozen breasts and thighs be cooked in an instant pot?
You can cook frozen chicken breasts and thighs in an instant pot. However, it is essential to note that the cooking time will be slightly longer than if you thawed the chicken first.
Also, it is crucial to arrange chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of an instant pot, so they cook evenly. I cannot stress this enough! I understand you want to throw the frozen chicken thighs/breast in the instant pot but don't do it! Make sure to place them in the pot evenly.
Why use instant pot in cooking chicken thighs?
There's something about the flavor, the texture, and of course, the moisture. The electric pressure cooker doesn't just promise to make chicken breasts that are fork-tender in minutes—it delivers. And because the machine seals in all the juices as it cooks, your chicken will be extra flavorful. That extra fat on the chicken thighs will also help to keep the meat moist as it cooks.
Here's how to cook chicken thighs in an Instant Pot:
Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot if you're looking for an easy, hands-off way to cook chicken thighs that produce juicy, flavorful meat. This cooking method is practically foolproof, and the resulting chicken is delicious enough to be served as is or used in any number of recipes.
Here's how to cook chicken thighs in your Instant Pot.
Step 1
Grab your instant pot. Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the pot. This is to ensure that each chicken thigh or breast will cook evenly. As a result of not arranging them evenly, some chicken parts will be overcooked while others will be undercooked.
Step 2
It doesn't matter how simple or complex you make it. Some salt, pepper, and garlic powder are a good place to start. Add your favorite spices. The spices will help to give the chicken flavor and make it more appetizing. No water is needed as it creates a beautiful broth that the chicken cooks in.
However, you can pour in chicken broth or water until it reaches halfway up the chicken. You don't want to cover the chicken entirely, resulting in overcooked chicken.
Step 3
Put the valve in the sealing position and close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to "Poultry" mode, which will cook for the recommended time. The Instant Pot will come to pressure, then cook the chicken for 12 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the steam to release naturally for 5-10 minutes before opening the pot.
Tip: If your Instant Pot does not have a "poultry" setting, you can set it to manual mode and cook at high pressure. The cook time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken. Set the timer for 12 minutes if you cook boneless chicken breasts or 15 minutes if you cook bone-in chicken thighs.
Step 4
Once the cooking time is up, allow the steam to release naturally for 5-10 minutes before opening the pot. Carefully open the lid and remove the chicken thighs. Inspect them for doneness before removing them from the pot.
I don't do a lot of meal planning, but this one is a winner. I make a big batch of shredded chicken in my Instant Pot and then use it throughout the week in various recipes. It's great in tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and even plain with some dipping sauce. It's also perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday, then portion it into individual containers. It's a great option for lunch or dinner, and it's easy to prepare.
Note: Making shredded chicken in the Instant Pot is easy, and the result is juicy, flavorful chicken that you can use in various recipes. Give it a try the next time you need cooked chicken for a recipe or meal prep.
How to shred chicken in a blender
Few people know that you can shred chicken in a blender. Because it's not that common of a technique, sure, you can use a fork to shred chicken or even buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it with your fingers, but using a blender is much easier and faster.
Here are four reasons why:
- The process is quick and easy - all you need is a blender and some chicken breasts.
- Versatility - you can use shredded chicken in salads, tacos, burritos, and more.
- It's healthier than store-bought shredded chicken - you know exactly what ingredients are going into it.
- The taste is better than store-bought shredded chicken - fresh is always best!
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy and healthy way to shred chicken, look no further than your blender.
Here's how to do it:
Step 1 Cook the chicken
Taking care of this is the first step. You'll want to cook the chicken until it's cooked through and shreddable. I usually use an Instant pot pressure cooker for cooking my chicken because it's quick and easy! You could also prepare the chicken in a slow cooker or stovetop.
Step 2 Let the chicken cool.
After cooking the chicken, let it cool for a few minutes. It's easier to handle when it's not piping hot, and you won't risk burning yourself. Aside from that, chicken is easier to shred when it's not hot.
Step 3 Cut the chicken into chunks
Cut the chicken into chunks to fit easily into your blender. If you're using a full-size blender, you may want to cut the chicken into halves or quarters. So the chicken will blend evenly, and you won't end up with big pieces of un-shredded chicken.
Step 4 Add the chicken to your blender
Add the chicken chunks to your blender and ¼ cup of water, depending on how much chicken you have. If you have a lot of chicken, you might need to add more water. The water helps to loosen the chicken fibers and makes it easier to blend.
Step 5 Set the blender to pulse
Set the blender to pulse, and blend the chicken until it's shredded. Start with shorter pulses and gradually increase the blending time until the chicken is shredded to your desired consistency.
Tip: If you find that your chicken isn't shredding as easily as you'd like, add a little bit more water and blend again. To shred the chicken, pulse until it reaches the consistency you desire.
How to store shredded chicken
Now you may wonder how to store all that shredded chicken once you have made it. I like to portion mine out into 1-2 cup servings and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing it in portions of 1-2 cups.
Portioning the chicken into smaller increments makes it easier to thaw and use later. If you portion it out, you can grab what you need, thaw it quickly, and have it ready to go! I often find that when I have a big bag of frozen chicken, I never use it all at once and throw some away.
Can you freeze shredded chicken?
You can freeze shredded chicken for up to 3 months for the best quality. To freeze, portion the shredded chicken into servings, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label them with the date, freeze the chicken until solid, and then transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw before using.
When freezing shredded chicken, use a freezer-safe container or bag. This will help to keep the chicken fresh and prevent freezer burn. To thaw frozen shredded chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to unfreeze overnight. Once thawed, use the chicken within 3 days.
Tip: If you need to use frozen shredded chicken immediately, place the frozen chicken in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed. Cook the chicken immediately after thawing.
What are the best ways to use shredded chicken?
There are so many ways to use shredded chicken instapot. I love using it in tacos, enchiladas, soups, salads, and more. Take your creativity to the next level!
Another great way to use your Instant Pot is to make shredded chicken. This is perfect for meal prep or to have on hand for quick and easy meals during the week. I like to make a big batch of shredded chicken at the beginning of the week and then use it in various dishes throughout the week.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use shredded chicken:
1. In salads: I love using shredded chicken in salads. It's a great way to add some protein and fill them more.
2. In tacos: Shredded chicken tacos are one of my go-to meals. They're quick, easy, and delicious.
3. In enchiladas: This is another great way to use shredded chicken. I like making a big batch of enchiladas and then freezing them for quick and easy meals later.
4. In soups: Shredded chicken is perfect for soups. It adds some protein and makes them more filling.
5. On pizza: This may seem odd, but shredded chicken on pizza is good. I like to add it to my favorite pizza recipe or put it on a store-bought crust with some sauce and cheese.
Is shredded chicken the same as pulled chicken?
Their appearance is similar, yet the vernacular implies a different cooking method. According to American tradition, pulled chicken refers to chicken that has been barbecued or smoked until the meat falls off the bone. On the other hand, the term "shredded chicken" refers to meat that has been cooked tender enough to shred easily.
While both methods result in falling-apart tender chicken, there are some key differences between pulled and shredded chicken. For one, pulled chicken is cooked with the bone intact, which gives it more flavor. Shredded chicken is cooked without the bone, making it less flavorful. Additionally, pulled chicken is usually cooked in a sauce or other liquid, while the shredded chicken is typically cooked dry.
Most of the white meat portions (which make up the majority of the edible meat) of the chicken will not separate like pulled pork when cooked properly. The collagen and muscle fibers of chicken are different than those of pork, so the white meat will not "pull" in the same way. However, the dark meat portions of chicken (found near the bone) are easier to separate and can be shredded to create a pulled chicken-like texture.
Bottom line:
Even though the terms shredded and pulled are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between shredded and pulled chicken. Shredded chicken is cooked until it easily falls apart, then chopped or pulled into smaller pieces. Pulled chicken is slow-cooked until it reaches a fork-tender state and is then shredded with a fork.