Why is my Instant Pot shredded chicken rubbery?

Rubbery Instant Pot shredded chicken is usually the result of overcooking the meat. If you used thinner pieces of chicken or did not adjust the cook time to the correct weight, it can result in dry and chewy chicken. You can salvage your chicken by serving it with a sauce to add moisture and flavor.

How long does chicken need to be in the Instant Pot?

The cook time for chicken in the Instant Pot will vary depending on the weight, the cut, and the size of the pieces. In general, for boneless chicken breasts, we recommend cooking 3 lbs of chicken for 12 minutes, with incremental time increases with more chicken added.

What's the difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken?

There is no difference between shredded chicken and pulled chicken. We could have easily called this Instant Pot Pulled Chicken and it would be the exact same recipe.

How many calories are in one serving of Instant Pot shredded chicken?

A 3-ounce serving of this Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe has only 120 calories!

How long should I cook 5 lbs of chicken breast in the Instant Pot?

You should cook 5 lbs of chicken breast in the Instant Pot for 15 minutes.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You’ll have to add more time under pressure to allow the chicken to cook all the way through.

The Best Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe

Servings: 8-12 servings 1x

Ingredients

2–3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or a mix of breasts and thighs)
2 tablespoons seasoning of choice, optional
⅔ cup chicken broth or water
Sea salt and black pepper

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Instructions

Season chicken breasts generously with seasonings of choice and/or salt & pepper.
Place chicken breast in the Instant Pot with broth.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, lock in place and turn the valve to sealing.
Select the poultry setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
Once the time is up, select ‘cancel’ and switch the valve to venting to allow the pressure to release.
Once all of the pressure is released, remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a plate or shallow dish.
Shred the chicken with two forks, or if you’d like, allow the chicken to cool slightly then cut into cubest.
Once shredded, transfer the chicken back to the Instant Pot and toss with the broth..
Serve the chicken over a salad, in a soup or stew, as is, or however you please.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 3 oz. shredded chicken (~1/2 cup)
Calories: 125
Fat: 3 g
(Sat Fat: 1 g)
Sodium: 125 mg
Carbohydrate: 0 g
(Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 88 mg

Dietary

Dairy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-free Grain-Free Paleo Whole30

Recipe By: The Real Food Dietitians