Ultimate Guide to Big Batch Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: Your Meal Prep Secret Weapon
Transform your meal prep routine with this incredibly easy and efficient Big Batch Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe! Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken and hello to five pounds of perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender shredded chicken, ready to use in countless recipes or freeze for future quick meals. This time-saving method is a game-changer for busy families, budget-conscious cooks, and anyone looking to streamline their kitchen tasks.
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In our fast-paced lives, finding shortcuts that don’t compromise on quality or flavor is a true win. This Instant Pot shredded chicken recipe is exactly that – a fantastic shortcut for anyone juggling a busy schedule, a large family with hungry appetites, or simply looking to eat well on a budget. Buying chicken breasts in bulk often means better prices, and this recipe is designed to make the most of those savings by yielding an impressive 5 pounds of succulent shredded chicken in one go!
Forget those recipes that only make a couple of pounds. If you have growing kids, or just love having prepped ingredients on hand, 2-3 pounds simply isn’t enough. Our method is tailored for efficiency, ensuring you have enough chicken to last for multiple meals throughout the week, or to stock your freezer with protein-packed goodness.
The Magic of the Instant Pot for Shredded Chicken
While many Instant Pot recipes can be multi-step and complex, I’m a firm believer in the “dump and cook” philosophy, especially when it comes to everyday staples. The beauty of this shredded chicken recipe lies in its utter simplicity. You literally dump your ingredients into the Instant Pot, set it, and forget it – until it’s perfectly cooked and ready to be shredded. It’s the epitome of effortless cooking, delivering consistent results every single time.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
- Unbeatable Time and Money Saver: Cooking a large quantity at once means fewer cooking sessions and leverages bulk purchasing power. This method helps you save both precious time and hard-earned money.
- Perfectly Seasoned, Tender, and Juicy: We’ve carefully selected a blend of seasonings that infuse the chicken with a delicious, versatile flavor without being overpowering. The Instant Pot ensures every piece is incredibly tender and moist, locking in all the juices.
- Effortless Shredding, No Extra Dishes: One of the best hacks! Once cooked, simply drain the excess broth and use a hand mixer directly in the Instant Pot liner to shred the chicken in seconds. No need to transfer hot chicken or dirty another bowl.
- Ready for Anything, Anytime: This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. It’s incredibly easy to portion, package, and freeze, ensuring you always have a healthy, cooked protein source ready for your favorite meals.
Maximizing Space for a Big Batch
The secret to fitting a full 5 pounds of chicken breasts into your Instant Pot (you’ll need at least a 6-quart Instant Pot for this quantity) is a simple but effective trick:
Instead of laying the chicken breasts flat, turn them on their sides and arrange them snugly. This allows you to stack more chicken without exceeding the “MAX FILL” line, ensuring even cooking and maximizing your yield.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Succulent Shredded Chicken:
- 5 pounds fresh boneless and skinless chicken breasts: Trimmed of any excess fat. Fresh chicken is key for this particular large-batch method.
- 1 ½ – 2 cups chicken broth: This provides moisture and flavor, preventing the chicken from drying out and contributing to the overall juiciness. You can use low-sodium broth if preferred.
- 1 ½ teaspoon seasoned salt: A secret weapon for adding a rich, savory depth. It typically contains salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices, giving a well-rounded flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a sweet, pungent onion flavor without the texture of fresh onion.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic pairing with chicken, providing a mellow garlic aroma and taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and enhances the other savory notes.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken for This Big Batch Recipe?
Unfortunately, no. Not with this specific big batch method. While the Instant Pot is fantastic for cooking frozen chicken, using it for 5 pounds of frozen breasts presents a few challenges:
- Space Constraints: Frozen chicken breasts are rigid and take up significantly more space than fresh ones. It’s difficult to fit 5 pounds without exceeding the Instant Pot’s capacity and compromising even cooking.
- Uneven Cooking: If pieces are frozen together, or if some are thicker than others and frozen solid, the chicken won’t cook uniformly, leading to some parts being undercooked or overcooked.
- Trimming Difficulties: You can’t trim the fat off frozen chicken before cooking. While some don’t mind this, trimming ensures a cleaner, more pleasant shredded chicken experience.
If you absolutely need an Instant Pot recipe specifically for frozen chicken breasts, I recommend this one, which is tailored for smaller quantities of frozen chicken.
Step-by-Step How to Make Your Big Batch Shredded Chicken:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, shreddable chicken every time!
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by thoroughly trimming any visible fat from your fresh boneless and skinless chicken breasts. This small step saves you time later, as you won’t have to pick out fatty pieces from your delicious shredded chicken.
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Arrange in Instant Pot: Place the trimmed chicken breasts in a single, even layer at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Remember our special tip: to fit all 5 pounds, lay the chicken breasts on their sides to maximize the available space. This ensures efficient cooking.
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Season and Add Broth: Evenly sprinkle the seasoned salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder over all the chicken breasts. This classic blend gives the chicken a delightful roast chicken flavor that is incredibly versatile. Finally, pour 1 ½ to 2 cups of chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
- Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensure the sealing valve is set to “Sealing,” and cook on the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) setting on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its steam for 10 minutes. This crucial step helps keep the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” (Quick Release) to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
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Reserve the Broth: You’ll notice a good amount of flavorful broth remaining in the pot. Carefully remove the Instant Pot insert and pour this delicious broth into a separate container. This liquid gold is perfect for keeping your shredded chicken moist, but it also makes an excellent base for chicken soup, gravy, or any recipe calling for chicken broth.
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Shred the Chicken: Using a hand mixer (my favorite method for speed and ease!) or two sturdy forks, shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot insert until it reaches your desired consistency – whether finely shredded or chunkier. Add a small amount of the reserved broth back into the chicken as you shred to ensure it stays incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Ready to Enjoy: Your perfectly shredded chicken is now ready to be incorporated into your favorite recipes! A classic like Chicken Zucchini Casserole is a fantastic starting point.
Packaging and Freezing for Later Use:
Having pre-portioned shredded chicken in the freezer is a meal prep superpower. Here’s how to ensure it stays fresh and delicious:
- Cool Down: First, allow the shredded chicken to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals and freezer burn. Spreading it out on a baking sheet can speed up the cooling process.
- Portion and Bag: Divide the 5 pounds of chicken into 5 equal portions (roughly 1 pound per portion), or any size that suits your typical meal needs. Place each portion into a sturdy freezer bag (or an airtight freezer-safe container).
- Add Broth and Remove Air: To maintain moisture and flavor, add about ¼ cup of the reserved cooking broth to each bag. Press out as much air as possible from the freezer bags before sealing. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the chicken tasting fresh.
- Label and Store: Don’t forget to label each bag with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. The chicken will stay good in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw and Use: When you’re ready to use your frozen shredded chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw completely overnight. Drain off any excess broth before adding it to your recipes, unless the recipe calls for additional liquid.
Endless Possibilities: What to Make with Your Shredded Chicken?
The versatility of plain shredded chicken is its greatest asset. It can be quickly transformed into a variety of delicious meals:
- Apple Pecan Chicken Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad, perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.
- Chicken Zucchini Casserole: A comforting and hearty dish, ideal for family dinners.
- BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: A healthier twist on classic BBQ, combining savory chicken with sweet potatoes.
- Tacos, Burritos, or Enchiladas: Mix with taco seasoning, salsa, or your favorite Tex-Mex flavors.
- Soups and Stews: A fantastic addition to chicken noodle soup, tortilla soup, or chili.
- Pasta Dishes: Stir into creamy pasta sauces, chicken alfredo, or baked ziti.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Create quick and easy lunches with a dollop of mayo, herbs, and veggies.
- Pizzas and Flatbreads: A delicious and lean protein topping for homemade pizzas.
- Quesadillas: Layer with cheese and vegetables for a quick snack or light meal.
- Nachos: Pile high with cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings.
- Shepherd’s Pie Topping: A flavorful base for a savory, comforting pie.
- Stir-fries: Add to your favorite vegetable stir-fry for a protein boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size Instant Pot do I need for 5 pounds of chicken?
For this big batch recipe, a 6-quart Instant Pot is the minimum recommended size. You might even find a 8-quart model more comfortable if you plan to do this regularly, as it offers a bit more wiggle room. The key is arranging the chicken breasts on their sides to maximize the space and stay below the “MAX FILL” line.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you absolutely can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be even more forgiving and moist than chicken breasts. The cooking time should remain the same (15 minutes on high pressure with a 10-minute natural release). However, you might find that you can fit slightly less quantity of thighs due to their irregular shape compared to breasts, but the cooking method will be identical.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer for shredding?
No problem! A hand mixer is a convenient shortcut, but two forks will work just as effectively. Simply place the cooked chicken breasts in a large bowl (or directly in the Instant Pot liner if it’s cool enough to handle) and use two forks to pull the meat apart until it’s shredded to your liking. It might take a few extra minutes, but the result will be the same tender, delicious shredded chicken.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Absolutely! The seasoning blend provided offers a versatile, all-purpose flavor. However, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or the specific recipe you have in mind. For example:
- For a Tex-Mex flavor: Add a tablespoon of taco seasoning or a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder.
- For a herbaceous note: Include dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
- For a bit of heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Just remember that the seasoned salt already contains some salt, so adjust any additional salt accordingly.
How can I make sure my chicken is not dry?
The Instant Pot inherently helps keep chicken moist due to pressure cooking. The 10-minute natural release (NPR) is also key, as it allows the chicken to rest and reabsorb juices. Most importantly, don’t skip adding a portion of the reserved broth back into the shredded chicken. This keeps it incredibly juicy and flavorful, especially when freezing and thawing.
Big Batch Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
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Ingredients
- 5 pounds fresh chicken breasts (trimmed of fat)
- 1 1/2- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preparing the Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
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Place the trimmed chicken breasts in an even layer the bottom of a 6 quart of larger Instant Pot. Placing the chicken breasts on their sides maximizes space. See photos for reference on arranging the chicken.
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Evenly sprinkle the spices over the chicken breasts. Pour the broth over the chicken.
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Seal the Instant Pot and cook on the Manual setting for 15 minutes.
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After the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot naturally release the steam for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes flip the valve to open to release any remaining steam. (The stainless steel insert will still be very hot. If you are preparing the chicken to freeze you may wait until the insert has cooled before moving on to the next step.)
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Carefully remove the Instant Pot insert and pour the excess broth off into separate bowl and reserve for later.
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Using a hand mixer or two forks, shred or chunk the chicken to your desired consistency, adding a small amount of broth to moisten the chicken as needed.
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Freezing Instructions
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To package and freeze the chicken for later use, make sure the shredded chicken first cool enough to be able to easily handle.
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Divide into 5 portions and place in freezer bags. Add 1/4 cup of broth to each bag and press to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date so you can easily keep track of when it needs used by!
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This chicken will stay good in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days or will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use your frozen shredded chicken let it thaw completely in the refrigerator and drain off any excess broth before adding it to any recipes.
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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Meal Prep Staple
This Big Batch Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe isn’t just a meal – it’s a foundation for countless delicious possibilities and a testament to efficient cooking. By investing a little time upfront, you unlock a world of convenience, ensuring that healthy, homemade meals are always within reach, even on your busiest days. Say goodbye to last-minute cooking stress and hello to your new favorite meal prep secret weapon. Give it a try, and taste the difference that smart, simple cooking can make!