Shredded Chicken – The Secret to Easy Meals In Minutes

Cooking big batch Shredded Chicken in your crockpot and freezing it in batches is a quick and simple way to get dinner on your table in no time! This sanity-saver is the secret to creating endless dinner ideas, even when you are short on time! Having a freezer bag filled with already cooked tender chicken allows for a ton of easy dinners during those busy weeks.

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The only exception I make for my disdain of the “freezer meal” is pre-cooked shredded chicken from either my Instant Pot or slow cooker.

This great recipe is hands down the easiest way to make sure that I can have dinner on the table quickly, regardless of what the day might throw at me.

There are so many different ways you can use this versatile recipe. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and I guarantee you’ll discover this meal prep item is an instant game changer!

This easy meal prep recipe uses super basic ingredients. It’s perfect for when a recipe calls for shredded chicken and it’s generally a good substitute for cubed chicken, depending upon the kind of recipe.

The best part is that it’s like having a rotisserie chicken on hand for all of your shredded chicken recipes – but without a trip to the grocery store or all the mess of having to debone it!

What You’ll Need to Make a Basic Recipe of Shredded Chicken – Just a Few Simple Ingredients!

• 3-4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of chicken broth / chicken stock, or a cup of water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Shredded Chicken In an Instant Pot

Begin by placing the chicken breasts on the bottom of the electric pressure cooker.

Next, add the salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pot. Secure the lid and set the cook time to 10 minutes at high pressure.

Once the cooking time is done, allow a 5-minute natural release, followed by a quick release.

Next, remove the lid and, using two forks, shred the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to mix the shredded chicken with the broth/juices.

How to Make Shredded Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Begin by placing the chicken breasts on the bottom of your crockpot

Next, add the salt, pepper, and cup of liquid to the bottom of the pot.

Allow the chicken to cook on low heat for about 8 hours.

Once it’s cooked, shred chicken with two forks. Stir it with a wooden spoon to combine it with the remaining cooking liquid in your crock pot.

The Best Way to Store Your Cooked Chicken Breast

• If freezing, divide the chicken into portions. (I’ve found that 2-cup portions work best for my family).
• Place the cooked chicken into ziploc freezer bags or another freezer container, and mark with the date.
• If you will be using the chicken right away, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• You can store this flavorful chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Use Different Seasoning to Make Your Favorite Recipes

This is a very basic, goes with everything recipe. But, you can totally make a batch of easy instant pot shredded chicken to match your family’s tastes or a recipe you have in mind. The sky’s the limit, but here are a few of my favorite ways to season and add extra flavor to the chicken:

• Italian Seasoning
• Garlic Powder
• Taco Seasoning
• Cajun Seasoning
• Chili Powder
• Cayenne Pepper

Substituting Chicken Breasts For Other Cuts of Chicken

You can use any boneless, skinless pieces of chicken in these recipes.You can use chicken tenders or, if you prefer dark meat, you can cook boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Easy Weeknight Dinners Ideas Using Shredded Chicken

• As a starter for chicken tacos
• Burrito bowls
• Quick chicken noodle soup
• Chicken Salad
• As a pizza topping
• In flour tortillas or a bun for a wrap or sandwich
• Add barbecue sauce for an easy “pulled chicken”
• Added to a premade bag of healthy fried rice

Delicious Recipes You Can Make With Crock Pot Chicken

• Best Ever Chicken Pasta Salad
• Easiest Ever Chicken Pesto Pasta!
• 20-Minute Chicken Paprikash Soup
• Faster Than Takeout Chicken Lo Mein
• Easy Chicken and Dumplings
• Kid-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas
• Animal Kingdom Boma Chicken Corn Chowder
• One-Skillet Southwest Chicken & Rice Bowls

Making a batch of shredded chicken is a great way to start your weekly meal prep. There are so many easy recipes you find to create a quick, healthy meal for your family. You can even make up new recipes that the picky eater in your family will love!

Easy Shredded Chicken Recipe (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)

Print Recipe

This recipe is the Secret to Meals in Minutes!

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of chicken broth / chicken stock or a cup of water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

How to Make Shredded Chicken In an Instant Pot

• Begin by placing the chicken breasts on the bottom of the electric pressure cooker. Next, add the salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pot.
• Secure the lid and set the cook time to 10 minutes at high pressure. Once the cooking time is done, allow a 5-minute natural release, followed by a quick release.
• Next, remove the lid and, using two forks, shred the chicken. Use a wooden spoon to mix the shredded chicken with the broth/juices.

How to Make Shredded Chicken in Your Slow Cooker

• Begin by placing the chicken breasts on the bottom of your crockpot Next, add the salt, pepper, and cup of liquid to the bottom of the pot.
• Allow the chicken to cook on low heat for about 8 hours.
• Once it’s cooked, shred chicken with two forks. Stir it with a wooden spoon to combine it with the remaining cooking liquid in your crock pot.

Course: Chicken

Author: Snug and Cozy Life