Shredded Chicken makes meal prep easier when you can cook it from frozen, right in your Instant Pot. You get a BONUS quart of golden chicken stock too!
- How Long Do You Cook Instant Pot Frozen Chicken?
- Can You Use This Recipe for Thawed Chicken?
- Recipes to Use Shredded Chicken
- Recipe
If you like meal prep recipes, this is the one for you! Put your frozen chicken in the Instant Pot and take it out about 30 minutes later. Shred it and put it in the refrigerator to save for your favorite recipe.
It’s incredible what the Instant Pot can do with frozen chicken breasts. So much moist, tender goodness. And, all it takes is just a few simple ingredients.
This recipe uses frozen chicken breasts. We buy them in large 20 gallon bags. They’re boneless and skinless. And, they’re hard as a rock. Since it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, there’s no need to thaw them first.
How to Use Shredded Chicken
Once you have your chicken ready to go, try it in one of these recipes:
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Salsa Chicken Enchiladas
- Chipotle Chicken Avocado Stuffed Peppers
- Salsa Verde Chicken Pizza
To use both the chicken stock and the shredded chicken, try my Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup or browse all my Instant Pot Recipes.
Ingredients
 | Have a browse at all |
I usually season the chicken with fresh onion and garlic with a little salt and pepper. Three cups of water cover them and it leaves you with a beautiful, golden chicken stock that you don’t normally get when you boil chicken.
I’ve tried it with white onion and, although tasty, it doesn’t turn this gorgeous golden color. For this color, you’ll need yellow onions.
It never fails. Two or three chicken breasts and a bonus quart of chicken stock. It’s a win-win.
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How Long Do You Cook Instant Pot Frozen Chicken?
The answer to this is how you’re going to use the chicken afterward. If I use this method of cooking the chicken, it’s so tender and moist, you can shred it in about 60 seconds. It’s perfect.
You may not need as long if you want to serve whole chicken breasts. They don’t need to be this tender, of course. Instead of the full 18 minutes, try 10 for small or 12 minutes for larger, following the rest of the instructions.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, have a look at this 6-Quart Instant Pot (aff link) which we use. We’ve had it for several years and it still works great.
Can You Use This Recipe for Thawed Chicken?
If your chicken breasts are already thawed, I believe I would follow the same recipe and change the 18 minutes to 6 or 7.
Whatever method you use, be sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken breast is 165℉ for safety. Chicken isn’t manufactured so they will have differences in thickness which can affect the cook time.
If it’s not quite ready, simply hit the saute button to cook a little longer.
Have a look at these Shredder Meat Claws (aff link). So quick and easy to shred chicken or beef.
Meat Shredding Claws
We use these claws for more than just shredding meat. It’s perfect for putting holes in poke cakes. I use them for all my tres leches cakes.
Recipe
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken from Frozen
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For more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 Chicken Breasts, frozen
- 1 Yellow Onion, sliced and circles separated
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 3 cups Water
- Salt and Pepper, as desired
Instructions
- Peel onion and make four horizontal slices then separate the onion circles into the Instant Pot. Add 3 garlic cloves to Instant Pot and add frozen chicken breasts.
- Pour in water and season with salt and pepper, as desired.
- Check the Instant Pot lid to ensure the seal is in place and nothing is blocking the vent. Place lid on top and set lever to Sealing. Press the Manual button on the Instant Pot and set to high for 18 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes then quick release the remaining pressure. The entire cook time will be about 30-35 minutes.
- Remove lid. Press the Cancel button to reset or remove cord. Check that the internal temperature is 165℉. If not, press the Saute button to cook a little longer, until done.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting mat and shred with 2 forks right away. It shreds so easily that it takes only about 60-90 seconds. Strain the chicken stock, if desired. Don't throw it away!
- Allow to cool then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in a freezer safe container or freezer bag for up to 4 months.
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Notes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.
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L.B. says
Awesome recipe! I doubled it and added1 cup more of water along with fresh thyme and a large sprig of Rosemary in the pot. Made it into pulled bbq chicken and saved the broth to use in roasted green tomato soup.
Jamie says
Wow! This is such a great recipe and so easy to make! It’s a plus in that category! I totally need that shredded claw too! Brings out the Catwoman in me. 😀
Ann says
A quick and simple way to make shredded chicken! I tend to forget about my instant pot. Need to try it again!
Gwynn says
The instant pot makes this recipe so easy to make and quick too! Love it!
Maggie says
This was a lot easier than I thought. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. Definitely making it again!
Jamie says
Definitely an amazing chicken recipe an instant dish for everyone to love and enjoy! Looks absolutely yummy, the best part it’s easy to make and cook! I totally love it!
Cathleen says
I make almost everything in the Instant Pot these days, so this is perfect!! I am obsessed with making chicken like this, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Ann says
This is a great way to make shredded chicken quickly! Especially since you can throw the chicken in still frozen.
Amy Liu Dong says
I love this recipe!
It is so easy and delicious!
My husband and my kids love it so much!
Michael says
Temperature to set the pot? Did I miss that
Christian Guzman says
No worries. It’s on step 3. The setting is high for the Instant Pot. Let me know if you need me for anything else. Thanky you for writing!
Sara says
This recipe is great. I put as many flash frozen chicken breasts as could possibly fit into my InstantPot, still did the 18 minutes and it turned out absolutely amazing. This is a five more minutes than I had been told to use in the past by friends, and the 18 minutes plus the 3 cups of water/broth really works well for a big batch. Blessings to you~!
Christian Guzman says
Isn’t it great? I love the meal prep opportunities by making the chicken this way. And, having the quart of chicken broth/stock is a terrific bonus. Thanks so much for writing!