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How to Shred Chicken Breasts (3 ways!)

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  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Category: Meal Prep
  • Method: Instant Pot, Stove Top, Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Description

How to Shred Chicken Breast (3 ways!) – How to easily shred chicken breast in the Instant Pot (using fresh or frozen chicken), Slow Cooker or Stove Top!


Ingredients

Scale

Instant Pot:

  • 1 cup broth
  • 34 chicken breasts

Slow Cooker:

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 4 chicken breasts

Stove Top:

  • 34 chicken breasts
  • water for saucepan

Instructions

Instant Pot (fresh chicken):

  1. Add 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) to Instant Pot.
  2. Place chicken inside (no need for trivet).
  3. Set Instant Pot to “Seal” and cook on High Pressure for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Allow Instant Pot to naturally release.

Instant Pot (frozen chicken)

  1. Add 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) to Instant Pot.
  2. Place chicken inside (no need for trivet).
  3. Set Instant Pot to “Seal” and cook on High Pressure for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Allow Instant Pot to naturally release.

Slow Cooker:

  1. Add broth and chicken to slow cooker.
  2. Cover and let cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6-8 hours (or until enter of thickest part of chicken reaches internal temp of 165).

Stove Top:

  1. Take medium/large saucepan and fill 3/4 of the way with water.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add chicken to boiling water and reduce temp to bring water to a simmer.
  4. Let simmer 15-20 minutes.
  5. Carefully remove and ensure center of thickest part of chicken has reached 165 degrees.

To Shred:

  1. To shred simply pull cooked chicken apart with two forks or a pair of bear claws. 

Notes

  • The cook time varies depending on what appliance you use.
  • This recipe was tested using a 6 quart Instant Pot Duo.
  • Storage: To store, place in airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.