Today, we’re diving into how to prepare this incredible shredded chicken using your Instant Pot, a jar of salsa, and a few simple seasonings. This method not only saves you time but also infuses the chicken with fantastic flavor, making it a beloved staple in many households. My kids even affectionately call this “Instant Pot Taco Chicken” because it’s so perfect for their favorite taco nights!

If you’re familiar with my Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken recipe, you’ll know the immense versatility this ingredient offers. We regularly incorporate shredded chicken into dishes like Chicken Enchiladas, Shredded Chicken Tacos, refreshing salads, and even a unique Mexican Pizza. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to generate enough chicken for two to three family meals, making it one of my top choices for efficient weekend meal prepping. Alongside this recipe, we also enjoy other Instant Pot chicken creations like the Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken and the comforting Instant Pot White Chicken Chili.

Salsa or Plain: Customizing Your Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

For this specific recipe, we leverage the vibrant flavors of salsa to create a Mexican-inspired shredded chicken. The salsa adds a wonderful depth and moisture, making the chicken incredibly tender and zesty. You can choose any type of salsa you prefer – mild, medium, spicy, chunky, or smooth – allowing you to tailor the flavor profile to your family’s taste. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought jar, or elevate the experience with a homemade salsa or an easy homemade salsa verde for an extra fresh touch.

However, if you’re aiming for a more neutral, plain shredded chicken that can be adapted to a wider range of cuisines, simply substitute the jar of salsa with 1 cup of chicken broth. This will yield a basic, yet incredibly tender, shredded chicken that serves as a blank canvas for dishes like BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, a refreshing Curry Chicken Salad, or delightful Chicken Sliders. The versatility is truly unmatched, making it a staple you’ll want to keep on hand.

Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Creating this delicious Instant Pot shredded chicken requires only a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need. For exact measurements and printable instructions, scroll down to the full recipe card below.

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of shredding and a leaner result. Each breast should be approximately 8 ounces. If you only have frozen chicken breasts on hand, don’t worry! You can use them directly from frozen; just remember to add an extra 2 minutes to the high-pressure cooking time to ensure they cook through perfectly.
• Spices: A thoughtful blend of spices elevates the flavor beyond just the salsa. Our go-to combination includes oregano, garlic powder, and chili powder. These spices lend a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky depth. Feel free to adjust these to your personal preference, perhaps adding a pinch of cumin for a more pronounced Tex-Mex flavor or a touch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
• Salsa: This is where much of the flavor comes from! Any 15-ounce jar of your favorite salsa will work wonderfully. Whether you prefer a mild, chunky garden salsa or a fiery, smooth restaurant-style, the choice is yours. As mentioned, for a different twist, you could also opt for a tangy salsa verde.
• Water: A small amount of water is essential in the Instant Pot to help it come to pressure correctly and prevent scorching. It also contributes to the liquid base that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Making this Instant Pot pulled chicken is incredibly quick and hands-off. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender, flavorful chicken every time:

1. Prepare Chicken and Spices: In a small bowl, combine your oregano, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with this spice mixture. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
2. Layer Ingredients in Instant Pot: Begin by spreading about ½ cup of your chosen salsa on the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot. This thin layer helps prevent the chicken from sticking and adds flavor from the start. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the salsa. Pour the remaining salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, then add ¼ cup of water to the pot.
3. Cook on High Pressure: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 10 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. This gentle release helps keep the chicken tender and juicy. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the steam release valve to “Venting” for a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Always point the steam away from your face and hands.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the pressure is fully released and the lid can be safely opened, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a large bowl. Using two forks, easily shred the chicken into desired pieces. The chicken should be incredibly tender and shred effortlessly.
5. Return to Juices & Serve: Place the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot with the flavorful cooking juices. Give it a good stir to ensure all the chicken is coated and absorbs the liquid. If you find there’s too much liquid for your preference, you can drain some of it off. Serve your delicious Instant Pot shredded chicken immediately in your favorite dishes!

Beyond Tacos: Endless Possibilities for Your Shredded Chicken

The true magic of this Instant Pot shredded chicken lies in its incredible versatility. Once you have a batch prepared, your meal options are virtually limitless. Here are just a few ideas to inspire your cooking:

• Hearty Bowls: Shredded chicken is perfect for building flavorful and satisfying bowls. You can easily substitute it for pork in these Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Rice Bowls, or add it to a wholesome Brown Rice Taco Bowl. It also works wonderfully in grain bowls with quinoa, farro, roasted vegetables, and a delicious dressing.
• Mexican Dishes: Embrace the Mexican-inspired flavors by incorporating this shredded chicken into a variety of traditional and modern dishes. It’s fantastic in Black Bean Enchiladas (simply add the chicken for a heartier version!), an Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole, or alongside Mexican Zucchini. Don’t forget it’s a stellar topping for nachos, quesadillas, and burritos.
• Comforting Soups & Stews: Shredded chicken is a fantastic addition to many soups and stews, providing a filling and nutritious element. Try it in a vibrant Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Lime Soup or a creamy, cheesy Slow Cooker Mexican Cheesy Soup. It also elevates classic chicken noodle soup or a robust tortilla soup.
• Sandwiches & Sliders: Beyond BBQ chicken sandwiches, mix your shredded chicken with a little mayo, celery, and herbs for a classic chicken salad sandwich, or toss it with buffalo sauce for spicy sliders.
• Casseroles & Pasta Dishes: Shredded chicken makes quick work of casseroles like chicken divan or can be stirred into pasta dishes with a creamy sauce for a complete meal.