Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs is a simple last minute dinner idea for a weeknight. The Instant Pot makes these chicken thighs juicy and tender in less than 30 minutes. Great for meal prep too!

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Cooking chicken thighs in the Instant Pot is super simple, and it is my favorite way to cook shredded thighs. It leaves the chicken moist and with loads of flavor!

I love using shredded chicken thighs to make this Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole and this Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Check out my Instant Pot Shredded chicken breast recipe to make shredded chicken breast instead!

Why you'll love these Shredded Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

• Perfect for meal prep - this shredded chicken thigh recipe is great for meal prepping and can be added to casseroles, salads, and even into tacos to increase protein intake.
• Easy and simple recipe - making these shredded chicken thighs in the instant pot is simple and only takes about 30 minutes. With these simple ingredients that you can pick up at your local grocery store.
• Keto and low carb - With only 1g of total carbs and 28g of protein per serving. This makes a great low-carb meal.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Chicken broth or water
• seasonings: salt, black pepper, optional fresh thyme

Tips & Tricks

DO NOT skip the "natural pressure release" step. This step is essential to ensuring that the pulled chicken thighs remain moist and juicy.

If you want to make homemade chicken broth save the extra liquid at the bottom of the Instant Pot after cooking.

Tools to make this easy recipe

The Instant Pot is one of my favorite kitchen tools! It cuts down the time but leaves the moisture you want in each dish!

How to make Shredded Chicken Thighs in the Instant Pot

1. Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot (no need for a trivet).
2. Next add in the ½ cup of chicken broth. If you don’t have chicken broth you can substitute water or bone broth.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the lid on the instant pot and make sure the knob is set to sealed.
5. Hit “manual” select high pressure and set the time to 8 minutes.
6. It’ll take about 10 minutes to come to pressure. Let the chicken thighs then cook for 8 minutes and let the pressure naturally release.
7. Carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
8. Transfer the chicken thighs to a bowl, reserve ~¼ cup of liquid from the Instant Pot and discard the rest.
9. With either 2 forks or an electric hand mixer, shred the chicken thighs.
10. Add in the reserve liquid to the shredded chicken (this helps it stay moist!).
11. Optionally top with fresh thyme or herbs of choice.

Stovetop Directions

If you do not have an Instant Pot you can always boil these chicken thighs in a pot.

In a Dutch oven, add the seasonings and broth. Next, add in the chicken thighs. Cook covered on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165 degrees.

Remove chicken thighs and shred chicken with two forks.

Optional: Add about ¼ cup of liquid for extra moisture.

Substitutions

If you do not have chicken thighs, you can substitute chicken breast, chicken tenders or even chicken breast filets.

What to serve with Instant Pot Boneless Chicken Thighs

I meal-prepped these Instant Pot chicken thighs with broccoli and topped them with Parmesan Cheese and fresh thyme. It would also be great with Air Fryer Broccolini and Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash if you're trying to make it a low-carb meal.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to reheat

Remove the lid from the container and microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes or until chicken is warm. You may also transfer the chicken to a microwave-safe dish to warm up.

1 Cup Shredded Chicken Nutrition Information

• 1 cup of shredded chicken thighs is about 5.5 ounces
• 1 cup of shredded chicken thighs is about 331 calories
• 1 cup of shredded chicken thighs is about 31 g of protein
• 1 cup of shredded chicken thighs is about 3.6 g of fat

FAQs

More Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you are looking for more recipes to make with chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless), check out this Easy Palak Chicken Curry, Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, Broiled Chicken Thighs, Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Tomato Sauce and Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Lara Clevenger, Registered Dietitian

This shredded chicken thighs in the Instant Pot is a simple last minute dinner idea for a weekday or even a great meal prep! The Instant Pot makes these chicken thighs juicy and tender in less than 25 minutes.

4.90 from 39 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Natural pressure release 15 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 chicken thighs boneless skinless
• ½ cup Chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot (no need for a trivet).
• Next add in the ½ cup of chicken broth. If you don’t have chicken broth you can substitute water or bone broth.
• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
• Place the lid on the instant pot and make sure the knob is set to sealed.
• Hit “manual” select high pressure and set the time to 8 minutes.
• It’ll take about 10 minutes to come to pressure. Let the chicken thighs then cook for 8 minutes and let the pressure naturally release.
• Carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
• Transfer the chicken thighs to a bowl, reserve ~¼ cup of liquid from the Instant Pot and discard the rest.
• With either 2 forks or an electric hand mixer, shred the chicken thighs.
• Add in the reserve liquid to the shredded chicken (this helps it stay moist!).
• Optionally top with fresh thyme or herbs of choice.

Video

Notes

do not perform a quick pressure release. This will cause the chicken to become tough. Only do this as a last resort if you are running short on time and don’t care about the tenderness of the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 31gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 179mgSodium: 831mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

Keyword instant pot shredded chicken thighs, shredded chicken thighs in the instant pot

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