How Long to Pressure Cook Chicken Breast for Perfectly Shredded Chicken

Cooking chicken breast in a pressure cooker is a fast and convenient way to make deliciously moist and tender shredded chicken. But nailing the timing is crucial to getting ideal results. Undercook it and you risk food safety issues. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery chicken So how long do you actually need to pressure cook chicken breast to get perfect shredded chicken every time? Let’s find out.

The Benefits of Pressure Cooking Chicken Breasts

Before we get into specifics on timing, it’s worth looking at why pressure cooking is such a great technique for cooking chicken breasts:

• Speed – Pressure cooking drastically reduces cooking time. Chicken breasts are done in 10-15 minutes instead of 30-40 minutes using other methods

• Moisture retention – The sealed environment traps steam and moisture, ensuring the chicken stays incredibly juicy.

• Flavor infusion – Spices, herbs and marinades penetrate the chicken more deeply thanks to the pressurized steam.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

While 10-15 minutes is the general timeline, a few factors can alter the exact cooking time needed:

• Thickness – Thicker breasts need a minute or two longer. Breasts around 1-1.5 inches thick are ideal.

• Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless cooks faster. With bones, allow 2-3 extra minutes.

• Frozen vs fresh – Frozen needs more time, about 12-18 minutes. Always thaw safely first if possible.

• Pressure cooker model – Newer electric models may cook slightly faster. Check manufacturer guidelines.

• Altitude – At higher altitudes above 2000 feet, you may need to add a minute or two.

• Quantity – Individual breasts cook faster than a big batch. For larger quantities, add 2-3 minutes.

• Natural release – Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes after cooking ensures the chicken finishes cooking gently. Quick releasing may cause dryness.

Tips for Perfectly Shredded Chicken

Follow these tips in addition to the right cook times for excellent results:

• Don’t overcrowd – Arrange chicken in a single layer so steam circulates evenly.

• Use broth or stock – For extra moisture and flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.

• Sear first (optional) – Browning the chicken first adds deeper flavor.

• Shred warm – Shred just after cooking while the chicken is still moist and tender.

• Shred in liquid – Shredding in the pot with the cooking liquid adds flavor.

• Use two forks – Fork shredding prevents over-shredding into mush.

Recommended Cook Times

Here are the recommended pressure cook times to shred chicken breasts perfectly:

• Fresh boneless chicken breasts (1-1.5 inches thick) – 10-12 minutes
• Fresh bone-in chicken breasts – 12-15 minutes
• Frozen boneless chicken breasts – 15-18 minutes
• Frozen bone-in chicken breasts – 18-22 minutes

For all options, make sure to allow for a 10-15 minute natural pressure release after the main cook time.

Sample Recipes Using Shredded Chicken

Once you’ve mastered the perfect shredded chicken, here are just a couple of the many possibilities:

Shredded Chicken Tacos

• Shredded pressure cooked chicken
• Warmed tortillas
• Tomatoes, lettuce, cheese
• Avocado, salsa, sour cream

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

• Shredded chicken mixed with mayo
• Celery, onion, spices
• Lettuce, tomato
• Toasted bread

The versatility of shredded chicken is incredible. From soups and salads to casseroles, bowls and more, pre-cooked pressure cooker shredded chicken makes whipping up delicious meals fast and easy.

Key Takeaways on Shredded Chicken Cook Times

• For 1-1.5 inch fresh boneless breasts, cook 10-12 minutes + 10 minute natural release
• Allow 2-3 extra minutes for bone-in and frozen chicken
• Cook just until done to prevent dryness
• Shred warm in cooking liquid for best moisture and flavor

Mastering the ideal pressure cooker times allows you to make incredibly moist, flavorful shredded chicken consistently. In just 20-30 minutes, you can have a versatile protein ready for endless easy meal ideas. So grab your pressure cooker and get shredding!

For Instant Pot shredded chicken, the cook time is generally 10-12 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.