Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Power 5 Weeknight Dinners One Prep

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare into the fridge, defeated by dinner decisions? I get it! That's why How I Prep a Week of meals is my jam.

This shredded chicken is seriously tasty and so versatile.

Brief Overview

Shredded chicken is a classic, comforting dish, enjoyed worldwide. We're using the Instant Pot for speed. It's easy peasy, and takes about 45 minutes total (most hands off).

This will give you enough for roughly 6-8 servings across 5 amazing dinners.

Main Benefits

Lean protein is the real deal here. This chicken is packed with it! Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, healthy meal.

It's special because it's a blank canvas. And, it is Freezable Meals that can be customized to your liking. Honestly, you just chuck it in the Instant Pot Freezer Meals .

It's one pot and done.

From Chicken to Kitchen Chaos Cure: How it Started

You know, I stumbled upon this Batch Cooking Chicken method by accident. I was staring down a week of back-to-back meetings.

The thought of cooking every night felt like climbing Everest! So, I thought there has to be a better way.

Ingredients Line-Up

For the shredded chicken, you'll need: 1.5 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 chopped yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped red and green bell pepper each, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin and smoked paprika each, 1/2 tsp garlic and onion

powder each, and salt and pepper.

For the five Easy Weeknight Dinners , you will need taco shells, rice, pasta, burger buns, lettuce etc.

Instant Pot Meal Prep : Level Up Your Leftovers Game

Seriously, you can use the leftovers in so many ways. Tacos, burrito bowls, pasta, sandwiches. We’re talking One Pot Chicken Dinners baby.

Or, Meal Prep Chicken Recipes ! I’ve even used it in salads. It really is the ultimate Freezer Prep , and I have even just frozen it for a later date.

Gear Up: What You'll Need

Grab your Instant Pot, obviously! You'll also need a cutting board, knife, measuring spoons, a big spoon or tongs, and some bowls. Not much fuss, right?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to nail this How I Prep a Week of Instant Pot deliciousness. It’s all about making it easy, so don't stress! I've streamlined everything to keep it super simple.

We're basically setting ourselves up for a week of effortless Easy Weeknight Dinners

Main Ingredients for Shredded Chicken Magic

Here's what you need for the base: the glorious shredded chicken. I swear, this stuff is like edible gold.

• 1.5 kg (about 3.3 pounds ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chunk 'em up!
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Any kind will do.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Again, about 1 cup .
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped. You guessed it, about 1 cup .
• 1 ( 400g / 14oz ) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Don't drain them!
• 1 cup ( 240 ml ) chicken broth. Low sodium is always a good idea.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili powder. Adjust to your heat preference.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin. Adds that lovely warmth.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika. My secret weapon!
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder.
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder.
• Salt and black pepper. To taste, obviously.

Quality indicator: For the chicken, look for plump breasts that are pink. Fresh is best.

Here's what is needed for all the Freezer Dinners :

• Dinner 1: Chicken Tacos - Taco shells, shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese
• Dinner 2: Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowls - Cooked rice, black beans, corn, avocado, cilantro
• Dinner 3: Chicken Alfredo Pasta - Pasta (penne, fettuccine), Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, broccoli florets
• Dinner 4: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches - Burger buns, BBQ sauce, coleslaw
• Dinner 5: Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps - Lettuce cups, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, grapes, pecans (optional)

Spicing it Right Up!

These spices? Essential . They transform plain chicken into something amazing. Don't skip 'em. Smoked paprika is my absolute go-to! It adds a depth of flavour you just can't beat.

You could try a pinch of cayenne pepper too!

Equipment You'll Actually Use

Okay, keep this short and sweet:

• Instant Pot (6-quart or bigger). This is the star of the show.
• Cutting board and chef's knife. Basic, but vital.
• Measuring spoons and cups. Get those measurements right!
• Large spoon or tongs. For wrangling the chicken.
• Mixing bowls. For assembly, obviously.

Don't have an Instant Pot? A slow cooker will work, but you'll need to cook it for 6- 8 hours on low, instead.

Cooking Method: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Alright, folks, let's talk How I Prep a Week of tasty dinners! I’m talking about the Instant Pot. Seriously, if you don't have one yet, what are you waiting for? This magical appliance is my secret weapon for getting delicious meals on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let's dive into how I use it for Batch Cooking Chicken ! I am also toying with the idea to try the Freezer Prep route with Instant Pot Freezer Meals with some variations and flavors.

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place

Before we even think about touching that Instant Pot, let's get our ducks in a row. This is all about essential mise en place which is the fancy French term.

Chop your onion, mince that garlic (nobody likes big chunks of raw garlic!), and dice those bell peppers. I'm talking about roughly one cup of each.

Time saving organization tips: Measure out all your spices beforehand. Honestly, it makes the whole process so much smoother. And, of course, safety first .

Don't be a hero with that knife. Keep your fingers out of the way.

step-by-step Process: Instant Pot Magic

1. Sauté Aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and chuck in a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté your chopped onion, minced garlic and your chopped bell pepper for about 5 minutes until soft.
2. Add Flavor Base: Throw in your can of diced tomatoes (undrained, we want that juice!), one cup of chicken broth, a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon each of cumin and smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Chicken Time: Plop your 1.5 kg of chicken breasts right on top of that saucy mixture. Don't stir it in yet!
4. Pressure Cook: Seal that Instant Pot lid and set it to manual/pressure cook for 10 minutes .
5. Pressure Release: Let it naturally release for 10 minutes , then manually release any remaining pressure. Be careful of the steam!
6. Shred It: Carefully take out the chicken and shred it. I use two forks for this.
7. Saucy Chicken: Return the shredded chicken back into the pot to soak up all that goodness. It's ready for tacos, Easy Weeknight Dinners , salads, whatever!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game

Here's a super secret, if you want to make-ahead your make-ahead Chicken Meals : Double the recipe and freeze half for another week.

BOOM! Instant dinner in the future. This will help with your Freezable Meals .

Common mistake to avoid: Don't overcook the chicken! It'll be dry and sad. 10 minutes is the sweet spot.

And that's it! Easy peasy! It can be used to prepare Meal Prep Chicken Recipes . Now you’ve got a delicious base for a week of killer meals.

Trust me, it's a game changer.

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code to Easy Weeknight Wins

Right, so you've got the basics down for this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken bonanza. Now, let’s dive into some extra bits that'll really make How I Prep a Week of dinners sing.

Honestly, it's all about making your life easier, innit? Here's the lowdown.

Plating Like a Pro (Even When You're Exhausted)

Presentation matters, even if it's just for you. Think about contrasting colours. A dollop of bright green guac on those burrito bowls? Yes, please.

For the tacos, a sprinkle of finely chopped red onion just elevates everything. And a cheeky wedge of lime? Chefs kiss.

As for sides, garlic bread is always a winner with the alfredo, or even just simple steamed broccoli. Don't forget the drinks! Ice-cold lemonade for tacos, anyone?

Storage Secrets: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Real

Right, so you've cooked up a storm, and you've got leftovers. Let's talk storage.

The Freezable Meals aspect is key. The cooked, shredded chicken lasts up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Honestly, if you're not using it by then, whack it in the freezer.

For freezing, portion it out. Defrost it overnight in the fridge or, if you're really in a pinch, use the microwave.

Make sure it's piping hot before you tuck in. Reheat in a pan, microwave, or back in the Instant Pot .

It’s so easy for Freezer Prep !

Playing with Flavours: A Bit of This, A Bit of That

Feeling adventurous? Let’s talk variations. Fancy some Mexican heat? Throw in a tin of Rotel tomatoes and some taco seasoning while it cooks.

Or feeling more Italian mamma ? Italian seasoning and lemon juice will sort you out.

Adaptations are easy, too. gluten-free? Obviously, use gluten-free pasta. Watching your carbs? Cauliflower rice is your friend. If you are looking for Meal Prep Chicken Recipes , try to replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which gives a richer flavor.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, nobody's perfect. Let's keep this simple: this chicken is packed with protein, essential for energy. It’s also fairly low in carbs, depending on what you serve it with.

Each serving clocks in at roughly 350 calories. This is your building block, folks! Perfect for these Easy Weeknight Dinners !

So, there you have it! That's Batch Cooking Chicken sorted. Honestly, once you nail this shredded chicken, you'll be making One Pot Chicken Dinners for days.

Now get in the kitchen and give it a go. You've got this!