Savory, flavorful and crazy simple to make, Instant Pot Garlic Herb Pulled Chicken is a serious staple around our house. Perfect for a quick no-muss-no-fuss dinner on a hectic weeknight. Or an ideal recipe to whip up during your weekly meal prep to make throwing together easy breezy healthy meals!
Just by a quick show of hands, who here has 2 hours each night to cook dinner?
Just, raise them nice and high…….anyone?……anyone?……no? No one has two hours?……interesting…because neither do I. Looks like we are all in the right place.
A little about me
So, this blog is fun and I totally love it….but it is also not my full time job. In case you are new around these parts, I am a teacher by day, blogger by night, and wife & mommy always.
I spend my days caring for and filling the little minds of preschoolers with wonder and knowledge (okay fine, and having a few runs on the slide too).
And then when I am done with that, I face Southern California traffic and go home to put on (my favorite) hat of wife and mom.
I lead a very full life. A very full busy life. Okay….it’s insanely busy. I’m amazed I find time to sleep.
Instant Pot garlic herb pulled chicken
But, nonetheless, I love this life and I have learned to cut corners and find hacks in places to make life a bit easier. Like getting an Instant Pot.
Getting on Instant Pot train
Guys, I don’t know why it took me so dang long to hop on the Instant Pot train….but now I am on it and I am riding it forever more! I love how in just minutes, it makes dishes that would either need to slow cook the whole day or that would take *at least* an hour or two in the oven.
It’s a busy working family’s lifeline for making healthy home cooking possible, in my book. And I am Instant Potting all the things these days.
And *THIS* Garlic Herb Pulled Chicken is a frequent flyer in my IP. I think I have made it 3 weeks running now and think I will keep the streak going! Its so great fresh out of the Instant Pot for a quick dinner, but I also love and adore the leftovers to throw together quick meals! Here are a few ways I love to use the leftovers!
Using garlic herb pulled chicken leftovers
- Over a bed of greens and cherry tomatoes with a little ranch dressing
- Mixed with a little mayo and layered on some gluten free bread with a little baby spinach for a quick chicken salad sandwich
- Tossed into some broth with random veggies that need to be used up for a quick chicken and veggie soup!
I’m sure I could go on and on, but you guys get the point….this recipe is a great staple to have kicking around the fridge! It’ll set you up with clean, healthy protein so that throwing together meals in a pinch is super easy and fast….even on your busiest days!
Other chicken recipes you are going to love…
- Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Brussel Sprouts
- Healthy Teriyaki Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
- Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Loving this Instant Pot garlic herb pulled chicken and hungry for more?
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Instant Pot Garlic Herb Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1 yellow onion peeled and cut into rings
- 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3/4 cup broth or water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pour water/broth into your Instant Pot and layer the rings of sliced onions on the bottom.
- In a small bowl, mix thyme, basil, oregano, salt and black pepper. Mix.
- Generously season chicken with herb mixture on both sides. Place seasoned chicken on top of the onions in the Instant Pot.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, lock in place and turn the valve to sealing.
- Select the poultry setting and set the timer for 15 minutes.
- Once the time is up, switch the valve to venting to quick release the pressure.
- Once all of the pressure is released, remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a large tray or bowl.
- Shred the chicken with two forks, in a stand mixer with the flat beater attachment (my favorite method) or however you like best!
- Add a little of the broth to the chicken if you like moist chicken or leave as is if you prefer your chicken a bit drier.
- Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Over a bed of greens and cherry tomatoes with a little ranch dressing
- Mixed with a little mayo and layered on some gluten free bread with a little baby spinach for a quick chicken salad sandwich
- Tossed into some broth with random veggies that need to be used up for a quick chicken and veggie soup!
Nutrition
The nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the product type, servings and other factors. If you are following a diet, please consult with a professional nutritionist or your doctor. Stay healthy!
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My mind is blown. Using a beater in a mixer? I have 3 boys 3 and under. I thought, no way, pulled chicken isn’t fast! Thank you!!
Right? The little hacks in life!
I don’t see the crockpot instructions…
Wondering if anyone has tried this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Haven’t jumped in the InstaPot train yet, can you post directions for the crockpot?
Making it tonight. Smells good so far! I wish you could add one more time chunk into the "Total Time". Approximately how long for the instant pot to come to pressure. Instant Pot recipes can be deceiving. Thanks!
I agree. I have often thought about doing that since it takes about 10 minutes for pressure to build up and "cooking" to start!
simple and delicious…totally my jam!!
Can i use frozen chicken for this recipe?
I have not tried it with frozen chicken! If I did, I would up the cooking time to at least 10 minutes.
This was so super juicy and tender. It was easy to shred too. I used frozen chicken breasts and added 10 minutes to the cook time. Delicious!
This was absolutely amazing! Leftovers? What leftovers?! Super easy! Tastes like I spent all day on it! Thank you for sharing!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve never made chicken in an Instant Pot but it sounds like it is a game changer!