Ranch Chicken Instant Pot Recipe
This cheesy Ranch Chicken Instant Pot dish is an easy and simple recipe to make.
If you’re looking for a fantastic low-carb chicken recipe then look no further. Instant Pot ranch chicken happens to be a favorite for my husband.
With juicy chicken and a creamy ranch sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying your cravings. It’s quick to prep and easy to cook in the Instant Pot, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Whether you’re looking for an effortless dinner or a tasty lunch, this ranch Chicken Instant Pot dish will be a real winner!
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Contents
What Is Ranch Chicken?
Ranch Chicken is a simple and tasty dish that is made with juicy chicken and a creamy ranch sauce.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for an easy, low-carb dinner option, as it can be prepared quickly and cooked in the Instant Pot. Ranch chicken is a popular side order at Dominoes and Chick-fil-a.
This homemade ranch chicken tops them all ! If you’re a ranch fan, then you will love this tasty Instant Pot recipe.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a delicious lunch option, Ranch Chicken in the Instant Pot is sure to be a hit. Give it a try today and let us know what you think!
What Does Ranch Chicken Taste Like?
Ranch Chicken has a creamy and savory flavor, with hints of ranch dressing. The chicken is juicy and tender, while the ranch sauce adds a rich and satisfying creaminess to the dish.
If you’re a fan of Ranch flavors or are looking for an easy low-carb chicken recipe, then you’ll enjoy this easy meal.
Health Benefits Of Chicken
Did your parents ever give you chicken soup when you had a cold? Mine did and there’s a reason why. Chicken is rich in carnosine. Carnosine is a compound that minimised inflammation and helps reduce that stuffy, congested feeling in your nose and throat.
There are so many fantastic health benefits to eating chicken and here are a few:
- Chicken is rich in protein. It’s a fantastic source of lean, low fat protein which helps to build muscle and maintain a healthy weight level.
- Phosphorus. Chicken is rich in the essential mineral phosphorus which is important for your teeth, bones and central nervous system.
- Chicken contains selenium which supports the thyroid hormone, metabolism and immune function of the body. Therefore chicken is a great food to eat when following a diet such as Weight Watchers.
- Rich in Vitamin B6 and the B-vitamin Niacin, chicken can help not only boost metabolism for managing a healthy weight, it will also help guard against cancer.
- Chicken is great for preventing bone loss, helps build healthy tissue and promotes good eye health.
What Is In Ranch Seasoning?
Ranch seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that is commonly used to flavor chicken, salad dressings, dips and other dishes.
Ranch seasoning typically includes dried herbs like dill, chives, garlic powder or onion powder, along with salt and pepper. It might also include paprika or cayenne pepper for heat, as well as
Instant Pot Ranch Chicken Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this ranch chicken Instant Pot recipe:
- 1-2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- (2) 1 oz packets of ranch seasoning
- 8 oz block of cream cheese
- 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 C. chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
- 10 oz package of rice cauliflower, cooked according to package direction
How To Cook Ranch Chicken In The Instant Pot
Here are the step by step instuctions for cooking pressure cooker ranch chicken.
Step One: Add Chicken Breasts To Instant Pot
Place the chicken breast in the bottom of the instant pot and season with salt & pepper.
Step Two: Add Ranch Seasoning, Cream Cheese and Chicken Broth
Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning and chicken broth over the top of the chicken breasts.
Step Three: Pressure Cook Ranch Chicken
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and press the manual setting. Set the timer to 10 minutes making sure the quick release valve is closed.
Once the timer has gone off after cooking then do a quick release and carefully open the lid.
Step Four: Shred The Chicken
Shred the chicken using two forks. Shredding chicken in the Instant pot is pretty easy to do and I find using two forks the easiest way to do this.
Alternatively you can remove chicken and shred with a knife and fork on a chopping board.
Step Five: Stir In Cheddar Cheese
Place the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot and stir in the shredded cheese.
Step Six: Garnish and Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken
Garnish your ranch chicken with more shredded cheese and fresh parsley if desired and serve over cauliflower rice as a low carb option.
What To Serve With Ranch Chicken
Whilst this recipe suggests cauliflower rice you can serve ranch chicken with many different dishes. Some side dishes that would go well with ranch chicken include:
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Cauliflower salad
- Couscous or quinoa
- A simple green Salad
- Sourdough Bread or Hawaiian rolls
- Green beans – steamed green beans are the best!
- Cooked Pasta
- Red potatoes – Learn how to cook Instant Pot red potatoes here!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken For This Recipe?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen chicken in this Instant Pot ranch chicken recipe. If using frozen chicken, simply add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
For example, if using frozen chicken breasts, set the Instant Pot to 12-13 minutes, instead of 10 minutes cooking time.
I prefer using thawed chicken or fresh skinless chicken breasts in the Instant Pot but if you’re short on time and haven’t been able to defrost your chicken, simply pop it into the instant Pot frozen.
Both frozen or thawed chicken will work well for creamy ranch chicken.
Best Chicken For Ranch Chicken
For this Instant Pot ranch chicken recipe we use boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you wish to use another type of chicken I’d recommend boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs can make great ranch chicken but you’ll need boneless and skinless to keep the recipe healthy and make the chicken easy to shred.
Chicken Ranch V’s Chicken Ranch Dip
There are many different ways to enjoy Ranch flavors, whether it be as a dip or as an entrée. While both Chicken Ranch and Chicken Ranch Dip feature similar ingredients and flavors, there are some key differences between the two.
Chicken Ranch typically uses cooked chicken in the dish, while Ranch Dip uses shredded or crumbled chicken. Additionally, Ranch Dip is typically made with sour cream and Ranch dressing, while Chicken Ranch typically features a Ranch-based sauce that contains cream cheese.
Can I Use Ranch Dressing Mix?
Yes you can use a dry ranch dressing mix if you wish instead of ranch seasoning. They are very similar but I prefer ranch seasoning mix to go with my tender chicken.
How To Store Ranch Dressing
You can store Ranch Dressing Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days and reheat when ready to eat.
Can You Freese Ranch Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this ranch flavor chicken. If you want to freeze it, simply place it in a freezer bag or an air-tight container and thaw it out in the microwave or in the refrigerator when you’re ready.
Can I Natural Release My Chicken?
No. This recipe needs a quick release because it has cream cheese and you don’t want to overcook it. A quick release will also prevent the chicken from getting overcooked and potentially becoming dry.
If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, and delicious dish that is made in the Instant Pot, then this ranch chicken recipe is for you! With just a few simple ingredients you’ll have a great main course on the dinner table in no time.
How To Cook Ranch Chicken In The Slow Cooker
Follow these slow cooker instructions for easy crock pot ranch chicken:
Place your chicken into the slow cooker and add the ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir to combine the ingredients, then cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it. Garnish with more shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
You can cook chicken in the Instant Pot on the slow cooker setting if you prefer slow-cooked ranch chicken.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Instant Pot Recipe
This Instant Pot Recipe is good for low carb diet yet will still suffice your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1-2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- (2) 1 oz packets of ranch seasoning
- 8 oz block of cream cheese
- 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 C. chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
- 10 oz package of rice cauliflower, cooked according to package direction
Instructions
How To Cook Ranch Chicken In The Instant Pot
Here are the step by step instuctions for cooking pressure cooker ranch chicken.
Step One: Add Chicken Breasts To Instant Pot
Place the chicken breast in the bottom of the instant pot and season with salt & pepper.
Step Two: Add Ranch Seasoning, Cream Cheese and Chicken Broth
Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning and chicken broth over the top of the chicken breasts.
Step Three: Pressure Cook Ranch Chicken
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and press the manual setting. Set the timer to 10 minutes making sure the quick release valve is closed.
Once the timer has gone off after cooking then do a quick release and carefully open the lid.
Step Four: Shred The Chicken
Shred the chicken using two forks. Shredding chicken in the Instant pot is pretty easy to do and I find using two forks the easiest way to do this.
Alternatively you can remove chicken and shred with a knife and fork on a chopping board.
Step Five: Stir In Cheddar Cheese
Place the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot and stir in the shredded cheese.
Step Six: Garnish and Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken
Garnish your ranch chicken with more shredded cheese and fresh parsley if desired and serve over cauliflower rice as a low carb option.
Notes
What To Serve With Ranch Chicken
Whilst this recipe suggests cauliflower rice you can serve ranch chicken with many different dishes. Some side dishes that would go well with ranch chicken include:
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Cauliflower salad
- Couscous or quinoa
- A simple green Salad
- Sourdough Bread or Hawaiian rolls
- Green beans - steamed green beans are the best!
- Cooked Pasta
- Red potatoes - Learn how to cook Instant Pot red potatoes here!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 778Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 266mgSodium: 1313mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 83g
About Angela Milnes
Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!