Imagine a dinner that's not just delicious, but also incredibly simple to prepare - welcome to the world of Instant Pot Ranch Chicken and Rice! This mouthwatering one-pot wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that will have your family racing to the dinner table. With just minutes of prep time and minimal cleanup, you'll be the kitchen hero who serves up a restaurant-quality dish without the stress or complexity of traditional cooking methods.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup rice
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breast, 1 cup of rice, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of frozen peas, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of oil if desired, and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This step is optional but adds flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Turn off the 'Sauté' mode.
- In the same pot, add 1 cup of rice and stir it for about 1 minute to toast it slightly.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add the packet of ranch seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Place the sautéed chicken breasts back into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the 'Sealing' position. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot. Stir everything together gently.
- Check the chicken for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If necessary, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the rice and peas.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Serve the ranch chicken and rice hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional ranch seasoning if you like.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, lightly brown your chicken before pressure cooking to develop a deeper taste profile.
- Use fresh ranch seasoning for the most vibrant flavor - homemade or high-quality packet mixes work best.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release, as it helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider cutting them in half to ensure even cooking.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream after cooking.
- Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken has reached 165°F for food safety.
- Frozen peas add a nice color and quick burst of nutrition - don't be tempted to skip them!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 41g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 110mg
