Instant Pot Smoky BBQ Ranch Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Smoky BBQ Ranch Chicken is a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed dish ready in under 30 minutes. With the bold taste of smoky BBQ sauce and creamy ranch seasoning, this versatile recipe works perfectly in tacos, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, or as a main dish. It’s a quick and easy option for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Equipment
- Equipment:
- Instant Pot (Duo Nova 6-Quart)
- Tongs or meat shredders (Bear Paws Meat Shredder)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (use fresh or frozen as needed)
- 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce Sweet Baby Ray’s
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix Hidden Valley
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Optional Spices:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika for extra smokiness
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and smoked paprika, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional)
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté Mode and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor.
- Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
- Pour a small amount of the prepared sauce mixture into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.
- Pressure Cook
- Close the lid securely and turn the valve to the "Sealing" position.
- Select High Pressure on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to:
- 8 minutes for fresh chicken breasts.
- 12 minutes for frozen chicken breasts.
- Let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Shred or Slice the Chicken
- Gently take the chicken breasts out of the Instant Pot.
- Shred them using tongs or meat shredders, or slice them into thick strips.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the Instant Pot for maximum flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, in tacos, over rice, or in sandwiches. Garnish with green onions, shredded cheese, or parsley for an extra touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Sugar: 8g
Notes
Thicker Sauce:
For a thicker sauce, use the Sauté Mode after pressure cooking to simmer and reduce the sauce.
Add Heat:
For a spicier kick, mix in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Leftovers:
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container for storage, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customizable Protein:
Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.