Instant Pot Smoky BBQ Ranch Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Smoky BBQ Ranch Chicken recipe is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that’s ready in just under 30 minutes. Infused with smoky BBQ sauce and creamy ranch seasoning, this versatile chicken is perfect for tacos, salads, sandwiches, rice bowls, or as a standalone dish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect 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 (fresh or frozen)
- 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, combine the BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, 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 on each side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds extra depth of 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
- Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing."
- Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure and cook for:
- 8 minutes for fresh chicken breasts.
- 12 minutes for frozen chicken breasts.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Shred or Slice the Chicken
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from 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 version, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers:
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customizable Protein:
Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.