Using the Instant Pot to prepare meals is one of the best ways to fast-track your way to a delicious dinner without the hassle. But, knowing what to cook in the Instant Pot is half the battle. Don’t worry; we have you covered with an easy instant pot ranch chicken thighs recipe everyone in the family will love, especially the pickiest of eaters!
Our ranch chicken thighs are cooked in the Instant Pot, so they’re ready in a flash. The chicken thighs are then coated in a ranch dressing mixture blended with olive oil, which locks in the moisture, helping them crisp as they’re briefly placed under the broiler.
Instant pot ranch chicken thighs are far from boring, thanks to a simple secret: ranch seasoning mix. Ranch seasoning packets can be found hiding in almost any pantry, waiting to transform lackluster meals with an eyepopping tangy, fresh herb flavor.
Brittany Baxter/Oola
Instant Pot Ranch Chicken Thighs
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 skinless chicken thighs, thawed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Supplies
- Instant Pot
- small bowl
- tongs
- aluminum foil
- baking sheet
- pastry brush
Directions
Place the chicken thighs into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with garlic powder, then salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the chicken broth over the thighs.
Place the lid on the instant pot, then set the Instant Pot to Sealing Position and cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes. Carefully set your Instant Pot to Venting Position to allow for a Quick Release once the Instant Pot is finished cooking.
In a small bowl, add the ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, and minced garlic cloves. Mix until well blended.
Using a pair of tongs, carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a foil-lined baking sheet. Next, using a pastry brush, coat the chicken with the ranch seasoning mixture. Then, broil the chicken thighs in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken’s top layer starts to slightly brown and crisp. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! However, if you’re cooking frozen chicken, do not place the frozen chicken thighs directly into the Instant Pot in one large mass.
Start by separating the chicken in cool water until they’re thawed enough to split into individual pieces. Then place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the pot. Then sprinkle with seasonings and chicken broth. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes. Naturally release for five minutes.
Are Ranch Dressing Mix and Ranch Dip Mix the Same Thing?
Yes. Both mixes are similar. However, if using them to make a creamy base, ranch dressing mix uses mayonnaise and milk, while ranch dip uses both mayonnaise and sour cream or yogurt.
How Do You Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix?
To make a homemade ranch seasoning mix that will last for several recipes, mix the following dry ingredients in a small bowl, then place in an airtight container.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk powder
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon onion flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoon chives
Note: Two tablespoons ranch seasoning mix = one packet of ranch mix.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Ranch Chicken Thighs
Serve your ranch chicken thighs with a side of brown rice, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, vegetable medley, cauliflower mac and cheese, oven-roasted sheet pan vegetables, or simple tossed green salad.
Related Reading
- Easy Instant Pot "Rotisserie" Chicken
- 15 Popular Instant Pot Recipes to Cook In Your Instant Pot
- Under Pressure: Instant Pot Anxiety Is Real
