Instant Pot Cool Ranch Chicken (Whole30, Paleo, Keto) – homemade taco and ranch seasonings make a great combo for chicken! Super fast recipe made in the Instant Pot and Whole30 compliant!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly, easy, DELICIOUS recipe, this is it! I came across a slow cooker version of Cool Ranch Chicken and immediately knew my family would love it. To keep it extra simple and fast, I adapted it for the Instant Pot. The flavor is phenomenal and can be ready to go in about 20 minutes.
I love recipes that are super versatile. This Cool Ranch Chicken, for example, can be used in tacos, soups, chili, salads, and more. It’s also Whole30/Paleo friendly and is the perfect addition to Meal Prep Sunday, because it can be used in so many different ways throughout the week. Usually I’ll serve it in tortillas for the kids and lettuce cups for myself. To take the ranch flavor intensity over the top, don’t skip the drizzle of Homemade Whole30 Ranch Dressing!
Instant Pot Cool Ranch Chicken is a great lunch option. The leftovers are perfect in salads, especially these Mason Jar Cobb Salads! I also have used the leftover ranch chicken in taco soup and white chicken chili.
Tips for Instant Pot Cool Ranch Chicken
- I always allow for natural release of pressure in the pot when cooking poultry. Quick release can result in dry chicken.
- In place of the broth, use diced tomatoes or salsa for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer less juices, remove lid and turn saute function on after pressure has released. Simmer 10 minutes to reduce sauce.
- Serve over tortilla chips for nacho night!
The leftovers are amazing because the flavors just intensify over time. I make this with my homemade ranch and taco seasonings but if you prefer to use store bought packets, that would also work just fine. The great thing about the homemade seasonings is they make a decent sized batch that can be used over and over in multiple recipes. If you like this recipe, you’ll also love this super easy 3-ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken!
Instant Pot Cool Ranch Chicken (Whole30, Paleo, Keto)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning see below
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning see below
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
Homemade Whole30 Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup homemade whole30 mayonnaise or compliant brand
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves cilantro is great too
Instructions
- Combine seasonings, oil, vinegar, and broth in a small bowl. Whisk well.
- Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the pot and pour seasoning mixture over top.
- Seal lid, and set to Poultry (if your pot doesn't have a poultry button, use the manual setting for 15 minutes.)
- When cycle is complete, allow for natural release of pressure. Remove lid, shred chicken and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Serve in lettuce cups or tortillas (for non-Whole30) and add toppings as desired. Drizzle with Homemade Whole30 Ranch Dressing.
Homemade Whole30 Ranch Dressing
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until blended. Keep refrigerated in a mason jar or air tight container.
Notes
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12 Comments
Alondra Weddel
December 10, 2017 at 9:07 pmSo I originally thought the instant pot might not have as much flavor… but boy was I wrong! My husband who typically is not a fan of crockpot food was very surprised! Definitely a new family favorite!
Kendra Mills
December 10, 2017 at 9:12 pmTried this-and loved it! For a recent gathering I made this chicken for tacos and everyone was just raving about the flavor. Does not disappoint. Very juicy and full of flavor.
Sarah
April 5, 2018 at 7:42 pmI didn’t have any red wine vinegar on hand, so I just doubled the olive oil! It came out so juicy and full of flavor! My picky 7 year old asked what smelled so good, wanted to try it, and loved it! Will definitely make again!
Nikki
April 5, 2018 at 9:08 pmThanks, Sarah! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Nicole Winkler
April 17, 2018 at 2:52 pmI am going to try this tonight! Do the nutrition facts include your homemade ranch dressing?
Nikki
April 17, 2018 at 5:19 pmNicole – awesome, hope you enjoy it! No, the nutrition facts do not include the ranch dressing. I’ll be sure to add a note clarifying that. Thanks!!
Jolie
April 22, 2018 at 12:29 pmI don’t have an instapot- and idea on how I can adapt the timing and/or ingredients for a crockpot?
Nikki
April 22, 2018 at 9:55 pmSame ingredients, just cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours. Then shred the chicken. Let me know if you try it!
Gabby
July 29, 2018 at 12:17 amLooks delicious! Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Do I need to adjust the cooking time? TIA!
Nikki
July 29, 2018 at 9:09 pmHey Gabby – yes, you can cook chicken from frozen in the IP! You shouldn’t need to increase cooking time…it will just take the pot longer to come to pressure. Also, I like to use natural release with poultry so it doesn’t dry out!
Gabby
December 4, 2018 at 11:54 pmThank you so much Nikki! I made it with frozen chicken and it was a huge hit with my whole family!
Mary
September 16, 2018 at 7:30 pmI’m new to the Instant Pot. Would halving the recipe change the cook times?