Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Instant Pot Chicken Ranch Rice! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the irresistible flavor of ranch seasoning—all in one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Get ready to impress your taste buds and simplify your cooking routine with this delightful dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and measuring out all other ingredients precisely.
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Brown chicken cubes for 2-3 minutes until they start to develop golden edges, stirring occasionally.
- Add uncooked rice, chicken broth, ranch seasoning packet, and corn to the Instant Pot. Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and ensure even distribution.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform quick release for remaining pressure.
- Open lid and fluff rice mixture with a fork. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir melted cheese into rice and chicken mixture, ensuring even coating and distribution.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can dice the chicken and measure out the rice and ranch seasoning ahead of time. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the chicken adds depth and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ranch seasoning and chicken broth to elevate the taste of your dish. Fresh or homemade broth can make a significant difference!
- Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: While corn is a great addition, you can also toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for a few minutes helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
