Imagine a dish so incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious that it practically cooks itself! The Instant Pot Forgotten Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece in just 40 minutes. With minimal prep and maximum taste, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that looks and tastes like you've been slaving in the kitchen for hours - but our little secret is how incredibly easy it really is!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by removing chicken thighs from refrigerator and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sprinkle entire packet of ranch seasoning evenly over chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Turn on Instant Pot and select "Sauté" mode. Add a small amount of oil to the pot and briefly sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop golden brown color.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot around the seared chicken, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.
- Add softened cream cheese in dollops around and between the chicken thighs, distributing evenly.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode at high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Open lid and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, letting residual heat melt the cheese.
- Use two forks to shred chicken or serve whole thighs, spooning extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot with side of choice.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and seasoning adherence.
- Don't skip the searing step - it develops deep, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious sauce texture.
- Allow natural pressure release for the first 10 minutes to keep chicken ultra-tender and juicy.
- For extra flavor, try using different cheese blends or adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the ranch seasoning.
- If you prefer less sauce, reduce chicken broth to 3/4 cup.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 504kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 140mg
