Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs: A Flavor Explosion in Minutes!

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs! This recipe is a game-changer, delivering juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and tender chicken thighs is simply irresistible. Plus, using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy evenings.

This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even in a salad. The possibilities are endless! And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be dairy-free or low-carb.

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep time.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of bacon, ranch, and chicken creates a flavor explosion.
* **Juicy and Tender:** The Instant Pot ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken thighs.
* **Versatile:** Serve it in various ways, making it a family-friendly favorite.
* **Minimal Clean-Up:** The Instant Pot makes clean-up a breeze.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken Thighs:** Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and shorter cooking time. You can also use bone-in, skin-on thighs, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Bacon:** Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the ranch perfectly. Use your favorite type of bacon; thick-cut bacon will provide more flavor and texture.
* **Ranch Dressing Mix:** This is the key ingredient for that classic ranch flavor. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade ranch dressing mix.
* **Ranch Dressing:** Creamy ranch dressing adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor. Use your favorite brand or make a homemade version.
* **Chicken Broth:** Chicken broth provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking and adds flavor to the sauce. You can also use water in a pinch, but chicken broth is recommended.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor and complements the garlic powder.
* **Paprika:** Adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to season the chicken and sauce.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping bacon.
* **Knife:** For chopping bacon.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Tongs:** For handling chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make delicious Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs:

### Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

* Cut the bacon into small pieces.
* Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Saute” function.
* Add the chopped bacon to the Instant Pot and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the bacon from the Instant Pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the Instant Pot for added flavor.

### Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs

* While the bacon is cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
* In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

### Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs (Optional)

*This step is optional but recommended for added flavor and texture.*
* If you want to sear the chicken thighs, add them to the Instant Pot with the remaining bacon grease.
* Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This will help to develop a rich, savory crust.
* Remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and set them aside.

### Step 4: Deglaze the Instant Pot

* Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, will add depth of flavor to the sauce and prevent the “Burn” warning.

### Step 5: Add the Ingredients

* Return the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer.
* Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the chicken thighs.
* Pour the ranch dressing over the chicken and bacon.
* Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken.

### Step 6: Pressure Cook

* Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve.
* Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and cook for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken thighs. For thicker thighs, cook for 10 minutes. For thinner thighs, cook for 8 minutes.
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This will help the chicken thighs retain their moisture and prevent them from becoming dry.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the valve to the “Venting” position.

### Step 7: Shred the Chicken (Optional)

*This step is optional, depending on your preference.*
* Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot using tongs.
* If desired, shred the chicken thighs with two forks. This is a great option if you’re serving the chicken over rice or in a salad.

### Step 8: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

*If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it using one of the following methods:*

* **Cornstarch Slurry:** In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Pour the slurry into the Instant Pot and stir well. Turn the Instant Pot back on to the “Saute” function and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
* **Heavy Cream:** Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the Instant Pot. This will add richness and thickness to the sauce. Heat through on “Saute” mode for a minute or two, but do not boil.

### Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

* Serve the Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or in a salad.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, if desired.
* Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs:** If you prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Cook for 12-15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the chicken thighs. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or sliced onions are all great options. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free ranch dressing and dairy-free cream cheese (if thickening the sauce with cream cheese).
* **Make it Low-Carb:** Serve the chicken thighs over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
* **Add Spice:** For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing.
* **Use Cream Cheese:** For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 2-4 ounces of cream cheese after pressure cooking. Use the “Saute” function to melt the cream cheese and incorporate it into the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** Serve the chicken thighs and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **With Mashed Potatoes:** Pair the chicken thighs with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **With Pasta:** Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
* **In a Salad:** Use the shredded chicken as a protein topping for a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing.
* **In Wraps or Tacos:** Fill tortillas or wraps with the shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
* **As a Dip:** Shred the chicken and mix it with cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Serve it warm with tortilla chips or crackers as a party appetizer.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken thighs ahead of time by seasoning them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken thighs in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent the chicken from drying out.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the chicken thighs for longer storage. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

*Note: This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary.*

## Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

* **Forgetting to Deglaze the Instant Pot:** This is a crucial step to prevent the “Burn” warning and add flavor to the sauce. Always scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after searing the chicken or cooking the bacon.
* **Overcooking the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time and use a natural pressure release to help the chicken retain its moisture.
* **Not Adjusting the Cooking Time for Bone-In Chicken:** Bone-in chicken thighs require a longer cooking time than boneless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
* **Adding Too Much Liquid:** Adding too much liquid can result in a watery sauce. Use the recommended amount of chicken broth and avoid adding any extra liquid.
* **Not Thickening the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, you can easily thicken it using a cornstarch slurry or heavy cream. This will create a richer, more flavorful sauce.

## Conclusion

These Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Chicken Thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. So, give this recipe a try and experience the flavor explosion for yourself! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media. Happy cooking!