Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 pounds baby red or gold potatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons dry Ranch seasoning, divided; 1 cup chicken broth; 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·5 from 3 reviews

Let me tell you, this Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to weeknight dinners. It’s just the right combo of hearty and flavorful, all without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic of the Instant Pot means you’re getting tender chicken and perfectly cooked baby potatoes with just a sprinkle of herbs and the punch of ranch seasoning — honestly, it’s comfort food that feels like a treat.

What’s special here is how easy it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you worked much harder. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or inviting friends over for a casual dinner, this Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe fits right in. You’ll love how the tangy ranch and parmesan blend with those herbs, making every bite pop.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, dinner’s on the table in under 40 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
Flavor-Packed: Ranch seasoning and parmesan add a savory kick that transforms simple chicken and potatoes into something special.
One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes and less fuss—chicken and potatoes cook together, soaking up all those good flavors.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe works great for families, meal prep, or even casual dinner parties.

A lightly browned piece of cooked chicken sits on the left side of a white speckled plate, sprinkled with green herb bits and black pepper. On the right side of the plate, there is a mix of small red and yellow potatoes, also seasoned with herbs and pepper, giving them a slightly rough texture. A silver fork rests above the chicken, with its handle extending past the edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a few scattered green herbs around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced and savory dinner. The key is in the blend of seasoning and the Instant Pot cooking method, which locks in moisture and flavor while cooking everything evenly.

Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they stay juicy in the Instant Pot when paired with broth.
Baby red or gold potatoes: Small size means they cook evenly and absorb all that delicious seasoning.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds subtle richness.
Salt and pepper: The base for flavor — don’t skip or under-season here.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic punch without the fuss of fresh cloves.
Dried thyme, basil, and oregano: Classic herbs that bring earthy depth and complexity to the dish.
Dry Ranch seasoning: The star ingredient—this brings tangy, savory, and herby notes that make this recipe stand out.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and creates the perfect environment for pressure cooking.
Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible savory finish and a touch of nuttiness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up a bit depending on what I have in the pantry or the season. This Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe is forgiving and easy to customize, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for thighs when I want extra juicy, flavorful meat—they hold up beautifully under pressure cooking.
Low-carb option: Try swapping potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lighter twist.
Spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the ranch seasoning blend.
Seasonal twist: In fall, sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh sage or rosemary instead of the dried herbs for a cozy, aromatic feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients and Toss with Seasoning

First things first: rinse and pat dry your chicken breasts and wash the baby potatoes. In a large bowl, toss the chicken and potatoes with olive oil so everything gets a nice light coating. Then sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, basil, oregano, and 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning. Don’t be shy—make sure everything is evenly coated. This step is key to getting that bold ranch flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Layer into the Instant Pot and Add Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot—it keeps things moist and prevents sticking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the broth first, then pile the potatoes right on top. Lock the lid in place and make sure the steam vent is sealed. You’ll want to set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your pot and how thick the chicken breasts are.

Step 3: Quick Release and Finish with Cheese and More Ranch

As soon as the cooking cycle finishes, do a quick release by carefully turning the vent to venting. Once the float valve drops, open the lid and transfer the chicken and potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning and the grated parmesan cheese over everything while it’s hot—it melts slightly for a rich finish. If you want, add a little fresh chopped thyme or parsley for color and extra flavor before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe

Don’t Skip the Quick Release: It prevents overcooking, so your chicken stays juicy and potatoes don’t get mushy.
Pat Chicken Dry Before Seasoning: This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and avoids a watery texture.
Use Small, Even-Sized Potatoes: This ensures everything cooks evenly and finishes together.
Layer Carefully: Placing potatoes on top of the chicken helps both cook perfectly instead of overcooking one or the other.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe

The dish shows one piece of golden brown grilled chicken placed on the left side of a white speckled plate with visible herbs and black pepper on top. On the right side, there is a mix of small roasted potatoes in three colors: deep purple, yellow, and reddish-brown, all sprinkled lightly with herbs and seasoning. The chicken and potatoes have a slightly shiny texture, showing they are well cooked, with small green herb pieces scattered mainly on the chicken. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a fork is placed behind the chicken, partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped thyme or flat-leaf parsley on top right before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and that little bit of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I throw on a few extra grates of parmesan cheese if I’m feeling indulgent — you really can’t go wrong.

Side Dishes

I like to keep it simple since this dish is a hearty one — a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly. Roasted or steamed green beans also balance the plate nicely with some crunch and freshness. If you want to get fancy, garlic bread or warm crusty rolls soak up any leftover juices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I arrange the chicken and potatoes on a large wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around and little bowls of ranch dip on the side. It makes for a relaxed but beautifully rustic presentation that guests love. I’ve also served this in deep, rustic bowls topped with parmesan shavings and a small side of pickled veggies for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When packed together, the flavors deepen and the chicken stays tender. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, especially if you separate the chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag to avoid mushiness. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken or making the potatoes too soft.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they tend to be juicier and more forgiving in the Instant Pot. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size, but generally, thighs cook just as well—if not better—than breasts in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use baby potatoes, or can I use larger potatoes?

Baby potatoes are recommended because they cook evenly and faster under pressure. If you use larger potatoes, cut them into smaller, uniform pieces so they cook through at the same rate as the chicken.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The ranch seasoning usually contains some dairy powder, so check the brand or make your own dairy-free ranch blend to keep it suitable for your dietary needs.
How do I avoid the chicken drying out in the Instant Pot?

The key is using the broth for moisture, not overcooking, and doing a quick release as soon as the timer goes off. Also, patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps seal in the juices.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe enough. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, easy, and truly satisfying. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s a recipe that’ll make your weeknight dinners easier and tastier. So go ahead and give it a try—I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine.

Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Ranch Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe