This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is an explosion of bold flavors in every bite, with tender, juicy chicken coated in the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing.
Whether served as a main dish over rice, tucked into a tortilla for tacos, or piled onto a sandwich, this recipe is the perfect choice for anyone craving a quick, flavorful meal that delivers big on taste.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once heated, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Add buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the chicken.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release and remove the chicken from the pot.
- Shred the chicken using two forks.
- (Optional) For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir it into the remaining sauce in the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it simmer until thickened.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, stir well, and serve!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Buffalo chicken is a classic dish known for its spicy kick and rich flavor, making it a fan-favorite across all age groups. If you love the bold, tangy taste of buffalo sauce, this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Combining tender chicken breasts with a flavorful blend of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to please.
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken, as the name suggests, hails from Buffalo, New York. The dish originated in 1964 at the Anchor Bar, where Frank and Teressa Bellissimo created the now-famous wings drenched in a spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. The dish quickly gained popularity and has since evolved into various forms, from Buffalo wings to Buffalo chicken dip to this version of tender shredded chicken in a flavorful sauce. The concept of Buffalo chicken has become a staple in American cuisine and a beloved addition to any party or casual gathering.
This Instant Pot version of Buffalo chicken takes the original flavors to the next level while saving you time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, the pressure cooker locks in the flavors, resulting in a moist, shredded chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes. From sandwiches and tacos to salads and bowls, the possibilities for serving this recipe are endless!
Why Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is the Best
- Time-Saving Convenience: The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to reducing cooking time. While traditional methods of preparing Buffalo chicken can take up to an hour or more, the Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time to just 20 minutes, including prep time. This makes it an ideal option for busy families or anyone who’s short on time but still wants to enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature ensures that the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, which is a key factor in making the dish so satisfying. The sauce seeps into the chicken, infusing it with flavor while keeping it moist.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation. Simply season the chicken, sauté for a few minutes, and let the Instant Pot do the work. You’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it took hours to make, but in reality, it only takes a fraction of that time.
- Versatility in Serving: Once your Buffalo chicken is cooked and shredded, the possibilities for how to serve it are endless. Whether you want to load it onto soft tortillas for tacos, pile it onto a fresh salad, or enjoy it in a sandwich or wrap, this recipe offers endless versatility for your meals. The spicy buffalo sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of other flavors, making it a great addition to many dishes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and reheated easily. You can even freeze it for longer storage, making it a great option to have on hand for busy days when you don’t have time to cook.
Benefits of Buffalo Chicken in Your Diet
Buffalo chicken can be a healthy and satisfying addition to your diet, provided you make the right ingredient choices. Here are some of the benefits of incorporating this recipe into your meal plan:
- Protein-Packed: Chicken breasts are a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, immune function, and overall health. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe, you’re keeping the dish low in fat while still getting a good dose of protein.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, or ketogenic diet, this Buffalo chicken recipe can easily be adapted to meet your needs. Simply swap out the ranch dressing for a dairy-free alternative or serve it over a low-carb vegetable like cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Buffalo sauce, typically made with hot sauce, contains a variety of beneficial compounds like capsaicin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin has also been linked to boosting metabolism, supporting weight loss, and reducing pain.
- Low-Calorie and Flavorful: If you’re watching your calorie intake, this Instant Pot Buffalo chicken recipe is a great option. The dish is full of flavor without relying on heavy creams or high-fat ingredients. The use of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing adds zest without piling on unnecessary calories.
How to Serve Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken
There are countless ways to serve this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Warm up some soft tortillas and load them with shredded buffalo chicken, then top with fresh veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Create a healthy, satisfying salad by tossing the shredded buffalo chicken with fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Add some crumbled blue cheese for extra richness.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches or Wraps: Serve the shredded chicken on a toasted bun for a hearty sandwich, or wrap it up in a soft tortilla with your favorite veggies and condiments.
- Buffalo Chicken Bowl: For a more substantial meal, serve the buffalo chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and top with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: If you’re hosting a party, turn this recipe into a dip by mixing the shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and extra buffalo sauce. Bake until bubbly and serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks for dipping.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken is a versatile, flavorful, and quick meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a fast dinner, a dish to impress your guests, or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe checks all the boxes. By using the Instant Pot, you’re cutting down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor, making it the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.
With its spicy kick, juicy chicken, and endless serving possibilities, this Buffalo chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So fire up your Instant Pot, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.