Instant Pot 3 Packet Chicken

3 Packet Chicken?? Is that the same as 3 Envelope Chicken? Yes my dear readers, they are both the same, and they are both DELICIOUS 😉

3 Packet Chicken = Easy Deliciousness!!

So, if you’ve been around here for a bit, you’ll know that one of my MOST FAVORITE and most popular recipes on the blog is my Crazy Delicious Instant Pot 3 Packet Roast.

It’s literally the epitome of what I think a roast should be. Savory, yummy, lots of dark thick gravy cascading over soft, fluffy mountainous mashed potatoes. (Dramatically worded, but accurate, trust me on that one. lol)

So naturally, it just makes sense that I would try it with a different protein, right? Hence, Instant Pot 3 Packet Chicken. You could also call it 3 Envelope chicken as I mentioned earlier, but call it what you like, but just don’t call me late for dinner! lol

SUPER EASY 3-ENVELOPE INSTANT POT DINNER!

Ingredients Needed For This Instant Pot Chicken Dinner

Well, let’s get right to the crux of the list. You need three seasoning packets. Yes, you read that right. 3 packets.

• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning – If you’d rather make your own, try this Homemade Ranch Seasoning recipe! This way you can control the ingredients yourself if you wish.
• 1 packet of Chicken Gravy powder
• 1 packet of Italian Dressing powder
• And of course, chicken breast – skinless and boneless, please. Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer.

Btw, if you’re new to cooking with your Instant Pot – I have a handy little guide called Instant Pot Cooking for Beginners. Take a peek at it – it may make you feel a bit comfier working with your brand new appliance!

How To Make 3 Packet Chicken In The Instant Pot

Place the broth in the instant pot bowl, and lay the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of the cooking bowl.

Mix all the seasoning packets together and whisk the dry powders until incorporated. Sprinkle on top of the chicken.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and pressure cook. After cooking time is up, move the switch “venting” and let any extra pressure release.

Transfer all the chicken to a plate and with two forks, shred all the chicken.

Mix the gravy that’s been made in the bottom of the Instant Pot. If you prefer a thicker gravy, add the cornstarch slurry.

Return the chicken to the gravy mix, serve, and enjoy!

All the specific ingredient amounts and cooking times will be in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Other Questions You Might Have About This 3 Envelope Chicken Recipe:

1. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? – That’s not a problem at all! Simply look at the recipe card below, and there are notes at the end of the recipe. I’ll give instructions on other ways to use to make this dish!
   
2. Can I use Italian Dressing (liquid) instead of the powder packet? – Honestly, I haven’t tried that yet, but I plan on trying it out and seeing how it works!
   
3. Can I use water instead of chicken broth? – Absolutely. If you’re worried about the sodium content, I would opt to use a low/no added sodium broth only because it adds even more flavor, but if you don’t have that on hand, water is totally fine! You definitely need liquid in the bottom of the pot though, because it helps make the gravy, and you also need liquid for the instant pot to be able to build pressure and cook the chicken.
   
4. What else can I serve with this instant pot chicken dinner besides potatoes? I’m bored with mashed potatoes! – Well, there are tons of great sides! You could try mashed cauliflower for a lower carb option, rice, of course, quinoa, or even a thick/broad pasta like egg noodles would be SUPER delicious with the chicken!
   You could also serve this chicken and gravy over a few pieces of toast! Sounds crazy but don’t knock it till you try it!
   Other than that, any green veg (peas, broccoli, etc) would pair great, or even some Cesar salad!
   
5. Can I use my Ninja Foodi for this recipe? – For sure! Pretty much any pressure cooker will make this recipe.
   
6. How long will this chicken dish stay good in the fridge? – Covered in an airtight container, (separate from the potatoes), this 3-packet chicken dish should be good for up to 5 days.
   
7. Can I freeze this chicken dinner? – Ok, a few things here. If you wanted to cook it and then freeze it to reheat at a later date, I’d say yes, it’s totally fine for that. My only advice on that would be that you be careful on the reheat that you don’t overcook the breasts – in which case I’d probably make it with thighs instead as they are more forgiving. It’s practically impossible to overcook chicken thighs.. haha! Also, keep it in the freezer in an airtight freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months.
   
   If you wanted to freeze this dish raw, this is what I’d do. I’d place the chicken breasts in a freezer bag. Sprinkle the 3 packets in the bag, mush it around, get all the air out of it and freeze it that way. On cook day, I’d place them in the Instant Pot (frozen) and go from there. The cook time should be the same but just know it will take much longer for the pot to come to temperature before it starts counting down the time. Don’t forget to add the liquid to the pot when you add the frozen chicken!

I’m Afraid That This 3 Envelope Chicken Will Be Too Salty!

Honestly, I’ve had no problems with this at all. However, if you’re really worried about it, I suggest using only half of each packet. Then, when you’re done cooking, give the gravy a taste. If it’s not flavorful enough, add the rest of the packets. If it’s just right, then it’s just right, and save the extra in the packets for next time!

Do You Have Any More Easy Instant Pot Recipes?

I most absolutely do! I have a super creamy and filling Instant Pot Clam Chowder Soup that is out of this world! (Lots of clams!!). I also have a 3 Minute Maple Cinnamon Carrots recipe, and an Instant Pot Taco Tortellini recipe as well! I have many more Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi recipes on the blog – I invite you to click on over and take a quick peek at them!!

I hope I’ve convinced you to try this super delicious 3 Packet Chicken recipe! When you try it, please leave a comment (or you can email me directly at joanne@thesaltypot), and let me know what you thought of the recipe, or how you might have changed it up. I’m always down for new ideas!!