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!

Yes, you read that right. 3 packets. What are the packets, you ask? Well, here you go my lovely –

• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
• 1 packet of Chicken Gravy powder
• 1 packet of Italian Dressing powder

I’ll bet you have those in your pantry right now, right?

Ok, But What Else Do I Need For This Instant Pot Chicken Recipe?

Well, besides the packets above, you’ll need the chicken. I used chicken breasts but you can use boneless chicken thighs as well if you prefer.

In fact, I think when I make this again, I’ll try it with the chicken thighs. The breasts were fantastic, I have no complaints. They were juicy and not overdone. But chicken thighs have a bit of a higher fat content, and we all know:

FAT = FLAVOR

So that would make this dish even MORE delicious!! (If that were possible because it’s so delicious as is!)

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!

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 Packet 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!!