Step 1

Turn Instant Pot to saute function and allow to heat. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, then chopped green peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Saute until the onions and green peppers begin to soften (approx 4 minutes).

Step 2

Pour approx 1/4 cup of the chicken broth in the Instant Pot, then use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits that are stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. It is important to deglaze the pan in this step so that it will come to pressure properly. Those bits are also incredibly flavorful.

Step 3

Add all of the other ingredients except the ranch seasoning and cream cheese then place the lid on the Instant Pot to seal.

Step 4

Turn on high pressure for 14 minutes, then allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure and begin cooking.

Step 5

Once the 14 minutes of pressure cooking has completed, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then do a QR (quick pressure release) by turning the pressure valve to release the steam. I always cover the valve with a kitchen towel to avoid it spraying on my cabinets.

Step 6

Once all the steam has released, and the pin has dropped, remove the lid.

Step 7

Take out the chicken breasts and place on a cutting board or plate and shred with two forks, and return the chicken to the Instant Pot. I prefer larger chunks of chicken in this recipe.

Step 8

Turn the Instant Pot to the saute function and add the ranch seasoning. Make sure the cream cheese is softened, then scoop out about a cup of the soup to add to the softened cream cheese. To best incorporate the cream cheese in the soup, I use either an immersion blender or whisk to mix it into the cup of soup first, then pour the entire mixture back into the instant pot. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Boil for approx 4 minutes on saute function, then add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 10

In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat then add green peppers, onion, and minced garlic.

Step 11

While you are sauteing the veggies add all of the other ingredients to the Crock-Pot except for the cream cheese. Dairy ingredients like cream cheese often break down when slow-cooked; therefore, we won't add the cream cheese until the very last step after the soup has slow-cooked.

Step 12

Add the sauteed veggies to the Crock-Pot and stir to combine.

Step 13

Slow cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4.

Step 14

Remove the chicken and shred into chunks then add back to the Crock-Pot.

Step 15

If you cooked the soup on low turn the Crock-Pot to high now. If you slow-cooked on high leave the setting on high. Remove about 1 cup of the broth from the soup and combine in a bowl with the softened cream cheese. You can use a whisk or an immersion blender. Then add the mixture back to the Crock-Pot and stir to combine.

Step 16

Slow-cook on high for 30 minutes with the lid on.

Step 17

Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!