Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal, and Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that always hits the spot. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma of the garlicky marinara sauce filled my kitchen, drawing my family closer. It was a chilly evening, and after a long day, the thought of indulging in succulent chicken covered in melted cheese was simply irresistible. The beauty of this recipe is that it combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of the Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend. Not only is it delicious, but it also gives me a chance to share a piece of my culinary passion with my loved ones. Each bite of Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a little bite of happiness, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.

So let’s gather our ingredients and dive into this mouthwatering journey together!

What Goes Into Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

The ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan work harmoniously to create a comforting and hearty meal. Each component plays a vital role, from the chicken to the marinara sauce, which lifts the flavors and adds depth to the dish. Let’s explore the key players.

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking, ensuring juicy and tender bites.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Divided for cooking and flavoring the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for crispiness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian taste.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an aromatic flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while adding savory depth.
• 24 ounces marinara sauce: The heart of this dish, providing richness and tang.
• 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that signature cheesy layer.
• 1 pound cooked spaghetti: Serves as the perfect base for the chicken and sauce.

The Method for Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a simple yet rewarding process. You’ll love how the Instant Pot takes care of the hard work, allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking. Let’s walk through the steps together.

1. Start by preparing the chicken. Ensure the chicken breasts are thin. If needed, slice the chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces, or place the breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap, and pound them thin.
2. Next, rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat them evenly.
3. In a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag, add the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Gently toss the bottom of the bag with your fingers to combine the ingredients.
4. Add the chicken to the bag, seal it, and shake to coat the pieces thoroughly.
5. Turn on the Instant Pot and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Press the Sauté button to start heating the pot. Once heated, sauté the chicken breasts for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. It’s best to do this in two batches, adding in more olive oil if needed between batches. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom with a wooden spoon.
7. Next, stir in the marinara sauce. Then, add in the chicken, covering each piece in sauce the best you can.
8. Press cancel and set the timer to cook for 8 minutes on the Manual setting.
9. Once the cook time is complete, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After that, release any remaining pressure manually.
10. Remove the lid and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Place the lid on again for a couple of minutes until the cheese has melted.
11. Finally, serve the chicken breasts on a bed of your favorite pasta.

Variations to Try

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, the Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a great base for variations. Here are some tips to mix things up a bit.

• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
• Pairing: Consider serving with a refreshing side salad or garlic bread to complement the meal.
• Spice Level: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella cheese with provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

What Complements This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

To truly elevate your meal experience with Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, consider these serving suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Occasions: This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
• Wine Pairing: A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
• Seasonal Variations: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach during spring for a fresh twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a dish that not only satisfies but also brings joy to the dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients and let the cooking begin!

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a rich, cheesy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, zesty marinara, and gooey mozzarella, it's a crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time. Experience the joy of a homemade dinner tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning store-bought or homemade
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 24 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
• 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound cooked spaghetti for serving

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Method

 

1. Ensure the chicken breasts are thin. If needed, slice the chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces, or place the breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap, and pound them thin.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Add the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag. Gently toss the bottom of the bag with your fingers to combine.
4. Add in the chicken, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the Instant Pot, and press the Sauté button. Once heated, sauté the chicken breasts for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. It’s best to do this in 2 batches, adding in more olive oil if needed between batches. Remove chicken from the pan.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom with a wooden spoon.
7. Stir in the marinara sauce. Then, add in the chicken, covering each piece in sauce the best you can.
8. Press cancel and set the timer to cook for 8 minutes on the Manual setting.
9. At the end of the cook time, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually.
10. Remove the lid and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Place the lid on again for a couple of minutes until the cheese has melted.
11. Serve the chicken breasts on a bed of your favorite pasta.

Notes

• Tip 1: I like thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also pound regular chicken breasts to an even thinness.
• Tip 2: The chicken is properly cooked when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.