The aroma of melted cheese, savory herbs, and perfectly seasoned chicken wafts through the air, promising a delightful experience. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan delivers a satisfying blend of textures: crispy breadcrumbs on the outside, tender chicken within, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is comfort food at its finest—perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe.
Picture this: it’s a Friday night, and you’re exhausted after a long week. You want something delicious but don’t have the energy to slave over a hot stove for hours. Enter Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan! This recipe not only saves you time but also brings back memories of your grandma’s kitchen, where every meal was made with love. delicious flatbread pizza So grab your apron and get ready for an explosion of flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- It’s incredibly flavorful, with juicy chicken and rich marinara sauce that will leave everyone wanting more.
- The dish looks stunning on the plate, thanks to its vibrant colors and melted cheese.
- Versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or even on its own for a low-carb option!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; feel free to adjust based on your gathering size.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken; use generously for maximum flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth; dried herbs work just fine!
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that perfect crunchy coating; panko gives you the ultimate texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is key; it melts beautifully and enhances the flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; just ensure it’s rich and flavorful.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds creaminess and gooeyness—yum!
For the Sauce:
Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional but recommended for garnish; they add freshness and color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients on the counter. It helps if everything is within arm’s reach—trust me, you don’t want to be running around like a headless chicken!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy! This is where flavor lives.
Step 3: Dredge in Breadcrumbs
Coat each seasoned chicken breast in panko breadcrumbs until evenly covered. Get those hands messy—it’s part of the fun!
Step 4: Sauté in the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a splash of oil and sear each breaded chicken breast for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. You want them looking like they just stepped out of a cooking competition.
Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour marinara sauce over the seared chicken in the pot. Just enough to cover them so they can soak up all that goodness—like a warm hug from Grandma!
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together into pure magic.
Step 7: Melt Cheese
Carefully release pressure when done (don’t go all Rambo here). Add mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken and close the lid again until melted—about another minute should do it.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Serve alongside spaghetti or garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy—or maybe just dive right in!
Now that you’ve mastered Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, get ready to impress your family or treat yourself because you deserve it! Bon appétit!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure!
- With flavors that dance around your taste buds, this dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Plus, it takes minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it a family favorite.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors. While it’s cooking, prepare your pasta and get that sauce bubbling away. This sequence ensures everything comes together seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe! Swap out the chicken for eggplant if you’re feeling adventurous, or add extra spices like red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh basil or parsley can also elevate the dish’s fresh factor.
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave to maintain its deliciousness without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let the Instant Pot do its magic without peeking; steam needs to build up for perfect chicken texture.
- Also, don’t skip the searing step—it adds depth of flavor you’ll love!
- Lastly, use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they make all the difference.
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. My brother declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is saying a lot coming from a guy who eats cereal straight from the box!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan?
To make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, gather boneless chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil. You will also need salt and pepper for seasoning. Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely touch. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious dish that delivers authentic Italian flavors in no time. Ensure your chicken is thawed for even cooking in the Instant Pot.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan?
Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan typically takes about 10 minutes under high pressure. However, you should account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release pressure afterward. In total, the preparation and cooking process usually takes around 30 minutes. quick breakfast cookies This quick cooking time makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe. The cooking time will remain approximately the same; however, it may take a few extra minutes for the pot to reach pressure. grilled lamb chops Ensure your chicken is evenly coated with marinara sauce and seasonings to achieve optimal flavor and tenderness. Cooking from frozen can be a great time-saver and still yield delicious results.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan?
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables as sides to balance out the meal. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment too! This versatility allows you to tailor your meal based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan offers a quick and delightful way to enjoy this classic Italian dish at home. With simple ingredients like chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and cheeses, you can create a flavorful meal in just about 30 minutes. creamy tiramisu mousse Whether you serve it over pasta or alongside fresh vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the convenience of your Instant Pot while savoring every bite of this delicious comfort food!
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a quick and satisfying dish that marries juicy chicken breasts with crispy breadcrumbs and rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella. In just about 30 minutes, this flavorful recipe transforms your weeknight dinners into a delightful Italian feast that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your counter.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add oil and sear each chicken breast for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour marinara sauce over the seared chicken.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Carefully release pressure, then top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese. Close the lid for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or substitute chicken with eggplant for a vegetarian option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.