Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that delivers tender chicken coated in a savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can have a comforting Italian classic ready in no time.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the chicken breasts if needed by cutting them in half or pounding between parchment paper until evenly thin. Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a sealable plastic bag, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat them evenly.
3. Step 3: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side in 2 batches, adding more oil if necessary. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the marinara sauce, then add the chicken back, ensuring each piece is covered by the sauce.
5. Step 5: Cancel the Sauté function, seal the Instant Pot lid, and cook on Manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Close the lid again and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken breasts over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before pressure cooking.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for a different cheese twist.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, but you can use frozen if you increase the pressure cooking time and ensure the chicken releases naturally for longer.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken.

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 118 reviews

This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a classic Italian-American favorite made easy and quickly in a pressure cooker. Tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts are lightly coated in seasoned flour, sautéed to a golden brown, and then cooked in a rich marinara sauce until juicy and flavorful. Finished with a melty layer of mozzarella cheese, it’s served over a bed of tender spaghetti for a comforting, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 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

Cooking Sauce and Toppings

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Serving

• 1 pound cooked spaghetti (1 box for serving)

Instructions

1. Slice: Ensure the chicken breasts are thin by slicing them in half if necessary or pounding them between parchment paper or plastic wrap to achieve thin, even pieces.
2. Rub and Prepare Coating: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. In a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag, combine flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Toss to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Coat Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the bag, seal it, and shake well to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
4. Sauté: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button to heat. Brown the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side in batches, adding more oil if needed. Remove the browned chicken and set aside.
5. Deglaze: Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and scrape the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to prevent burning and add flavor.
6. Add Sauce and Chicken: Stir in the marinara sauce. Return the chicken pieces to the pot, submerging and coating them well with the sauce.
7. Cook Using Manual Setting: Press Cancel to exit sauté mode, then set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.
8. Release Pressure: When cooking finishes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
9. Melt Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Close the lid again and let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat until the cheese melts.
10. Serve: Serve the chicken parmesan on a bed of cooked spaghetti, spooning extra sauce from the pot over the pasta if desired.

Notes

• Thinly slicing or pounding the chicken breasts ensures quicker, even cooking in the Instant Pot.
• Coating the chicken in seasoned flour helps the chicken brown nicely during sautéing and adds flavor.
• Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding, which helps achieve a better sear.
• Natural pressure release after cooking allows the chicken to remain tender and juicy.
• If preferred, you can use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker, Italian Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Chicken and Pasta