If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and saucy meal that comes together quickly, you will absolutely adore this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional Italian classic made effortlessly in your Instant Pot, which means the chicken stays juicy, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheese melts perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe delivers a satisfying and delicious experience with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe, it will become your go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Carefully chosen staples come together to give you that perfect balance of crispy-edged chicken, savory marinara sauce, and bubbly, melted cheese.
- Chicken breasts (1½ pounds, thinly sliced): Thin slices ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites every time.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds fruity richness and helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Lightly coats the chicken for a subtle crust that thickens as it cooks.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that brings out that signature Italian flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds mild garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (½ cup): Adds moisture and depth to the sauce while helping to deglaze the pot.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): Choose your favorite jarred or homemade for that tangy tomato base packed with herbs.
- Mozzarella cheese (1½ cups, freshly shredded): Creamy and melty cheese that finishes off the dish beautifully.
- Cooked spaghetti (1 pound): A simple pasta bed that soaks up all the sauce and complements each bite.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are thin for even cooking—either slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them between parchment paper. This simple prep helps the chicken cook faster and stay tender within the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Oil and Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to add moisture and help the seasoning stick. Then, mix together flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a large sealable plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces, seal it, and shake gently to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful flour mixture.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
With 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated on the Instant Pot’s Sauté setting, brown the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. It’s best to brown them in batches if your pot is crowded, adding more oil if necessary. Then, remove the chicken and set aside—these browned bits on the bottom are pure flavor gold.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Cook
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those tasty bits with a wooden spoon. Stir in your marinara sauce thoroughly, then nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce, making sure they’re nicely covered. Cancel the sauté mode and set your Instant Pot to Manual for 8 minutes.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Melt Cheese
Once cooking finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes—this keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken. Place the lid back on for a couple more minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible finish.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, serve your chicken breasts over a generous bed of cooked spaghetti to soak up all that luscious sauce. This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe is now ready to impress with minimal effort and tons of flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. For a bit of extra indulgence, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, nutty layer that perfectly complements the melted mozzarella.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken parmesan with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf works beautifully to soak up any remaining sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a fresh, vibrant contrast that rounds out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the chicken parmesan as an open-faced sandwich on toasted ciabatta or focaccia bread. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls with pasta piled underneath, garnished with cheese and herbs, making it family-style and visually inviting. These ideas keep things fun and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken parmesan and sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken moist under the sauce ensures it stays flavorful when you reheat it later.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe freezes very well. Layer the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, covered, until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken or cheese.
FAQs
Can I use whole chicken breasts or chicken thighs instead?
Whole chicken breasts will work but should be sliced thin or pounded for even cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you prefer darker meat—they tend to be juicier and add extra flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if thighs are thicker.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by combining dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This homemade blend is fresh and customizable, giving you the flexibility to tailor flavors to your liking for the Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Mozzarella’s meltiness and mild flavor make it ideal, but feel free to add Parmesan for sharpness or provolone for extra creaminess. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, as they won’t give you that signature gooey texture.
Is it necessary to sauté the chicken first?
Searing the chicken adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture by creating a golden crust. While you could skip this step, taking the extra few minutes to brown the chicken enhances the final dish significantly.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking or burning?
Be sure to deglaze the Instant Pot with chicken broth after sautéing to scrape up the flavorful browned bits. This step helps prevent burning alerts and adds richness to your sauce. Using enough liquid and stirring well are key to a smooth cooking process.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy cooks craving authentic Italian comfort food without hours in the kitchen. From the tender chicken to the luscious sauce and melty cheese, this dish is pure joy in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you won’t believe how simple and satisfying it is to make, and it’s bound to become a cherished favorite at your table.
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a delicious and quick way to prepare a classic Italian-American favorite. Tender chicken breasts are coated in seasoned flour, sautéed, and then pressure cooked in marinara sauce before being topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly paired with spaghetti, this comforting meal is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
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 Liquid and Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, about 1 jar)
Topping
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
Serving
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti (about 1 box)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are thin by slicing them in half horizontally or pounding between parchment paper or plastic wrap until evenly thin. This helps for even cooking and tender results.
- Oil the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the coating stick and to promote browning during sautéing.
- Mix the Coating: In a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt by shaking the bag gently with your fingers until well mixed.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Sauté the Chicken: Turn on the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Once hot, brown the chicken pieces in batches for a couple of minutes on each side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add more oil between batches if necessary.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. These add flavor and prevent the burn warning.
- Add Sauce and Chicken: Stir in the marinara sauce, then nestle the sautéed chicken breasts back into the sauce, coating them as well as possible with the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel the Sauté mode, seal the Instant Pot lid properly, and set to cook on the Manual (Pressure Cook) setting for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the Instant Pot lid, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken. Close the lid (do not seal) and let the residual heat melt the cheese for a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken parmesan hot over prepared spaghetti, spooning extra sauce over the top to complete the meal.
Notes
- For best results, pound chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of olive oil used for sautéing.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently in a microwave or stovetop.
