Craving a comforting and classic Italian dish but short on time? Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is here to save the day! This dish combines crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all prepared using the time-saving magic of the Instant Pot. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty yet hassle-free. With this recipe, you get tender, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Let's get started!

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan


Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Sauce and Topping:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup additional grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick.
  2. Set up a breading station with three bowls:
    • Bowl 1: Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Bowl 2: Combine the beaten eggs with milk.
    • Bowl 3: Mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Coat each chicken breast by dipping it in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add the olive oil.
  2. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a golden crust. You may need to work in batches. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot, so each piece sears properly.
  3. Remove the browned chicken and set it aside. (Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; it’ll finish in the Instant Pot!)

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

  1. Turn off the "Sauté" mode and deglaze the Instant Pot by adding a splash of water or broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (these add extra flavor).
  2. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the pot, then place the chicken breasts back in.
  3. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
  4. Secure the lid, set the valve to the "Sealing" position, and pressure cook on HIGH for 7 minutes. Once done, allow for a quick release of pressure.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

  1. Carefully open the lid and sprinkle mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan on top of the chicken.
  2. Put the lid back on (no need to seal) and set the Instant Pot to "Keep Warm" mode for 2-3 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Use tongs to gently remove the chicken. Plate it alongside pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
  2. Garnish with dried or fresh basil and parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
  3. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!

Cooking Tips and Variations

  • Make It Crispy: If you prefer extra crispy chicken, you can transfer the cooked, cheese-topped chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes. This step is optional but adds a golden, bubbly finish.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a slight kick.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly meal.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Try this recipe with breaded eggplant slices instead of chicken for a classic Eggplant Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with:

  • Pasta: Serve it over spaghetti, linguine, or penne tossed in marinara sauce.
  • Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash: A low-carb alternative for a lighter meal.
  • Garlic Bread: Mop up the extra sauce with a slice of garlic bread.
  • Green Salad: A crisp side salad balances the dish perfectly.

With the Instant Pot, there’s no need to turn to takeout on those hectic days. This recipe proves you can enjoy a cozy, homemade Italian dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special date night, this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan will surely impress everyone at the table. Dig in and savor every melt-in-your-mouth bite!

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