Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quintessential comfort food that not only caters to your taste buds but also simplifies your cooking routine. Imagine succulent chicken breasts infused with garlicky goodness, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that elevates any meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or an impressive dish for a gathering, this recipe offers convenience and flavor in a one-pot wonder. Having made this dish countless times, I’ve learned that it’s the kind of recipe that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—and wanting the secret to that creamy sauce!

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

What makes this Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken stand out from your usual dinner options? First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy families. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that pleases even the pickiest of eaters. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce? It’s rich, indulgent, and downright addictive, instantly turning simple chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece.

Imagine being able to throw everything into the Instant Pot and letting it work its magic while you tend to other tasks! This recipe not only saves you time but also helps you make the most of very few ingredients, keeping the meal budget-friendly.

“This chicken was so tender and flavorful! The sauce was literally the best part. I can’t believe how easy it was to make!” — A happy home cook

Preparing Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Ready to dive in? Here’s what you can expect: you’ll be sautéing tender pieces of chicken until golden and then pressure cooking them to lock in moisture and flavor. After that, you will whisk together a dreamy sauce that coats the chicken in decadence, leaving your taste buds tingling with delight. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and how to bring this dish to life!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to prepare this mouthwatering dish:

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• 1.5 – 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 3-4 medium breasts)
• Fat for Searing: 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil + 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• Aromatics: 8-10 Cloves Garlic, minced
• Seasoning:
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Liquid: 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• Creamy Base:
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened and cubed (optional)
• Cheese: 3/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated is best)
• Thickener (Optional): 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 Tablespoons Cold Water (slurry)
• Garnish: 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped

Feel free to adjust the seasoning or swap out the chicken for your preferred protein, such as turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist!

Cooking Steps

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, if using.

2. Sear the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and butter. Once melted and shimmering, place the chicken in the pot, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot, sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, but watch for burning!

4. Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits, then turn off the Sauté function.

5. Pressure Cook: Nestle the seared chicken back into the broth and secure the lid, ensuring the steam valve is set to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness.

6. Release Pressure: After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

7. Finish the Sauce: Remove the chicken (check for 165°F), add cream cheese if using, and whisk until smooth. Slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if desired.

8. Combine: Return the chicken to the sauce or slice it and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley.

9. Serve: Plate it up and indulge in the deliciousness!

Best Way to Serve

For a delightful dining experience, serve your Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken alongside a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the luscious sauce to soak in. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad make excellent companions, balancing the richness of the dish. For an extra touch, consider some crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce. This meal is versatile enough to shine on a weeknight or be the star attraction at a dinner party!

Storage Tips

To keep your Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken fresh and delicious, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the chicken to cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. For longer storage, the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just ensure you reheat it gently on the stovetop; this maintains the creamy texture of the sauce. Always recheck the internal temperature to ensure it’s heated through to at least 165°F when reheating.

Expert Advice

Here are some tips for making your Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken even more scrumptious:

• Don’t Skip the Searing: This step builds flavor and creates a beautiful texture, so resist the urge to rush through it.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
• Check the Thickness: If your chicken breasts are over 1.5 inches thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally for even cooking.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to put your own spin on this recipe:

• Lemon Garlic: Add zest and juice from a lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Spinach and Artichoke: Stir in fresh spinach or marinated artichokes for additional texture and flavor.
• Spicy Variation: Add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook?

For medium-sized whole breasts, cook for 10 minutes on high pressure. If they’re thicker, 12 minutes is ideal. Always allow 10 minutes for natural pressure release afterward.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes, depending on their size.

Is it safe to reheat?

Absolutely! Just ensure to reheat the chicken and sauce thoroughly, checking that it reaches at least 165°F internally.

With this Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe, you’re all set for a culinary adventure that delivers flavor and ease in one delicious package. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A quick and flavorful one-pot dish with succulent chicken breasts in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 – 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 3–4 medium breasts)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 8–10 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened and cubed (optional)
• 3/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 Tablespoons Cold Water (slurry, optional)
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
2. Set Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and butter, then sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Set chicken aside.
3. Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping the bottom to remove browned bits; turn off the Sauté function.
5. Return the seared chicken into the broth, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for remaining pressure.
7. Remove chicken, add cream cheese (if using), whisk until smooth, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted.
8. If desired, thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry.
9. Return chicken to the sauce or slice and toss to coat, then garnish with parsley.
10. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken, Garlic Parmesan, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food