We’ve discovered a mouthwatering recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight – Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan. This quick and easy dish combines tender chicken breasts, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for the perfect weeknight dinner. With the help of your trusty Instant Pot, this classic Italian favorite can be on your table in no time. Get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of Chicken Parmesan, all made effortlessly in the convenience of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make a tasty Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breasts
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They should be fresh and not frozen for best results. You’ll want to have enough chicken breasts to serve everyone who will be enjoying this delicious dish.
Marinara sauce
Choose a high-quality marinara sauce to add flavor to your chicken parmesan. You can choose either store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch. The sauce should be thick and rich, but not too chunky.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and melty texture to your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan. Use shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese for easy melting and spreading over the chicken breasts.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish. Grate some fresh parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of the chicken for additional taste and texture.
Breadcrumbs
Coating the chicken breasts with breadcrumbs gives them a crispy and crunchy outer layer. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning is a flavorful blend of herbs and spices like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This adds an authentic Italian taste to your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning your chicken breasts and bringing out their natural flavors. Use them to taste during the cooking process to ensure a perfectly seasoned dish.
Instructions
Prepare the chicken breasts
Before you begin cooking, make sure to trim any excess fat or gristle from the chicken breasts. Washing them under cold water is optional but recommended. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs and seasonings
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to coat both sides. Make sure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Sauté the chicken in the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Once the pot is hot, place the breaded chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, taking care not to overcrowd them. Sauté the chicken for a few minutes on each side, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
Add marinara sauce and pressure cook
Pour the marinara sauce over the sautéed chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Close the lid securely and set the pressure cooking function to high. Cook the chicken for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your Instant Pot model.
Top with cheeses and broil
After the chicken has finished pressure cooking, carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over each chicken breast. Place the Instant Pot insert under the broiler in your oven or use the broil function on the Instant Pot lid, if available. Broil for a few minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan from the broiler and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, making sure to spoon some of the marinara sauce over each piece. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
Italian-style variation
To add an authentic Italian twist to your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan, consider adding fresh basil leaves to the marinara sauce or sprinkling dried oregano and garlic powder on top of the cheese before broiling. You can even layer slices of fresh tomato on top of the chicken breasts for additional flavor.
Spicy variation
If you prefer a little heat in your dishes, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Alternatively, drizzle some hot sauce or spread a layer of spicy salsa on top of the cheese before broiling. This will give your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan a spicy kick that will satisfy your taste buds.
Vegetarian variation
For a vegetarian version of Chicken Parmesan, you can substitute the chicken breasts with breaded and fried eggplant slices or tofu cutlets. The cooking time may vary, so ensure they are fully cooked and golden brown. Follow the same instructions for coating and sautéing, then proceed with the marinara sauce and cheese.
Gluten-free variation
To make this dish gluten-free, replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find gluten-free breadcrumbs at most grocery stores, or make your own using gluten-free bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the marinara sauce and seasonings, are also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
With pasta or spaghetti
Serve your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan on a bed of cooked pasta or spaghetti. The pasta will soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complement the flavors of the chicken and cheese. Consider using a long pasta variety like spaghetti or fettuccine, or opt for a short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
With garlic bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Chicken Parmesan. Slice a baguette or Italian bread, spread butter or olive oil on the cut sides, and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced fresh garlic. Toast the bread in the oven or on a skillet until golden brown and crispy.
With a side salad
A fresh and crisp side salad is an excellent way to balance the rich flavors of the Chicken Parmesan. Toss together a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese can elevate the flavors even more.
Tips and Tricks
Use thin chicken breasts for faster cooking
If you’re short on time or want to speed up the cooking process, opt for thin chicken breasts instead of thicker ones. Thinner chicken breasts will cook more quickly and evenly, ensuring your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is ready in no time.
Add extra spices for more flavor
Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture. Garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, or dried parsley can all enhance the flavor profile of your Chicken Parmesan. Adjust the seasonings to your personal taste preferences.
Choose a high-quality marinara sauce
The quality of the marinara sauce will greatly impact the overall taste of your Chicken Parmesan. While store-bought options are convenient, consider making your own sauce from scratch for a homemade touch. Look for a marinara sauce that is rich and flavorful, with high-quality ingredients.
Adjust broiling time for desired cheese texture
Keep a close eye on the Chicken Parmesan when broiling to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. The broiling time can vary depending on your oven or Instant Pot, so adjust accordingly. For a gooey and melty cheese texture, broil for a shorter time. For a crispy and golden cheese topping, broil for a bit longer.
With these simple instructions, variations, serving suggestions, and tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make a mouthwatering Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan that will impress both friends and family. Enjoy this delicious dish and have fun experimenting with your own unique additions and twists. Bon appétit!
