Delicious Instant Pot garlic parmesan chicken served with herbs and spices

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with tender, juicy chicken. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot makes cooking quick and easy, locking in moisture and flavor while saving you time. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup!

How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Ingredients:

  • Chicken: 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 (Don’t be shy with the garlic!)
  • 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, for a tiny kick)
  • Liquid: 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (essential for pressure cooking and flavor)
  • Creamy Base:
    • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (at room temperature, if possible)
    • 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened and cut into cubes (optional, but adds extra creaminess and tang)
  • Cheese: 3/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (use freshly grated for best melting and flavor)
  • Thickener (Optional): 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 Tablespoons Cold Water (slurry)
  • Garnish: 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick (over 1.5 inches), slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets or pound them slightly to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
  2. Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and set it to “Normal” or “Medium-High” heat. Let the pot heat up until it indicates "Hot". Add olive oil and butter. Once melted, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pot. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic. If it gets too hot, turn off the Sauté function temporarily.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds flavor and helps prevent the "BURN" notice.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the pot, adding any juices from the plate. Secure the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to "Sealing." Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set the timer:
    • 10 minutes for medium-sized breasts
    • 12 minutes for thicker breasts.
  6. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to "Venting." Carefully open the lid, remove the chicken, and check that it has reached at least 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil to keep warm.
  7. Select the “Sauté” function again on low or normal. If using, add cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  8. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. If a thicker sauce is desired, prepare a cornstarch slurry and whisk it into the sauce until it thickens.
  10. Return the chicken to the pot or slice it and stir it into the sauce. Add chopped parsley.
  11. Plate the chicken and spoon extra sauce over the top. Enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve this delicious chicken over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up all the creamy sauce. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s also great for meal prep; just keep the chicken and sauce separate until you’re ready to eat.

How to Store Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Additionally, you can substitute chicken with seared shrimp for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you should increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

2. Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken adds a depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve a delicious dish.

3. How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally. You could also add more cream cheese or Parmesan cheese for a thicker texture.