Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving that classic Italian comfort but are short on time, this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a total game changer! Imagine juicy, herb-seasoned chicken cutlets nestled in warm marinara, blanketed with gooey mozzarella, all ready in just 30 minutes (and almost zero cleanup!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to fall in love with how easy this ingredient list is! Each element plays a starring role—from the seasoned chicken to the bright marinara and creamy cheese, every bite is more than the sum of its parts.

• Olive oil: A drizzle helps lock in moisture and delivers rich, buttery undertones to the chicken.
• Chicken cutlets: Opt for thin, evenly sized pieces so they cook perfectly and stay juicy in the Instant Pot.
• Italian seasoning: This magical blend brings classic Italian flavor—think oregano, basil, and rosemary—straight to your dinner table.
• Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with mellow, savory warmth without overpowering the sauce.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—don’t skimp on seasoning!
• Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jar or your favorite homemade blend for the freshest, zippiest tomato flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts dreamily over the chicken, adding irresistible creaminess and gooey stretch.
• Fresh parsley or basil: The pop of fresh herbs at the end brings color, aroma, and a lively finish.
• Spaghetti (to serve): Classic, twirlable, and the perfect base for that glorious chicken-parm-and-sauce combo.

Variations

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is wonderfully flexible, so you can easily customize it to match your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to put your own twist on this classic—some of the best creations are born from a little experimentation!

• Gluten-Free: Swap the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or serve the chicken over fluffy polenta or zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
• Extra Cheesy: Try adding a sprinkle of parmesan or fontina along with the mozzarella for even more melty goodness.
• Low Carb: Skip the spaghetti and pile your Chicken Parmesan over lightly sautéed spinach or roasted veggies.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a delicious, gentle heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken cutlets a delicious makeover. Rub them all over with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This not only flavors the chicken beautifully but also helps keep it extra juicy during pressure cooking.

Step 2: Assemble in the Instant Pot

Pour the marinara sauce directly into your Instant Pot, spreading it evenly over the bottom. Nestle the seasoned chicken cutlets right on top of the sauce. The sauce acts as both a base and a flavorful cooking liquid, ensuring nothing sticks or dries out.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Seal the Instant Pot, select “Pressure Cook” on high, and set the timer for just 5 minutes! As the Instant Pot comes up to pressure (it’ll take about 5-10 minutes), you can multitask and get your spaghetti boiling on the stove for the perfect timed finish.

Step 4: Quick Release & Cheese Topping

Once the cooking cycle is complete, use a quick release to safely release the steam. Carefully pop open the lid, then spoon more of that gorgeous marinara overtop. Scatter the shredded mozzarella generously over each cutlet—it’s time for melty, stringy magic!

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Return the lid—no need to turn the Instant Pot back on—and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly. If you crave golden, bubbling cheese, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop the saucy, cheesy chicken over a tangle of fresh-cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with freshly torn basil or parsley just before serving. Every forkful is saucy, cheesy bliss!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving not only adds beautiful color but also freshens up the dish with a fragrant, herby lift. If you want to go the extra mile, a few shavings of parmesan cheese on top are always a welcome addition!

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a superstar atop spaghetti, but it’s fantastic with sides like crunchy garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Any of these sides soak up the saucy goodness and make dinner feel like an Italian restaurant treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try slicing the chicken and piling it onto toasted ciabatta for the world’s best chicken parm sandwich, or layer it in a hearty wrap with greens for lunch the next day. Cutting the chicken into strips and serving over pasta also makes for a fun, family-friendly “deconstructed” presentation—kids love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer everything to an airtight container once it’s cool, and store the chicken and sauce together for maximum flavor and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely first. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place chicken and sauce in a covered dish and warm gently in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly, adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese if you like. If reheating from frozen, let thaw in the fridge first for even warming and best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan into your weekly dinner rotation! It’s everything you love about classic Chicken Parm—rich, cheesy, and heartwarming—only faster, simpler, and truly stress-free. Give it a try tonight and let your kitchen be filled with those irresistible Italian aromas!

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