The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, and for good reason! Its speed and ease make it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe for Instant Pot Parmesan Chicken is no exception – delivering juicy, flavorful chicken breasts ready in under 30 minutes. Forget about dry, overcooked chicken; this method ensures perfectly tender results every time.
What You'll Need:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Butter: 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Generously sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a little butter or oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté function before pressure cooking. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely browned crust.
- Pressure Cook: Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thicker breasts may require the full 10 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred (Optional): Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, you can shred it with two forks for easy serving in sandwiches, salads, or tacos.
- Serve: Serve the Instant Pot Parmesan Chicken immediately. It's delicious on its own, or you can serve it with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time, and ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving. Using a meat thermometer is recommended to check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
What if my chicken is overcooked?
Overcooked chicken in the Instant Pot is usually a result of cooking it for too long. To avoid this, start with a shorter cooking time and check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Even slightly overcooked chicken can be salvaged by shredding it and using it in other dishes like tacos or salads.
Can I add other vegetables to the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the Instant Pot along with the chicken. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type and quantity of vegetables you add.
What can I do with leftover Parmesan chicken?
Leftover Parmesan chicken is perfect for meal prepping! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can use it in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or as a topping for pasta. It also freezes well.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
While pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide the best flavor and texture. However, either will work in a pinch.
This Instant Pot Parmesan Chicken recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a weeknight meal. The convenience of the Instant Pot combined with the classic flavors of Parmesan cheese makes this a recipe you'll come back to again and again. Enjoy!
