Cheesy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Speedy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Tender chicken meets melted cheese in this mouthwatering instant pot chicken parmesan that promises restaurant-quality flavor in minutes.

The classic Italian-American dish comes alive with a crispy golden coating and rich marinara sauce.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of juicy chicken and sharp parmesan cheese.

You’ll love how quickly this comfort food classic comes together with minimal effort.

The instant pot works magic, sealing in flavors and creating a meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this effortless yet delectable chicken parmesan that transforms weeknight cooking into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

For Chicken Coating:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base that absorbs seasoning beautifully and creates the main star of the dish.
  • Flour: Helps create a crispy exterior and ensures breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
  • Eggs: Binds breadcrumb mixture and adds rich golden coating.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides super crunchy texture and light airiness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor to breadcrumb mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out chicken's natural taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to coating.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses aromatic warmth into chicken's seasoning.
  • Italian Seasoning: Introduces classic Mediterranean herb blend.
For Cooking Base:
  • Marinara Sauce: Creates rich, tangy foundation for chicken's cooking liquid.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that introduces gentle spiciness.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and adds subtle fruity undertone.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, stretchy melted layer.
  • Additional Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles sharp, aged cheese flavor.
  • Fresh Basil: Brings bright, herbaceous garnish with elegant aroma.

Cooking Tools For Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

  • Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking and sautéing the chicken.
  • Large skillet or saute pan: Useful for browning chicken before pressure cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning of chicken.
  • Shallow dishes: Needed for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating.
  • Tongs: Perfect for handling and turning chicken during browning.
  • Cheese grater: Helpful for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
  • Cutting board: For preparing chicken and garnishing.
  • Sharp knife: Required for cutting chicken and chopping fresh basil.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Easy

  • Kickstart the Flavor Blast

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a taste explosion with a sprinkle of seasoning. Dress them up in a crispy coat by rolling through flour, taking a quick egg bath, and then giving them a luxurious Parmesan breadcrumb jacket.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Fire up your Instant Pot and let the olive oil dance. Gently sear the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden color, creating a mouthwatering crust that’ll make taste buds sing.

  • Sauce and Pressure Magic

Pour in marinara sauce with a cheeky hint of red pepper. Nestle the chicken into the saucy goodness, seal the lid, and let the Instant Pot work its pressure-cooking wizardry for 5 minutes.

  • Cheese Lover's Dream

Sprinkle a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken. Let it rest for a moment, allowing the cheese to become a melty, gooey masterpiece.

  • Plate and Celebrate

Scatter some fresh basil on top and serve alongside pasta or zoodles. Your culinary adventure is complete – time to dig in and enjoy!

Flavor Boosts For Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

  • Smart Prep Tricks: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to help breading stick better and create crispier coating.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use crushed pork rinds or grated Parmesan as crispy coating alternative for keto dieters.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth into marinara sauce for deeper, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Bread chicken pieces in advance and store in refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking to save time during busy weeknights.

Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Hot And Cheesy

  • Pasta Paradise: Create a delightful bed of spaghetti or linguine to catch the savory marinara sauce, making each bite a flavor-packed experience.
  • Zucchini Noodle Twist: Swap traditional pasta for low-carb zoodles, adding a fresh and light alternative that complements the rich chicken perfectly.
  • Garlic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to your meal.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Tips For Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook extra chicken pieces during this recipe and refrigerate for quick lunch bowls throughout the week. Simply slice cold and add to salads or grain-based meals.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover chicken parmesan in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate from crispy chicken to maintain its crunchy texture when reheating.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, placing wax paper between chicken pieces. Freeze up to 2 months for future fast meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Pro Tip: Warm chicken in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave works faster but might soften breading, so oven method maintains original texture and flavor.
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Cheesy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Cheesy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Instant pot chicken parmesan delivers a classic Italian-American favorite with tender, juicy chicken smothered in marinara and melted cheese. Home cooks can easily create this restaurant-style dish with minimal prep and maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¾ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Craft a zesty coating by massaging Italian herbs, salt, and pepper into chicken breasts. Dredge through flour and egg wash, then press panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese onto each piece to create a crisp exterior.
  2. Searing: Ignite the Instant Pot’s sauté mode and heat olive oil until it glistens. Gently lay the breaded chicken into the sizzling oil, developing a golden crust on both sides without fully cooking the interior. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a holding plate.
  3. Sauce Infusion: Spread marinara across the pot’s base, sprinkling red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Nestle the browned chicken into the sauce, ensuring partial submersion. Lock the lid and pressurize for five minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly while absorbing the sauce’s vibrant essence.
  4. Cheese Finale: After pressure release, unveil the lid and crown each chicken piece with a molten blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Let the residual heat transform the cheese into a luxurious, bubbling blanket.
  5. Serving: Garnish with delicate, torn basil leaves. Present alongside pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty garlic bread to complete this Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

  • Achieve Crispy Coating: Press panko and Parmesan firmly onto chicken to create a consistent, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and prevents soggy breading.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Heat olive oil until just shimmering to prevent burning and ensure an even golden-brown sear without overcooking the chicken’s interior.
  • Manage Pressure Cooking: Do not exceed five minutes of pressure cooking to prevent chicken from becoming tough or dry, maintaining its tender and juicy texture.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow residual heat to melt cheese naturally, creating a smooth, bubbling layer without requiring additional direct heat or overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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