Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Searing chicken breasts fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone in. The sizzle of garlic mingling with butter ignites fond memories of family dinners and celebrating milestones. It’s those moments when a simple dish, rich in flavor, has the power to elevate an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings together tender chicken, bold garlic, and creamy Parmesan in a dish that delivers comfort and satisfaction. Not only does this recipe allow you to create a sumptuous meal without hours in the kitchen, but it also promises to impress your family and friends alike.

Embracing the beauty of meal prep, this dish adapts seamlessly to any weeknight hustle. With a handful of ingredients, it transforms into a culinary delight that nourishes both soul and body. Get ready to dive into a recipe that combines ease and flavor, ensuring every bite resonates with warmth and heart.

Cooking Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken relies on a few key fundamentals to succeed. First, the Instant Pot creates pressure that transforms chicken into a tender masterpiece. The combination of searing, sautéing, and pressure cooking infuses the meat with flavors, ensuring every bite is exceptional.

Using the right technique matters when preparing this dish. The first step involves seasoning the chicken perfectly, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Searing the seasoned chicken forms a golden crust, sealing in juices and enhancing taste.

Let’s jump into the preparation and setup to ensure you get the best results with your Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Preparation/setup

Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This crucial step prevents steaming, allowing better browning. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, slice them horizontally or pound them down slightly. This ensures even cooking throughout the entire breast, leading to a juicy and tender end product.

Next, season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, with optional red pepper flakes tossed in for extra kick. This flavor base plays a significant role in creating a well-rounded dish.

Now, let’s gather the ingredients needed for this culinary journey.

Ingredients

To prepare Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you will need:

• 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 medium breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (at room temperature, if possible)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes (optional)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry, optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

With everything in place, let’s move on to the directions for creating this delicious dish.

Directions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
3. Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot, adjusting it to "Normal" or "Medium-High" heat. Allow the pot to heat up until it indicates "Hot."
4. Add olive oil and butter to the pot. Once melted and shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pot.
5. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
6. Add minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, and if any juices have accumulated on the plate, add those as well.
9. Secure the lid, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position, then select the “Pressure Cook” function.
10. For medium-sized breasts, cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes; for thicker bras, cook for 12 minutes.
11. Once cooked, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before switching to "Venting" for any remaining pressure.
12. Remove the chicken and check that it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Tent it loosely with foil to keep warm while finishing the sauce.
13. Select the “Sauté” function again; set it to "Low" or "Normal." If using cream cheese, add it to the hot broth and whisk until melted.
14. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer without boiling.
15. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
16. If a thicker sauce is desired, prepare a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the sauce, simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.
17. Return the cooked chicken to the pot or slice/cube it and stir back into the sauce.
18. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
19. Plate the Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and spoon extra sauce over the top.

This dish exemplifies the beauty and functionality of the Instant Pot. Each step builds on the last, creating a depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning diners.

Mastering Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Techniques

Technique

The technique used here plays an integral role in achieving the ultimate flavor profile. Searing the chicken properly is the first step to developing a rich, savory foundation. Achieving that golden crust not only enhances the dish’s taste but also contributes to the sauce’s overall flavor.

Adding minced garlic right after the chicken creates an aromatic experience that elevates every bite. The key is to sauté it just enough so the fragrance permeates without burning.

The pressure cooking process retains moisture, ensuring the chicken remains juicy. This means that cooking times must be precise. Under or overcooking can lead to dry meat or inadequate cooking.

Tips/tricks

To achieve the best results with Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken, consider the following tips:

• For even cooking, try to use chicken breasts of similar size. This ensures that they cook uniformly and reach the desired tenderness without drying out.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to increase the amount of minced garlic. Garlic lovers appreciate the extra kick, enhancing the dish’s taste.
• If you want extra creaminess, don’t skip the cream cheese. It helps create a velvety sauce that wraps around the chicken beautifully.
• To control the thickness of the sauce, adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry. If you enjoy a lighter sauce, skip it altogether.
• Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the seasonings to ensure it meets your flavor preferences.

These simple techniques help refine the process, making it easier to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Perfecting Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Perfecting results

To master Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken, focus on temperature control. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for maximum accuracy.

Allowing the pressure to release naturally ensures that the chicken remains juicy. Rushing the release can result in dry meat, losing the tender quality intended in this recipe.

The sauce can truly make or break this dish. Achieving that perfect creamy consistency takes practice. Regularly tasting and adjusting seasoning throughout the process is key to enhancing flavor depth.

Troubleshooting/variations

Even the best recipes can occasionally present challenges. Here are common troubleshooting tips:

• If the chicken turns out tough, it’s likely due to overcooking. Ensure accurate timing based on breast size and always check internal temperatures.
• For a thinner sauce, you may have added too much cornstarch. Adding extra cream or broth during the simmering phase can help.
• Burning garlic is a common pitfall. If this happens, discard the batch and start again, as bitter garlic alters the dish’s flavor.
• For variations, consider adding vegetables. Spinach or sundried tomatoes work beautifully in the sauce and create a more diverse meal.

Being prepared for these possible hiccups will help you create the best version of Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken every time.

Serving Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serving/presentation

Presentation adds an inviting touch to any meal. For Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken, consider serving the chicken pieces on a platter, drizzled with the creamy sauce. Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances the appeal.

Pairing it with side dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta will round out the meal beautifully. The creamy sauce complements these sides perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Pairings/storage

Enjoy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with sides that enhance its rich flavor, such as garlic bread or fluffy mashed potatoes. These options soak up the luscious sauce, creating a delightful dining experience.

For storage, let any leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can remain in the fridge for up to four days. Reheating can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring the sauce maintains its creamy consistency.

For long-term storage, consider freezing it. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, keeping them fresh for several months. Remember to label the containers with the date for reference.

This recipe stands the test of time, making it a repeat favorite in any household.

This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe turns a simple weeknight meal into something truly special, embodying warmth and comfort in every bite. Each step builds toward an unforgettable dish that resonates with both flavor and heart.

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