Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Dinner Magic

Chicken parmesan in an instant pot saves precious weeknight minutes while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.

Home cooks adore quick meal solutions that pack serious taste.

This classic Italian-American dish comes together faster than traditional oven methods.

Rich tomato sauce coats tender chicken beneath a crispy cheese layer.

Professional chefs appreciate how pressure cooking locks in moisture and seasoning.

Melted mozzarella creates a golden, irresistible crust that signals comfort and satisfaction.

Let’s turn simple ingredients into a memorable dinner that sparks conversation around the table.

Why Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Is A Time-Saver With Big Flavor

• Speed Up Dinner Prep: This Instant Pot chicken parmesan dramatically cuts cooking time, transforming a traditionally lengthy recipe into a quick 20-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The Instant Pot ensures perfectly tender chicken every time, eliminating guesswork and reducing the risk of overcooking, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimizing kitchen cleanup, this recipe allows you to brown, pressure cook, and melt cheese all in the same pot, saving precious time on dishwashing and reducing overall kitchen mess.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences, you can serve this chicken parmesan over pasta, zoodles, or with a side of garlic bread, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for various tastes and eating styles.

What You’ll Need For Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Flour, Beaten Egg, Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, flavorful exterior that helps seal in chicken moisture and adds texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the chicken's natural taste, with Italian seasoning adding herbal notes.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that keeps chicken moist and adds traditional Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melt beautifully to create a gooey, golden finish with rich, savory flavor.

• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, fresh herbaceous flavor and beautiful green color as a garnish.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown chicken and provides a subtle, smooth flavor during sautéing.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Fast

Step 1: Dress the Poultry

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Massage the chicken breasts with a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Create a crispy coating by rolling each piece through flour, then dunk into whisked eggs, and finally roll in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using Saute mode. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Dance them around for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create a Saucy Base

Pour marinara sauce into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an optional kick of heat. Gently nestle the browned chicken pieces into the vibrant sauce. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook for 5 minutes. Once complete, quickly release the pressure.

Step 4: Unleash the Cheese Magic

Unveil the lid and generously shower mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Let the residual heat transform the cheese into a molten blanket by closing the lid for 2 minutes on Keep Warm mode.

Step 5: Present with Flair

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the chicken for a burst of color and aroma. Serve alongside your favorite pasta, zucchini noodles, or a crispy slice of garlic bread. Watch as your dinner guests swoon over this restaurant-quality meal created right in your kitchen.

Top Tips For Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Perfection

• Crunch Up the Coating: Use Japanese panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture that stays crunchy even after pressure cooking, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
• Prevent Soggy Breading: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a more robust coating during sautéing.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let residual heat from the Instant Pot naturally melt cheese instead of closing the lid, preventing potential overcooking and maintaining perfect cheese consistency.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version without compromising the classic chicken parmesan flavor profile.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to marinara sauce for deeper, more complex taste that elevates the entire dish's richness.

How To Store Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Safely

• Refrigerate leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Store the dish within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Properly sealed, the chicken will stay delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring the best texture and flavor when reheated.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for optimal results.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out.
• Always use clean utensils when handling stored food to maintain food safety and prevent contamination.

What Goes Well With Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

• Pair with Zesty Chardonnay: A crisp, medium-bodied white wine cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken while complementing its herbal and garlic notes.
• Match with Crunchy Garlic Bread: The toasted, buttery bread provides a perfect textural contrast to the tender Instant Pot chicken, soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the hearty chicken parmesan, adding brightness and acidity to the meal.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted zucchini or asparagus brings additional nutrition and a slightly charred flavor that enhances the chicken's crispy breadcrumb coating.

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan FAQ Guide

• Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier, lighter coating that stays crunchier longer. They absorb less oil and provide a more delicate texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs, making your chicken extra crispy.

• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for oven baking. Simply brown the chicken in a skillet, then bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Add cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. These substitutions will maintain the recipe’s crispy texture while making it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that enhances the dish’s flavor without overwhelming it. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit them completely. The marinara sauce will still provide plenty of delicious flavor.

Fun Variations On Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Swap marinara for salsa, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with cilantro.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Use oregano and za'atar instead of Italian seasoning. Substitute marinara with roasted tomato sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh mint.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip breadcrumbs, coat chicken in almond flour and crushed pork rinds. Use sugar-free marinara, choose full-fat cheeses, and serve over cauliflower rice.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Add sliced mushrooms to the marinara sauce. Mix cream cheese into the sauce before cooking chicken, creating a rich, velvety texture with a deeper flavor profile.

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade instant pot chicken parmesan delivers restaurant-quality comfort straight to kitchen tables with incredible speed and flavor. Crispy breaded chicken nestled in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese creates a perfect Italian-American classic that hungry families will absolutely devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor-packed coating for the chicken by combining Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently press panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese onto each chicken breast after dredging through flour and egg wash, ensuring a crispy exterior.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and warm the olive oil until shimmering. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, developing a golden-brown crust on both sides without fully cooking the interior. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a nearby plate.
3. Spread a rich marinara sauce across the Instant Pot’s base, incorporating red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Nestle the browned chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged. Secure the lid and pressurize for five minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through while absorbing the sauce’s robust flavors.
4. After releasing the pressure, unveil the lid and generously top each chicken piece with a blend of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. Allow the residual heat to transform the cheese into a luscious, bubbling blanket.
5. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves. Serve alongside your preferred accompaniment, such as al dente pasta, spiralized zucchini, or crusty garlic bread to complete this classic Italian-inspired meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crispier coating.
• Choose lean chicken breasts for a healthier version, trimming any visible fat before preparation.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers or omit completely for a milder flavor profile.
• Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese varieties.
• Quickly release pressure to prevent overcooking and maintain chicken’s tender, juicy texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg