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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a fantastic choice. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, all made in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Sear the Chicken:
- Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Cook the Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to avoid the “Burn” warning on the Instant Pot.
Pressure Cook:
- Return the seared chicken to the pot. Close the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, mix the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. If you like a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it to the mixture.
Release Pressure and Make Sauce:
- Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to ‘Venting.’ Open the lid once the pressure has fully released.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it on a plate. Stir the heavy cream and Parmesan mixture into the pot. Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish:
- Return the chicken to the pot, spooning the sauce over it. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, pasta, or rice to soak up that delicious sauce.
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for added depth.
- For a Crispy Texture: If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after pressure cooking to crisp up the skin.
- Make It a Meal: Add vegetables like baby carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the Instant Pot with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to prepare and rich in flavor. With minimal effort and a few key ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!