Welcome to the world of mouthwatering meals! Today, I’m excited to share my Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight. This dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. You’ll learn how to prepare tender chicken with a luscious sauce that your family will love. Follow along for simple steps and handy tips to make this meal a breeze, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned chef!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and indulgent sauce that elevates the chicken.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the chicken with another protein.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make Instant Pot creamy garlic Parmesan chicken, gather these key items:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Suggested Equipment
You will need a few tools to help you cook this dish:
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Alternative Ingredient Options
If you want to swap some ingredients, consider these options:
- Use skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
- Substitute vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Try low-fat cream for a lighter sauce.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. While the oil warms, season your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the pot. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This step gives the chicken great flavor. After searing, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.
Cooking Process in the Instant Pot
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, pour in one cup of chicken broth. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add more taste. Put the chicken back in the pot. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on Manual high pressure for 8 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the chicken and set it aside once again.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Now it’s time for the creamy sauce. Add one cup of heavy cream, one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and one teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Once it’s thicker, return the chicken to the pot. Coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Heat it for about one more minute. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To get juicy chicken, use fresh, boneless, skinless breasts. Sear them in olive oil first. This step adds flavor and locks in moisture. Cook under high pressure for just 8 minutes. Always check your chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F for safety. Let the pressure release naturally for better texture.
Thickening the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. After cooking, switch your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Stir in the cream and cheese until melted. Let it simmer for a few minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This trick works great!
Flavor Enhancements
For extra flavor, try adding herbs. Fresh parsley works well as a garnish. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. If you love lemon, add a splash of juice for brightness. Remember, taste your sauce as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to make it perfect!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, ensure you do not exceed the recommended cooking time. It should be tender and moist.
- Adjust Cream for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer after adding the cream and cheese for a richer consistency.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey, pork, or shrimp. Each option brings a unique taste. Turkey gives a lighter flavor, while pork adds richness. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce well. Adjust the cook time for each protein. For shrimp, cook for only 2-3 minutes on high pressure.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a low-carb option, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a healthier side. For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. These swaps keep the dish creamy without dairy.
Flavor Variations
You can add extra herbs or spices to change the taste. Fresh basil or thyme works great for a bright flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You could also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch. Experimenting with these additions can make this dish your own!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Cool the chicken to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep the sauce fresh, store it separately. This will help keep the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This dish can freeze well for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the chicken and sauce in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, warm it over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken as if it were fresh!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes instead of 8. The chicken will cook through and stay juicy.
How do I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
You can make this dish on the stovetop. Start by searing the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown, then remove it. In the same pan, add garlic and chicken broth. After that, return the chicken. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until cooked. Add cream and cheese to make the sauce.
What should I serve with creamy garlic Parmesan chicken?
This chicken pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it over cooked pasta or rice. You can also add steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A fresh salad adds a nice touch too. Drizzle extra sauce on top for more flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear. If you see any pink, cook it a bit longer.
This post covered everything you need for creamy garlic Parmesan chicken. We discussed key ingredients, essential tools, and tips for the best results. You learned to prepare and cook chicken seamlessly in an Instant Pot. We explored variations for dietary needs and flavorful twists. Plus, I shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is all about trying new ideas and having fun. Enjoy your creamy chicken dish and make it your
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Once hot, add the olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the pot. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to cook on Manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pot, coating it in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
