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Easy Crispy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan

Easy Crispy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan - featured image
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A quick and easy Instant Pot chicken Parmesan recipe with a crispy coating, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (fresh or Panko recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 12 fl oz / 360 ml) marinara sauce
  • 6 oz (170 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Pound to about 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin (about 5 minutes).
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
  3. Prepare dredging stations: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs in a third bowl (5 minutes).
  4. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere (10 minutes).
  5. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts and cook about 3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through (6-7 minutes).
  6. Remove chicken and set aside. Turn off sauté and wipe pot bottom if needed.
  7. Pour marinara sauce into the pot, spreading evenly across the bottom.
  8. Nestle browned chicken breasts into the sauce and spoon a bit of sauce over the top (2 minutes).
  9. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes with valve set to sealing. Allow natural release for 5 minutes after cooking.
  10. Quick release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Switch Instant Pot to sauté mode again.
  11. Top chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella slices or torn pieces. Let cheese melt in the hot sauce for 2-3 minutes.
  12. Optional: Transfer chicken and sauce to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with pasta, salad, or crusty bread (2 minutes).

Notes

Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness. Use room temperature eggs for better coating adhesion. Browning chicken first locks in juices and creates a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent sogginess. Natural pressure release keeps chicken tender. Broiling after cooking adds extra crispiness. If sauce is watery after pressure cooking, simmer in sauté mode to thicken before adding cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, mozzarella, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-crispy-instant-pot-chicken-parmesan-recipe-perfect-for-dinner-tonight/