CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN

Tired of boring chicken dinners? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. This Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family (and yourself!) with this incredibly easy and delicious meal.

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy chicken dish:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Water
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step to Creamy Chicken Bliss

Let’s transform these ingredients into a culinary masterpiece!

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

Searing and Pressure Cooking:

1. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once the pot is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip it!
2. Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the minced garlic and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the dreaded “Burn” notice.
3. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 6 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Creating the Creamy Sauce:

1. Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
3. Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function on low. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese to the broth in the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to coat it evenly with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Want to take your dish to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. 6 minutes on high pressure is usually perfect for cubed chicken breasts.
• Deglaze Properly: Scraping up those browned bits from the bottom of the pot is crucial for flavor and preventing the “Burn” notice.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or sauce for a little heat.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some steamed broccoli florets, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.

Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs

Have dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is easily adaptable:

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Lower Carb: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

This Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides!

• Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are great options for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: A simple side salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans are all excellent choices.
• Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the sauce is always a winner.

Why the Instant Pot Makes This Recipe a Winner

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for this recipe because it:

• Locks in Moisture: The pressure cooking process ensures that the chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy.
• Saves Time: This dish cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Culinary Cousin

If you love this Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you might also enjoy some related dishes. For instance, the rich flavors in this recipe echo in GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA. It’s a delicious way to explore different textures and presentations while keeping the core flavor profile intact. You might also like GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA if you want to explore the same flavor. Then there is GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PERFECTION that will have you wanting more. If you’re in the mood for a set and forget meal check out Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes. And last but not least there is Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce. All of these dishes offer a unique twist on the classic garlic parmesan flavor combination.

Perfecting Your Parmesan: Cheese Selection

When choosing parmesan cheese, quality matters! Opt for a block of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano and grate it yourself. The flavor is far superior to pre-shredded parmesan, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability. Freshly grated parmesan will melt beautifully into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Alternatively, you can try CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA!

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Problems

Even with the Instant Pot, hiccups can happen. Here’s how to handle them:

• The “Burn” Notice: If you get a “Burn” notice, immediately turn off the Instant Pot and carefully release the pressure. Remove the chicken and add a bit more chicken broth to the pot, making sure to scrape up any stuck-on food from the bottom. Then, resume cooking.
• The Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the sauce. Continue to simmer until thickened.
• The Sauce is Too Thick: Add chicken broth or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.

Storage and Reheating for Leftover Love

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce. Don’t forget leftovers can be used to make a great CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA.

Your Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Awaits!

So there you have it! A foolproof, flavorful, and incredibly easy Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be intimidated by the Instant Pot – this recipe is designed for success, even for beginners. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking, my friend!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Tender, juicy chicken is bathed in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. It’s an incredibly easy and delicious meal perfect for weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 26 minutes mins

Total Time 41 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once the pot is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
• Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the minced garlic and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 6 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
• Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon and set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
• Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function on low. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese to the broth in the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
• Return the cooked chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to coat it evenly with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.