Between carpools, homework, and after-school activities, getting a hearty dinner on the table can sometimes feel downright impossible. We totally get it! That’s exactly why the Instant Pot is one of our favorite kitchen helpers. This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan gives you all the comforting, cheesy, classic flavors your family loves, but in a fraction of the time. By cooking juicy chicken and our tender Little Potatoes right in the same pot with a savory marinara sauce, you get a high-quality, filling meal with barely any dishes to wash!

Don’t stress if your fridge isn’t perfectly stocked—this recipe is incredibly forgiving. If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs or tenders work perfectly. Out of mozzarella cheese? Provolone or even a mild cheddar blend will still get nice and melty. And if you don’t have a jar of pre-made marinara sauce, a can of crushed tomatoes mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning will do the trick!

On-the-Go Tips

This meal is a lifesaver for those nights when dinner has to happen at the hockey rink or the dance studio. Just warm it up and pack the chicken, cheesy Little Potatoes, and sauce into a wide-mouth insulated thermos. It keeps everything piping hot, saucy, and ready to eat whenever your busy crew finally gets a break.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love anything with melted cheese on it! Here is how they can help you prep:

  • The Sauce Boss: Let them carefully pour the jar of marinara sauce right over the chicken and potatoes in the pot.
  • Make it Snow: The absolute best part! Let them grab handfuls of shredded cheese and sprinkle it all over the top to create a cheesy winter wonderland.
  • Button Pusher: While the pot is still completely cold, let your little one have the very important job of pressing the buttons on the Instant Pot to get dinner started.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
10 mins
Serves
6
Ingredients
8
Keep screen awake while cooking

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or pressure cooker

Ingredients

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  • 1 Tbsp canola oil
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 lbs Little Potatoes
  • 2 Tbsp basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
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Instructions

  • Step 1

    Turn Instant Pot to Sauté. When the Instant Pot says 'hot', add the oil.

  • Step 2

    Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 of the seasoning pack. Place in the Instant Pot and sear on each side, about three minutes each, until it releases easily from the bottom of the pot.

  • Step 3

    Add the garlic, chicken broth, Little Potatoes, and remaining seasoning pack.

  • Step 4

    Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for four minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to build pressure and begin counting down.

  • Step 5

    Once the cook time is over, let the pressure release naturally for 8 to 10 minutes and then open the valve completely once the metal pin drops.

  • Step 6

    Stir in pesto and Parmesan and stir to coat. Serve immediately.