Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this irresistible Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luxuriously creamy sauce that's bursting with bright lemon and rich Parmesan flavors. This restaurant-quality dish looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, but the truth is, it comes together in mere minutes with your trusty Instant Pot. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a delicious meal that doesn't require hours of preparation, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Turn the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of olive oil. Quickly sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden-brown color. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the Instant Pot. Pour heavy cream over the chicken and sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should read 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, allowing the sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to serving plates, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and prevent excess moisture.
- Don't skip the searing step! Those golden-brown bits add incredible depth of flavor to your final sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice simply can't compare.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend - aim for 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- For an extra-smooth sauce, whisk the Parmesan cheese slowly and steadily to prevent clumping.
- If the sauce is too thin after adding the cheese, let it sit for a minute or two - it will naturally thicken.
- Fresh parsley isn't just for garnish - it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, pasta or mashed potatoes work wonderfully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 160mg
