Instant Pot Pesto Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Prep: 10 minCook: 4 min6 servingsmedium
Instant Pot Pesto Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

One-pot pressure cooker chicken and potatoes infused with basil pesto and melted Parmesan. Boneless chicken breasts are seared then cooked under pressure with garlic, broth, and little potatoes in minutes. A quick weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes total.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 Tbsp canola oil
    olive oil1:1neutral

    lighter flavor

    Full guide →
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
    vegetable broth1:1dietary

    3

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ lb little potatoes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp basil pesto
    sun-dried tomato pesto1:1flavor-swap

    different herbal profile

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
    Pecorino Romano1:1similar-dairydairy-free

    sharper taste

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Set Instant Pot to saute mode. When display indicates hot, add oil.

  2. 2

    Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in pot and sear each side until releases easily, about three minutes per side.

  3. 3

    Add garlic, chicken broth, and potatoes. Sprinkle with salt.

  4. 4

    Cover with lid, turn valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for four minutes.

  5. 5

    After cooking completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 8 to 10 minutes, then open valve completely.

  6. 6

    Stir in pesto and Parmesan until coated. Serve immediately.

Tips

Tip 1

Sear chicken until it releases easily from pan bottom for better browning and flavor.

Tip 2

Natural pressure release for 8-10 minutes prevents chicken from drying out.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.

Make Ahead

Prepare ingredients and store in refrigerator. Sear chicken and combine other ingredients up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate, then pressure cook when ready.

Serve With

Serve immediately after stirring in pesto and Parmesan while hot. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip natural pressure release to avoid rubbery, overcooked chicken.

Watch

Do not stir pesto and Parmesan before opening pot to avoid cooling and uneven distribution.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

Parmesan
Pecorino Romano1:1similar-dairydairy-free

sharper taste

Full guide →

General Alternatives

canola oil
olive oil1:1neutral

lighter flavor

Full guide →
basil pesto
sun-dried tomato pesto1:1flavor-swap

different herbal profile

Full guide →
chicken broth
vegetable broth1:1dietary

3

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →