Instant Pot Creamy Chicken in 30 Minutes

Quick weeknight dinners can be a real challenge, especially when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

That’s exactly why this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken recipe has become such a hit in homes across the country.

This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken with a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this recipe special?

It’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients most of us already have, and creates minimal dishes—all while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who appreciates good food without the fuss, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Works Every Time

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is worth adding to your meal plan:

• Quick preparation – From start to finish in under 30 minutes
• Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy required
• Family-approved flavor – Rich and creamy without being too heavy
• Versatile serving options – Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or potatoes
• One-pot cooking – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your evening

The pressure cooking method ensures your chicken stays juicy while developing deep flavor in record time. And that sauce? It’s velvety, rich, and absolutely lick-the-plate good.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken	For the Sauce	Seasonings
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts	1 cup chicken broth	1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil or butter	½ cup heavy cream	½ tsp black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced	½ cup cream cheese	1 tsp garlic powder
	½ cup parmesan cheese	1 tsp onion powder
	1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water	½ tsp paprika
		1 tsp Italian seasoning
		½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Kitchen Tools

You won’t need much equipment for this recipe:

• Instant Pot (6qt or 8qt works fine)
• Tongs for handling the chicken
• Whisk for making the sauce smooth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Season the chicken on both sides with this mixture.
4. Set your Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode and add the olive oil or butter.
5. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the searing step! Those browned bits on the bottom of the pot create amazing flavor in your sauce.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

1. Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.
2. Close and lock the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to SEALING.
3. Set to HIGH pressure for 10 minutes (or 8 minutes if your chicken breasts are on the thinner side).
4. When the cooking cycle finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
5. After 5 minutes, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Make That Incredible Creamy Sauce

1. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. With the Instant Pot on SAUTÉ mode, add the cream cheese and stir until melted.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring constantly.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
5. Add the slurry to the pot and whisk until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Return the chicken to the pot, spooning sauce over each piece.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Turn off the Instant Pot.
2. Let everything sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Making It a Complete Meal

This creamy chicken is wonderfully versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:

Carb Options:

• Fettuccine or penne pasta
• Fluffy white or brown rice
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread for sauce-sopping

Vegetable Sides:

• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted asparagus
• Sautéed green beans
• Simple garden salad

For a complete meal that comes together quickly, start cooking your pasta or rice while the chicken is in the pressure cooker. Steam some vegetables in the microwave, and you’ll have dinner on the table within minutes of the chicken being ready.

Read also:

instant pot Shredded chicken recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks – Juicy Flavor!

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! If using frozen chicken breasts, skip the searing step and increase the pressure cooking time to 14 minutes. Your sauce might be slightly thinner due to the extra moisture, so you may want to add a bit more cornstarch slurry.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe can easily be adapted for dairy-free diets:

• Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative
• Substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan for the cheese

Can I add vegetables directly to the pot?

Absolutely! Quick-cooking vegetables like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes can be stirred in after pressure cooking. For heartier vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, sauté them with the garlic before pressure cooking.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce needs more thickness, make another cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and add it gradually while the sauce simmers on SAUTÉ mode until you reach your desired consistency.

How spicy is this dish?

With the optional red pepper flakes, there’s just a hint of warmth. For a completely mild version, simply omit them. For extra heat, double the amount or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken is perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken quite a bit when cold, but will loosen up when reheated.

Freezer Options

While cream-based sauces aren’t always ideal for freezing, this one holds up reasonably well:

1. Cool the chicken and sauce completely
2. Portion into freezer-safe containers
3. Freeze for up to 3 months
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheating Methods

For best results: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce needs thinning.

Quick option: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Recipe Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these tasty variations:

Tuscan-Inspired

Add 1 cup baby spinach, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, and an extra clove of garlic to the sauce.

Mushroom Lover’s

Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the garlic before pressure cooking for an earthy flavor boost.

Lemon Herb

Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme to the sauce for bright, fresh flavor.

Buffalo Style

Mix 2-3 tablespoons buffalo sauce into the creamy sauce for a tangy kick.

Why This Recipe Stands Out From Others

What makes this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken recipe special compared to others you might find online?

1. The searing step creates deeper flavor than recipes that skip this crucial stage
2. The sauce-to-chicken ratio is perfectly balanced – enough sauce to coat pasta but not so much that it’s soup
3. The cooking time is precisely calibrated for juicy chicken that’s never rubbery
4. The combination of cream cheese AND heavy cream creates unmatched richness and stability in the sauce

Final Thoughts:

There’s something special about a recipe that’s both easy enough for hectic weeknights and impressive enough for company. This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken hits that sweet spot perfectly.

The combination of tender chicken and rich, velvety sauce creates comfort food at its finest. And when you factor in the minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it becomes clear why so many home cooks have added this dish to their regular rotation.

Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t be surprised when your family starts requesting “that amazing creamy chicken” on a weekly basis!

Ready to try more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our related posts:

• Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: One-Pot Pasta Magic
• 10-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Italian Comfort Food Made Easy