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Home » Creative Recipes » Instant Pot Recipes » Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken

Bowl of Instant Pot Italian Sauce Chicken with a green napkin and a small plate with garlic bread in the background.

Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Dec 28, 2021
UPDATED: Dec 30, 2021
7 Reviews / 4.9 Average
Featured Comment
This chicken came out perfect! It was super moist and flavorful, and the Instant Pot made it so convenient. Definitely putting on the menu rotation!
Amanda
4 More Comments
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken is an easy Chicken breast recipe in a light Italian sauce that makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

When topped with capers and three types of cheeses, and served over pasta with garlic, you have a complete dinner.

A large bowl of Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken with 4 chicken breasts covered with the Italian sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese and capers.

If you are looking for a low-carb option, leave out the pasta and serve it with a small green salad for a delicious weeknight dinner.

This easy Italian dinner is much easier than you thank but can still create an impressive family dinner everyone will love.

It really is one of the best and easiest Chicken Recipes you will ever make, as well as one of the easiest Italian Recipes you will ever make.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • What You’ll Need To Make This Recipe
  • How To Make Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken
  • Pro Recipe Tips
  • Recipe Variations
  • What To Serve With Instant Pot Italian Chicken
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • More Recipes You’ll Love
  • Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy. The Instant Pot makes this amazing chicken recipe so easy to make, and results in tender, juicy chicken. It is a dump and go recipe.
  • Italian Flavor. The tomato sauce with the three cheese and capers gives it that wonderfully Italian inspired flavor.
  • Saucy. The sauce turns out amazing. Spending a few extra minutes using the saute function thickens the sauce up nicely.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Dump and Go Meal. Literally, you dump your ingredients in the Instant Pot and let it do its magic.
  • Few Easy Steps. There are a few easy steps and dinner is served.
  • Easy Instructions. Step by step instructions make this recipe easy to follow to help ensure success.

What You’ll Need To Make This Recipe

Equipment

The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.

  • Instant Pot Duo60 6-Qt – This is the model of Instant Pot that I use and love. It is a medium-sized model and is one of the best-selling models.

Ingredient Notes

Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

  • Chicken Breasts. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts or chicken thighs. It is a very versatile recipe.
  • Chicken Broth. You can use water. However, I used a little chicken broth for more flavor and to add in the Instant Pot first to provide liquid for pressure cooking and to prevent any potential “burn message” from the Instant Pot.
  • Diced tomatoes. I used canned diced tomatoes. I like the Italian-style diced tomatoes for the added flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning. I like to use the Italian Seasoning spice blend.
  • Basil. I recommend using fresh basil as it has the best flavor. However, you could add dried basil if that is what you have on hand. 
  • Salt. To taste. Everyone’s taste preference for salt is very different.
  • Garlic. You can use fresh garlic or buy the pre-minced garlic.
  • Red pepper flakes (Optional). For those that love a bit of spiciness, add in a few red pepper flakes, the amount will depend on how spicy you like it.
  • Capers. These little capers gives extra flavor and a bit of salt. However, you can use green olives if you prefer.
  • Mozzarella cheese. You can use shredded mozzarella cheese, or for a more unique experience, try using burrata cheese balls
  • Parmesan cheese. If it is an Italian dish, then you must have parmesan cheese. It is an unwritten rule.

How To Make Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken

NOTE: For more detailed instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article, just above the comment section.

Instructions

  1. Pour in 1/4 cup water or chicken broth into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
  2. Add the chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) in next.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, garlic and red pepper flakes into the instant pot. Do NOT stir.
  4. Set the instant pot on high for 6 MINUTES HIGH PRESSURE for fresh chicken and 8 minutes for frozen. (NOTE: It will take about 10 minutes for the pressure to build up before the timer starts.)
  5. NATURAL RELEASE. Allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally, which means to DO NOTHING while the Instant Pot releases the pressure. Then carefully remove the lid.
  6. To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken, press the SAUTE button, and allow it to cook down for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  7. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken. Top with capers, mozzarella, parmesan, and/or burrata cheese balls (split open.) Serve over pasta.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Thicken The Sauce. Immediately, after pressure cooking the chicken, the sauce may be very thin. After you remove the chicken after pressure cooking, press SAUTE and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it is thickened.
  • Cheese Trifecta. I like to use all three kinds of cheese, mozzarella, parmesan and burrata.  The burrata gives a bit of creaminess to the dish.
  • Fresh or Frozen Chicken is OK. I used frozen chicken for this recipe and it cooks in the same amount of time.

Recipe Variations

  • Mexican Chicken. With a few minor changes, you can change this into a Mexican dish.
    • Instead of Italian Style diced tomatoes, use canned Diced Tomatoes and Chilies.
    • Instead of Italian Seasoning, use Taco Seasoning.
    • Instead of Basil, use Fresh Cilantro.
    • Instead of Mozzarella, Parmesan, or Burrata, use a Mexican Blend shredded cheese.
    • Serve with Cilantro Rice, or Mexican Rice.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Italian Chicken

  • Salad
  • Garlic Bread
  • Pasta
  • Risotto

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How Long Can I Refrigerate the Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken?
    • You can refrigerate the chicken up to five days.
  • How Long Can I Freeze The Chicken?
    • When stored in an airtight freezer-safe container, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Italiano Chicken Breast – It is basically a mini lasagna on top of a chicken breast.
  • Lasagna Soup – It tastes like lasagna in a bowl.
  • Best Chicken Parmesan – Pan-fried breaded chicken breast that is oven-baked with marinara and fresh mozzarella for a crispy chicken parmesan with melty cheese and a flavorful tomato-based marinara sauce.

If you like this recipe or make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow us on:

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Recipe

Bowl of Instant Pot Italian Sauce Chicken with a green napkin and a small plate with garlic bread in the background.
Print Pin Save Saved!
4.86 from 7 votes

Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken Recipe

Easy Italian-inspired chicken dinner with tomatoes in a light sauce, topped with three different kinds of cheeses, and capers.
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Instant Pot Chicken, Italian Chicken, Saucy Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Natural Release 10 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 376kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo60 from Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Ingredients

ADD BEFORE PRESSURE COOKING

  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
  • 4 chicken breast
  • 1 (14.5-ounce can) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 5 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

ADD BEFORE SERVING

  • 2 Tablespoons capers
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (or 4 burrata cheese balls, split open)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • Pour in 1/4 cup water or chicken broth into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
  • Add the chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) in next.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, garlic and red pepper flakes into the instant pot. Do NOT stir.
  • Set the instant pot on high for 6 minutes for fresh chicken and 8 minutes for frozen. (NOTE: It will take about 10 minutes for the pressure to build up before the timer starts.)
  • NATURAL RELEASE. Allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally, which means to DO NOTHING while the Instant Pot releases the pressure. Then carefully remove the lid.
    Overhead view of the Italian Chicken Breasts immediately after pressure cooking.
  • To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken, press the SAUTE button, and allow it to cook down for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken. Top with capers, mozzarella, parmesan, and/or burrata cheese balls (split open.) Serve over pasta.
    Overhead view of Instant Pot Saucy Italian Chicken in a bowl topped with cheese, capers and tomatoes with a green napkin, a plate of garlic bread, and another plate of pasta next to it.

Video

Notes

NOTE: Instant Pot recommends using at least 1/2 cup liquid when pressure cooking. I use 1/4 cup chicken broth because the canned diced tomatoes add liquid, and the chicken breasts will release chicken while they cook.
It is also important to add the chicken broth first so this thin liquid is at the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent a potential “burn message” from the Instant Pot. That can potentially happen if the tomatoes stick to the bottom of the pot. 
This is a very saucy sauce and can be left in the instant pot after the chicken is removed. It can be simmered for awhile until less saucy if you prefer.
Serve this over noodles or rice and the sauce will be soaked up quickly.
I like to use all three kinds of cheese, mozzarella, parmesan and burrata. The burrata gives a bit of creaminess to the dish.
I used frozen chicken for this recipe and it cooks in the same amount of time
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 944mg | Potassium: 901mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 409IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 2mg

Filed Under: Chicken, Christmas, Dinner, Instant Pot Chicken Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Italian, Main Dishes

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

Reader Interactions

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author, recipe developer, and photographer. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot recipes and Southern and Mexican cuisines.

Comments

  1. Marilyn says

    December 28, 2021 at 10:13 am

    Can’t wait to try this!!!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    December 28, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    This chicken came out perfect! It was super moist and flavorful, and the Instant Pot made it so convenient. Definitely putting on the menu rotation!

    Reply
  3. AISilva says

    December 28, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    I’ve been looking for more instant pot meals, and this one is at the top of my list. This instant pot spicy Italian chicken sounds so good, I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  4. Seema says

    December 28, 2021 at 4:42 pm

    I love dump and go meals. They make life so easy. This recipe is so flavourful, I am sure it will be an instant hit.

    Reply
  5. Biana says

    December 28, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    Yum! This Instant Pot chicken looks delicious. Will be great served with pasta and a green salad.

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I’m Michele, a home cook with 20+ years experience. I created Flavor Mosaic as a place to share our favorite fast, easy, and flavorful creative recipes with bold flavors, including Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Read More…

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