Name: Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (use both the tomatoes and the oil); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (or skinless, boneless chicken breasts); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup chicken stock (preferably homemade); 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach leaves (or chopped large-leaf spinach)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich tastes of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy parmesan sauce with tender chicken. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared quickly in your Instant Pot, allowing you to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal in no time. The combination of creamy sauce and flavorful chicken thighs makes this dish both indulgent and hearty, while the baby spinach adds a fresh burst of color and nutrients.

The secret to this recipe’s depth of flavor lies in the use of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, which provides a deliciously rich base for the sauce. The addition of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of chili flakes ensures that every bite is packed with bold flavor. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also locks in all the moisture, ensuring that the chicken stays juicy and tender. This dish can be served on its own, over pasta, or alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Made in the Instant Pot, this dish takes less time to prepare compared to traditional methods.
Flavor-Packed: The creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Versatile: You can adjust the recipe to your liking, from swapping chicken breasts for thighs to adding extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Rich and Comforting: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese makes the sauce silky smooth and indulgent.
One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in the Instant Pot, making clean-up quick and easy.

Ingredients

Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
Butter
Skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts)
Garlic
Italian seasoning
Chili flakes
Salt and pepper
Chicken stock (preferably homemade)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Baby spinach leaves

Variations

Chicken Breasts: You can substitute the chicken thighs with skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Add Mushrooms: For an extra earthy flavor, add sliced mushrooms along with the spinach.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Spicy: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a small diced chili pepper for more heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add butter to the pot. Once melted, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add sun-dried tomatoes (with the oil), chicken stock, and a pinch of chili flakes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Return the chicken to the Instant Pot, skin-side down, and close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes if using bone-in thighs or 8 minutes for boneless chicken breasts. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Spinach

Return the spinach to the pot and stir until wilted. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken on a plate with the creamy sauce spooned over the top. Optionally, garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the chicken well before pressure cooking to enhance the flavor.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or stock, depending on your preference.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the dish and make it more filling.
For thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve with pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy it with crusty bread to dip in the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken stock or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes.

2. Can I make this recipe without the sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can replace them with roasted red peppers or omit them entirely.

3. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s recommended to use fresh chicken, but you can use frozen chicken as well; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. Is it necessary to sear the chicken?

Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

6. How do I make the sauce spicier?

Increase the amount of chili flakes or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein and vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.

8. What should I serve this dish with?

Serve with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.

10. How can I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry or reduce the sauce by simmering it for a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken thighs, a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and vibrant spinach, this dish brings bold Italian flavors straight to your dinner table. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, and the result is a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether served with pasta, rice, or bread, this dish is perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite.