Imagine diving into a plate of tender, juicy chicken infused with rich Italian flavors, without spending hours in the kitchen. This Pressure Cooker Summer Italian Chicken is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just 40 minutes! Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for convenience, or someone craving authentic Italian taste, this recipe will transform your dinner routine and impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Turn on the pressure cooker and select the sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil to the bottom of the pot.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pressure cooker, arranging them in a single layer on top of the onions and garlic.
- Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring the liquid covers about half of the chicken breasts.
- Close the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the manual or meat/poultry setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Reduce the remaining sauce in the pot using the sauté function for a thicker consistency if desired.
- Serve the chicken with the tomato sauce, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if available.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and flavor absorption.
- Use fresh garlic if possible - it makes a significant difference in the overall taste profile.
- Don't skip the sautéing step with onions and garlic, as it builds a deep flavor foundation.
- Check chicken thickness and adjust cooking time accordingly - thicker breasts might need 15 minutes, thinner ones closer to
- A digital meat thermometer is crucial to confirm the 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine during the cooking process.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and tastes great in salads or sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg