First Step: Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning
Begin by cutting 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even cutlets. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano if using. If the cutlets are uneven or thick, gently pound them with a meat mallet to create uniform thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout the pressure cooking process.

Second Step: Sauté Garlic for Aromatic Base
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté function on low to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add 2 cloves of thinly sliced or minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. This step builds a flavorful foundation in the pot, infusing the dish with subtle garlic notes.

Third Step: Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese
Pour 24 ounces (about 3 cups) of your marinara sauce into the pot. If the sauce seems thick, stir in ¼ cup of water to thin slightly for better pressure cooking. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of black pepper. Stir gently to combine all flavors. This mixture will cook the chicken and infuse it with rich tomato and cheese flavor.

Fourth Step: Arrange Chicken in Sauce
Carefully nestle your seasoned chicken cutlets into the marinara sauce in a single layer as much as possible. Spoon additional sauce over the top of the chicken for maximum moisture and flavor absorption.

Fifth Step: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the vent. Set the cooker to high pressure for 3 minutes. Note that it may take about 6 to 7 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach proper pressure before the timer starts. For thicker cutlets or larger pieces, increase cooking time to 4-5 minutes.

Sixth Step: Quick Release the Pressure
Immediately perform a quick pressure release as soon as cooking time ends to prevent overcooking the chicken. Carefully open the lid after the pressure fully releases.

Seventh Step: Add Cheese Topping and Melt
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over each chicken cutlet. Place the lid back on the Instant Pot without sealing, allowing residual heat to melt the cheese for 4 to 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Alternatively, turn on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese faster, or transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Final Step: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your instant pot chicken parmesan with 1 tablespoon of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley. Serve hot over cooked buttered pasta for a classic dinner experience, or enjoy as is for a low-carb option.