Instant Pot Chicken Scampi has become one of my go-to meals on busy evenings, and the moment I finished preparing Instant Pot Chicken Scampi last night, I knew I had to share the experience with you.
As soon as the lid released its final burst of steam, the aroma of garlic, peppers, and buttery chicken filled my kitchen in the most comforting way.
The sauce thickened beautifully, coating every strip of chicken in a silky garlic-Parmesan blend that felt far richer than the effort required.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that tastes like a restaurant favorite while still being simple enough for a weeknight.
What makes this Instant Pot Chicken Scampi special is how the Instant Pot transforms basic ingredients—chicken, peppers, garlic, and a splash of white wine—into a flavorful, tender meal in just minutes.
Why Instant Pot Chicken Scampi is the Ideal Recipe
When I first made this Instant Pot Chicken Scampi, I realized instantly why it’s such a dependable recipe.
The Instant Pot takes care of the hard work, turning ordinary chicken breasts into tender, juicy strips that soak up every bit of flavor from the peppers, garlic, and wine.
I didn’t have to hover over a skillet or worry about burning anything; instead, everything cooked consistently and quickly while I took care of other things in the kitchen.
Another reason I love this Instant Pot Chicken Scampi recipe is that it delivers the kind of depth you’d expect from slow simmering, but in a fraction of the time.
The interplay of sautéing, pressure cooking, and simmering the sauce at the end creates layers of flavor that make the dish stand out.
The white wine adds brightness, the broth brings comfort, and the cream and parmesan bring everything together into a velvety finish.
Key Ingredients in Instant Pot Chicken Scampi Recipe
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so flavorful:
Chicken Breasts: Pounded thin and sliced into strips for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red and yellow adds both sweetness and color.
Red Onion: Brings mild sharpness that softens beautifully during cooking.
Garlic: The star of the dish, giving that iconic scampi aroma and bold flavor.
White Wine: Adds depth and brightness; it’s what gives scampi its signature taste.
Chicken Broth: Helps build the sauce base while complementing the chicken.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess without being overwhelmingly rich.
Flour: Used for dredging, creating a light coating that helps thicken the final sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and body to the sauce, making it irresistible.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder round out the flavor.
Butter & Olive Oil: Create a rich base for browning the chicken in sauté mode.
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Easy Instant Pot Chicken Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Instant Pot Chicken Scampi recipe with tender floured chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, red onion, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, half and half, and Parmesan, all pressure-cooked into a rich, creamy garlic sauce perfect over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
3 chicken breasts, pounded thin and cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
½ red onion, sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup flour
⅔ cup half and half
½ cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp. salt, divided
½ tsp. pepper, divided
½ tsp. Italian seasoning
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
Preheat Instant Pot to saute function.
In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Dredge chicken strips through the flour and shake off the excess.
Once Instant Pot function switches to HOT add the butter and olive oil. Add chicken to the pan and brown each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Turn pot off. Add the onions, peppers, garlic cloves, wine, chicken broth, and the remaining seasonings. Turn pot to manual high pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes. Turn the lid to seal and let cook.
Once 5 minutes is over, do a quick pressure release and open the lid. Remove the chicken, peppers, and onions from the sauce and set aside. Add the half and half and parmesan cheese to the pot and season with additional seasonings to taste. If sauce isn’t thick to your liking, turn the pot on the saute function and let sauce cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Serve over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: instant pot
- Cuisine: Homamade
If you’re in the mood to explore more comforting meals that come together effortlessly, you might also enjoy:
- Easy Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup Recipe
- Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli Recipe in 15 Min
- Reese Cheesecake Recipe in 30 Min
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Scampi Step-by-Step
Follow this simple process to recreate the same flavorful dish I enjoyed:
-Preheat your Instant Pot using the sauté function.
-Prepare a shallow bowl with flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Coat each chicken strip lightly and shake off excess flour.
-When the Instant Pot displays HOT, add both the butter and olive oil. Lay the chicken inside and brown each side for about 2–3 minutes. Turn the pot off when done.
-Add sliced onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, white wine, chicken broth, and remaining seasonings directly into the pot. Stir lightly to combine.
-Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes, then seal the lid and allow it to cook.
-Once the timer ends, perform a quick release. Remove the chicken, onions, and peppers and set them aside.
-Stir in the half and half and parmesan cheese, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed. If the sauce feels thin, switch back to sauté mode and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
-Serve over pasta or rice, letting the creamy garlic sauce soak into every bite.
Instant Pot Chicken Scampi Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 per serving |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Potassium | 610mg |
Conclusion
Preparing this Instant Pot Chicken Scampi reminded me just how satisfying a simple, flavorful meal can be. The combination of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels special without demanding much time at all.
If you enjoy meals that bring comfort, color, and bold flavor to the table, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.