Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Tender chicken meatballs made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil, cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot with a flavorful tomato sauce. This low-carb version uses pork rinds or almond meal instead of breadcrumbs.

6 servings
1 hr 1 min

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup crushed pork rinds or almond meal
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • pounds ground chicken
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can whole peeled plum tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a medium bowl, combine the egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella, the Parmesan, pork rinds, chopped basil, and garlic. Add the chicken and mix gently using your hands to combine. Form into 28 meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Select SAUTÉ on the Instant Pot. When the pot is hot, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add about half of the meatballs to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides, turning the meatballs as needed, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Repeat with the remaining meatballs and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

    16 min

  3. 3.

    Add the tomato paste to the pot. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the canned tomatoes and their juice, breaking them apart as you do so. Stir in the dried basil and garlic powder. Return the meatballs to the pot. Select CANCEL.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Secure the lid on the pot and close the pressure-release valve. Set the pot to HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, use a natural release to depressurize.

    20 min

  5. 5.

    Top the meatballs with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and let stand until melted before serving with the basil leaves.

    5 min