INSTANT POT MARRY ME CHICKEN

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, you don’t need a proposal to enjoy this decadent dish! We’re making Creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken, a weeknight wonder that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive. Get ready to fall head-over-heels for this quick and comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe more!).

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this incredibly flavorful dish. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for faster cooking.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and developing flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced – because everything’s better with garlic!
• 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed, drained (and chopped if large). These are the stars!
• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth: To deglaze the pot and prevent sticking.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: The key to that dreamy, creamy sauce.
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness.
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning: For that perfect blend of herbs.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended!).

Step-by-Step to “I Do” Deliciousness

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

1. Sauté the Chicken: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point – we just want to develop some color and flavor.
2. Garlic Time! Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where all the delicious flavor is hiding!
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Pressure Cook: Cancel the “Sauté” function. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
7. Stir in the Goodness: Carefully remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Simmer (Optional): If the sauce is too thin for your liking, turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles.

Why the Instant Pot is Your New Best Friend

Okay, let’s be real. The Instant Pot is a game-changer. It’s not just a trend; it’s a kitchen essential that can seriously simplify your life. And for this Creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken, it’s the secret weapon to achieving incredibly tender and flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The pressure cooking locks in the moisture, resulting in chicken that’s practically melt-in-your-mouth. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, which means less cleanup! Who doesn’t love that?

Tips & Tricks for Marry Me Chicken Perfection

Want to take your Creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. The 5-minute cook time is perfect for cubed chicken breasts. If using larger pieces, you may need to add a minute or two.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Invest in good quality sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to your liking. If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more Parmesan. If you want a richer sauce, add a little more cream.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Make it Ahead: This dish is great for meal prepping! It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop before serving.
• Don’t skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Seriously! They are the key to the unique flavor of this dish. They add a tangy, sweet, and savory element that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate

While this Creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is amazing on its own, it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of my go-to serving suggestions:

• Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are both great options.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food pairing.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles (zoodles).
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Use Different Herbs: Try using fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: Deglaze the pot with a splash of dry white wine for added depth of flavor.

Other Delicious Chicken Dishes You’ll Love

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Here are a few other chicken dishes that I think you’ll absolutely adore:

• Craving a taste of the Southwest? You absolutely must try this COWBOY BUTTER CHICKEN. The flavors are out of this world!
• If you’re looking for a similar dish made in a slow cooker, you’ll want to check out my CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN recipe.
• For another Instant Pot favorite, try this INSTANT POT JAMBALAYA. It’s packed with flavor and so easy to make.
• If you love pasta, you have to try the MARRY ME PASTA – it’s a creamy, dreamy delight!
• And for a garlicky and cheesy delight, I highly suggest this CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN.
• Looking for a touch of sweetness? Don’t miss my HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN recipe!

The Secret Ingredient? Love (and Sun-Dried Tomatoes!)

Ultimately, the secret ingredient in any recipe is love. And while sun-dried tomatoes are a close second in this Creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken! When you put your heart into your cooking, it always shows in the final result. So, don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process. And who knows, maybe this dish really will bring you a proposal (or at least a lot of compliments!). Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal that delivers an explosion of flavor. Tender chicken is pressure-cooked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, creating a decadent and comforting dish that’s sure to impress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Mixing spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
• Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving

Instructions

 

• Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
• Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This will take approximately 5-7 minutes. Do not cook the chicken all the way through.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (deglazing).
• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Cancel the ‘Sauté’ function. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
• Carefully remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• If the sauce is too thin for your liking, turn the Instant Pot back to the ‘Sauté’ function and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, and don’t discard the oil; add a teaspoon or two to the Instant Pot when sautéing the chicken. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.