Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is a quick yet elegant meal featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Made entirely in the pressure cooker, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes—making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the stress. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The Instant Pot delivers tender, perfectly cooked chicken in minutes, while the creamy sauce feels indulgent without being overly complicated. The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan add a tangy, savory punch that elevates the dish to restaurant quality. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• extra virgin olive oil

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• kosher salt

• ground black pepper

• minced garlic

• Italian seasoning

• crushed red pepper flakes

• low-sodium chicken stock

• oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

• heavy cream

• grated parmesan cheese

• baby spinach leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the chicken in batches for 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Sauté briefly, then press cancel.

4. Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the pot by scraping up browned bits.

5. Return chicken to the pot. Add sun-dried tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream.

6. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before opening.

7. Remove chicken to a clean platter. Switch the pot back to sauté, stir in parmesan and spinach, and cook until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts.

8. Serve chicken with the sauce spooned over the top, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pressure Build-Up and Release: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for a richer flavor.

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a deeper umami profile.

• Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for cream, keeping in mind the sauce may be thinner.

• Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for brightness.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast, though flavor will differ.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Freeze leftovers (without spinach) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to skip searing and increase the pressure cook time to about 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness.

What does “Marry Me Chicken” mean?

It’s said this dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal! The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken make it irresistible.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative, though the flavor will change.

What size Instant Pot should I use?

This recipe works in 6- or 8-quart models. For 8-quart, increase the chicken stock to ¾ cup to avoid a burn notice.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce on sauté after removing the chicken. It will thicken further as the parmesan melts and spinach wilts.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as it fits below the max fill line. Adjust the searing process to cook chicken in more batches.

What should I serve with this?

It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Can I add pasta directly to the pot?

Not in this recipe, as the cream can cause a burn notice. Cook pasta separately and serve the chicken and sauce over it.

How spicy is this dish?

It has mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them based on your preference.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?

Yes, but rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for 30 minutes before using.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is a stunning dish that comes together with minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this creamy, savory chicken will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even proposing! It’s proof that gourmet-style meals don’t have to take hours in the kitchen.