Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken: Your Go-To Recipe for Impressing Guests

Prepare to impress with this incredible Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe! This effortlessly elegant dish features succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce. Infused with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan cheese, every bite is a delightful experience. It’s truly a swoon-worthy meal that promises to earn rave reviews, making it perfect for special occasions or simply elevating your weeknight dinner rotation.

Instant Pot chicken breasts on a platter, generously topped with creamy Parmesan sauce and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. — A close-up of the finished Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken, showcasing its creamy sauce and vibrant toppings.

When it comes to crafting simple yet highly impressive chicken breast recipes, two classics often come to mind: Chicken Marsala and the ever-popular Marry Me Chicken. Both skillet-based dishes are celebrated for their depth of flavor and surprising ease of preparation. Having already mastered an Instant Pot Chicken Marsala, it felt only natural to bring the magic of Marry Me Chicken to the convenience of the Instant Pot. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this beloved dish – we’re confident you’re going to fall in love with this Instant Pot version!

Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Recipe

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just another dinner; it’s an experience designed to delight. Here’s why this creamy chicken dish will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:

A Dish Fit for Company (and Compliments!): This recipe earned its charming moniker, “Marry Me Chicken,” because it’s so irresistibly delicious that legend says anyone who tastes it might just propose to the person who served it! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering a sophisticated flavor profile that tastes like it took hours, yet comes together with remarkable speed. Expect a chorus of compliments when you present this beautifully rich and tender chicken.
Effortless 30-Minute Dinner Solution: Despite its impressive taste and appearance, this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a dream come true for busy weeknights or spontaneous entertaining. The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, infusing boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a phenomenal creamy sauce in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic strategy for transforming humble chicken breasts into a truly memorable meal without any stress.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Low-Carb: For those mindful of their dietary intake, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Building on the low-carb nature of the traditional stovetop Marry Me Chicken, our Instant Pot adaptation is crafted to be entirely gluten-free. By using heavy cream and naturally gluten-free ingredients, you can enjoy this decadent dish without compromise, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Achieving the rich, balanced flavors of this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:

All ingredients for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken laid out and labeled on a kitchen counter. — Gathering your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process.

Chicken: While the stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken often uses thinner chicken cutlets, the Instant Pot benefits from slightly thicker cuts to prevent overcooking under pressure. For this recipe, we highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ideally weighing between 6 and 8 ounces each. This size ensures the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce without drying out.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The secret to the sauce’s distinctive flavor. For optimal results and ease, opt for jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. These are typically more pliable and flavorful than those dried in pouches or packed in water. If you only have access to dried tomatoes in a pouch, remember to rehydrate them thoroughly by soaking them in boiling water for at least 30 minutes before draining and incorporating them into your dish. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and concentrated tomato flavor.
Chicken Stock: The foundation of our flavorful sauce. Always choose a low-sodium store-bought chicken stock, or better yet, use homemade chicken stock. This allows you complete control over the sodium level in your final dish, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste without being overly salty.
Heavy Cream: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for the ultimate creamy texture. Heavy cream is essential not just for its luxurious richness and velvety finish, but also because it is stable under high pressure. Unlike milk or half-and-half, heavy cream won’t curdle in the Instant Pot, guaranteeing a perfectly smooth sauce every time. Do not substitute!
Aromatic Seasonings: These ingredients elevate the flavor profile of your Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken. You’ll need fragrant Italian seasoning, freshly minced garlic for its pungent sweetness, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes to add a subtle, warming kick that beautifully balances the richness of the cream.
Parmesan Cheese: For the best melty texture and robust flavor, insist on finely grated Parmesan cheese. This can be freshly grated from a block or purchased pre-grated from the deli section. Avoid the pre-shredded varieties in canisters, as they often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly into the sauce, compromising its luxurious texture.
Fresh Spinach: This is an optional but highly recommended addition. Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a lovely pop of color, a boost of nutrients, and a touch of freshness. If you’re serving particularly picky eaters, or simply prefer to keep the dish focused on the chicken and sauce, you can easily omit it without detracting from the core flavor.

Crafting Your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these expert tips and detailed instructions to ensure your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time. You’ll find the precise ingredient quantities and a comprehensive recipe card at the conclusion of this post.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection.
Begin by activating the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and allow it to heat for about a minute. While the oil is warming, generously season both sides of your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Searing the chicken until golden brown is a crucial step; it develops a rich depth of flavor and creates a beautiful texture, preventing the chicken from becoming bland or watery during pressure cooking. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the inner pot, which could steam the chicken instead of searing it. Once beautifully browned on both sides (about 2 minutes per side), remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Ensure your chicken breasts are beautifully browned for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics.
With the chicken removed, add your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the same inner pot. Sauté for just 30 seconds, or until they become wonderfully fragrant. This brief cooking time toasts the spices, releasing their full aroma and intensifying their flavor, which will permeate the entire dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Deglaze for Deep Flavor and Burn Prevention.
Hit the “Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, diligently scrape up all the browned bits (known as fond) that have accumulated on the bottom of the inner pot during searing. This process, called deglazing, is vital for two reasons: first, those browned bits are packed with concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce; and second, it prevents a “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot by ensuring no food is stuck to the bottom.

The deglazing step incorporates rich flavors and prevents burning.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients.
Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the Instant Pot. Then, add the drained sun-dried tomatoes and the heavy cream directly into the pot. There’s no need to stir extensively at this point; simply layer them. This layering helps ensure the cream doesn’t sink to the bottom and scorch during pressure cooking, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

All key ingredients are assembled in the Instant Pot, ready for pressure cooking.
Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection.
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and turn the sealing knob to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 5 minutes on high pressure for average-sized chicken breasts (around 6 ounces). If your chicken breasts are larger (closer to 8 ounces), increase the cooking time to 7 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, it’s crucial to allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 10 minutes. This gentle release helps the chicken remain incredibly tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out. After 10 minutes, you can carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure, or allow it to release fully on its own.

The chicken is perfectly cooked and ready for the final sauce-thickening step.
Step 6: Finish the Luxurious Sauce.
Once the pressure has fully released and the lid is safely opened, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts to a clean platter. Hit “Cancel” to turn off the “Keep Warm” function, then select “Sauté” again. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, the fresh baby spinach leaves to the rich liquid in the inner pot. Stir continuously until the Parmesan has melted into the sauce, the spinach has wilted completely, and the sauce has thickened slightly to your desired consistency (this usually takes about 2-3 minutes). Hit “Cancel” to turn off the sauté function. You can either spoon this luscious sauce generously over the chicken breasts on your platter or return the chicken to the inner pot to fully immerse it in the creamy goodness before serving.

The rich, creamy sauce is finished with Parmesan and wilted spinach.

Instant Pot chicken breasts on platter topped with creamy parmesan sauce with sundried tomatoes. — Your delectable Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is ready to be served!

Delectable Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, all designed to soak up every last drop of that incredible creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. For a classic, comforting meal, serve it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a generous tangle of your favorite pasta. If you’re aiming for a low-carb dinner, cauliflower rice is an excellent and equally delicious alternative. Other fantastic options include mashed red potatoes for a touch of rustic elegance, or perfectly cooked Instant Pot Jasmine Rice for an easy grain side. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken leftovers just as much as the first time:

Refrigerate: Any leftover chicken and its accompanying creamy sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freeze: Freezing this dish is generally not recommended. The heavy cream in the sauce tends to separate and can become grainy or watery once thawed, compromising the delicious, smooth texture.
Reheat: For the best results, reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a dry skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally until it is warmed through. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to break or the chicken to dry out. A splash of extra chicken stock or cream can help revive the sauce if it appears too thick during reheating.

Explore More Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and flavor of this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken, you’ll love these other quick and easy chicken recipes perfect for your pressure cooker:

Instant Pot Chicken Orzo Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Basic)
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

We hope you truly enjoy making and sharing this delightful Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken. If you give this recipe a try, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave a comment and a review below to share your experience!

4.87 from 15 votes

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

By: Kristen Chidsey

Servings: 6

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 5 mins

Pressure Build-Up and Release: 20 mins

Total: 30 mins

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Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken in a creamy sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. This incredibly easy recipe delivers impressive results in just 30 minutes, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, + more if needed
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat (about 6 ounces each)
½ teaspoon kosher salt, + more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup low-sodium chicken stock, *use ¾ cup for an 8-quart model
1 (7oz) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream, NO EXCEPTIONS
½ cup grated parmesan
2 cups baby spinach leaves, optional

Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté, add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to the inner pot, and heat for 1 minute. While the oil is heating, evenly season both sides of 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Working in batches if needed, place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the instant pot, and brown for 2 minutes per side, or until golden. Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate. Repeat the process with any remaining chicken breasts if needed.
Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the inner pot, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Hit cancel to turn off the pressure cooker.
Add ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock (*use ¾ cup for an 8-quart Instant Pot) and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot.
Add the seared chicken back to the inner pot. Add in the 1 (7oz) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained), a pinch of salt, and 1 cup heavy cream.
Secure the lid and turn the knob to the sealed position. To set the cooking time, hit manual or pressure cook and set the cooking time for 5 minutes on high pressure.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, you can opt to do a quick release of pressure (or allow pressure to release fully on its own).
Open the Instant Pot, and remove the chicken to a CLEAN platter.
Hit cancel to turn off the keep warm function, then hit sauté. Add in ½ cup grated parmesan and 2 cups baby spinach leaves and stir until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened about 2-3 minutes. Hit cancel to turn off the sauté function.
Serve the sauce over the chicken with additional parmesan and basil if desired.

Equipment

Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

Notes

Size of Instant Pot: For an 8-quart Instant Pot, use ¾ cup chicken stock. No changes need to be made for a 3-quart or 6-quart Instant Pot.

Chicken Breasts: This recipe makes enough sauce for 6 average-sized chicken breasts. For the timing to work, I would use chicken breasts between 6 and 8 ounces in size. For larger chicken breasts, only use 4 breasts and cook for 7 minutes on high pressure.

Sundried Tomatoes: If using dried tomatoes in a pouch, be sure to rehydrate them by soaking them in boiling water for at least 30 minutes before draining and using them in this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Cholesterol: 149mg
Sodium: 929mg
Potassium: 699mg
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 1670IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Calcium: 127mg
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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