If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is the answer. It’s a creamy, flavor-packed dish that tastes like something you’d order on date night but comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken swims in a velvety, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan—each bite practically melts in your mouth. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make this irresistible meal quickly and easily. Perfect for hectic weeknights or cozy evenings at home, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even a proposal or two.

Why Everyone Loves Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
A Personal Story Behind the Dish
The first time I made Marry Me Chicken, I wasn’t expecting it to be anything extraordinary—just another creamy chicken recipe. But one spoonful in, and I understood why it’s called Marry Me Chicken. The rich aroma of garlic, the tang from sun-dried tomatoes, and that luscious creamy sauce instantly impressed my partner. That night, our kitchen smelled divine, and the laughter around the table made the dish memorable.
Fast forward to now, and Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken has become our go-to comfort meal. The Instant Pot makes it so simple: sear, pressure cook, stir in cream, done. No babysitting the stove or juggling pans. Every time I make it, the smell alone brings everyone to the dinner table. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a chef—without the stress. The sauce coats each piece of tender chicken perfectly, ideal for scooping over pasta or mashed potatoes. Whenever a friend asks for a fail-proof dinner that never disappoints, I always recommend this Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken. It’s foolproof, family-friendly, and always a hit.
Weeknights often mean rushing home, figuring out dinner, and wishing for something quick that still feels special. That’s where this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe truly shines. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have a satisfying, creamy, and flavorful meal on the table in about half an hour. There’s hardly any prep work—just season the chicken, do a quick sauté for that golden crust, and let the pressure cooker work its magic.
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Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken delivers tender chicken in a creamy garlicky tomato sauce ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it tastes like restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Set Instant Pot to Sauté and heat oil or butter, then sear chicken 2 minutes per side until golden and remove.
3. Pour in a splash of broth and scrape browned bits, then stir in remaining broth, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Return chicken to the pot, seal lid, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes and quick release.
5. Remove chicken, switch to Sauté, and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until sauce thickens.
6. Return chicken to sauce, simmer 1 minute, then garnish with basil or parsley and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: pressure cooking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 150
Keywords: instant pot marry me chicken, instant pot chicken dinner, creamy chicken recipe, 30 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, date night dinner
Unlike traditional stovetop methods, there’s minimal cleanup: one pot, one utensil, and a handful of simple ingredients. The result is a rich sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours but took minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this quick Instant Pot chicken dinner fits the bill. It’s elegant enough for a date night yet practical enough for a Tuesday evening. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a weeknight lifesaver and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Tools for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot style, you’ll only need a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create a creamy, restaurant-quality sauce. Below is a simple ingredient chart so you can gather everything before you start cooking this Instant Pot creamy chicken dinner:
Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
---|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 1.5 lbs) | Substitute with chicken thighs for juicier results. |
Salt and black pepper | To taste | Season generously for balanced flavor. |
Olive oil or butter | 2 tbsp | Either works beautifully for searing. |
Garlic, minced | 3–4 cloves | Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor. |
Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels. |
Heavy cream | ¾ cup | Use half‑and‑half or coconut cream for a lighter twist. |
Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) | ½ cup | Adds tangy sweetness—don’t skip these! |
Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Asiago or Pecorino can be used for variety. |
Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Adjust with basil, oregano, and thyme if you prefer. |
Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp | For a little heat—use more or less to taste. |
Fresh basil or parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped | Perfect for garnish and fresh flavor. |
These ingredients combine to make the creamy, savory sauce that defines Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken. The chicken soaks up the flavors while pressure cooking, and the sauce thickens naturally once the cream and cheese are stirred in.
If you love customizing recipes, you can add baby spinach at the end for color, or swap the Parmesan for cream cheese to create a thicker, milder texture. No matter what substitutions you make, the result will still be that irresistibly rich Instant Pot creamy chicken dinner that everyone loves.
Tools and Equipment Checklist
Before you begin, make sure your kitchen setup makes preparing this dish as easy as possible. The right tools help ensure tender chicken, a silky sauce, and minimal mess—everything that makes Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken such a stress‑free favorite.
- Instant Pot (6‑ or 8‑quart model): The 6‑quart size is ideal for cooking four chicken breasts evenly. Models with a Sauté function are perfect for browning the chicken before pressure cooking.
- Tongs: Handy for safely turning and removing the chicken during searing.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for deglazing the bottom of the pot—this step keeps the sauce smooth and prevents burning.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precisely portioning liquids, cheese, and seasonings.
- Mixing bowl: Optional but useful for prepping your sauce ingredients ahead of time.
- Small whisk: Helps blend heavy cream and cheese smoothly into the sauce after cooking.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Sauté mode matters: Always brown your chicken first—it locks in juices and deepens flavor.
- Natural pressure release: After cooking, let the Instant Pot rest for 5 minutes before venting the steam. This gentle release keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- Thickening: If the sauce is too runny, use Sauté mode again for 1–2 minutes, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
Having these tools and tricks on hand ensures that your Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot style turns out perfectly every time. With everything prepped and ready, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create a comforting, five‑star dinner right in your own kitchen.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken in the Instant Pot
Cooking Instructions Made Simple
Cooking this Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken couldn’t be simpler, and it all comes together in a few easy steps. Each stage builds flavor, from the golden sear on the chicken to the silky, Parmesan‑kissed sauce that brings it all together. Follow these steps for a foolproof Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning.
- Sauté for Flavor: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil or butter, then sear chicken for about 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a splash of chicken broth and scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon to prevent burning and boost flavor.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the rest of the broth, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired. Return chicken to the pot.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid and set to High Pressure for 8 minutes. Allow 5 minutes of natural release, then Quick Release the rest.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Remove chicken and switch to Sauté mode. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking until thickened. Add cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return chicken to the pot, spoon sauce over top, and let simmer 1 minute. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for brightness that balances the creamy richness.
This simple process yields juicy, tender chicken covered in a silky, savory sauce, making this creamy chicken Instant Pot recipe one of the fastest, most satisfying dinners you’ll ever make.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
When your Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is ready, serve it with sides that complement its indulgent sauce or reinvent it in creative ways throughout the week.
- Classic Pairings: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta for a comforting dinner that soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.
- Low‑Carb Options: Spoon it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed veggies for a lighter but still satisfying version.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in spinach or kale just before adding cream for color, nutrition, and texture.
- Turn Leftovers into New Meals: Toss leftover chicken with pasta, use in sandwiches, or add to baked potatoes for a new twist.
- Flavor Variations: Try different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino, or add herbs like rosemary for more aroma. Spice lovers can sprinkle in smoked paprika or extra chili flakes.
Whether spooned over pasta for a romantic dinner or served with rice for a busy weeknight, this Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken dinner idea brings comfort and elegance together—ready in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Marry Me Chicken without heavy cream?
Yes! For a lighter Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken, use half‑and‑half, evaporated milk, or coconut cream. Each provides a slightly different flavor or consistency. Avoid low‑fat milk, as it can curdle when heated.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Keep leftover Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot style in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or with Sauté mode, adding a bit of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This Instant Pot creamy chicken dinner pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Serve it alongside a crisp salad for a refreshing balance to the rich sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
Yes! You can skip searing and cook frozen chicken for 12 minutes at High Pressure. Allow 5 minutes for natural release. The sauce may be slightly thinner but still deliciously creamy once finished.
Conclusion
In just half an hour, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant‑quality dinner with this Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken. Creamy, savory, and deeply comforting, it proves that the Instant Pot can deliver gourmet-level flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding family or planning a cozy dinner for two, this recipe never disappoints.
Now that you know how effortless this dish is, try it tonight and see why everyone loves it. Share your version of Easy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken in the comments or bookmark this recipe—you’ll want to make it again whenever you crave a no‑stress, crowd‑pleasing meal.