Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Have you ever tasted something so good that you jokingly (or not so jokingly) wanted to propose to the chef on the spot? That’s the story behind Marry Me Chicken.

This crowd-pleasing dish gets its name from being so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal!

What makes this recipe even better? Making it in your Instant Pot cuts the cooking time in half while intensifying all those mouthwatering flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just want to treat yourself to something special on a weeknight, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

As a busy mom of three who still wants to put tasty, home-cooked meals on the table, I’ve fallen head over heels for this recipe.

It’s become my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!

What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Special?

Marry Me Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese.

The magic happens when these ingredients come together, creating a sauce so good you’ll want to lick your plate clean (no judgment here!).

Traditional recipes require you to sear the chicken on the stovetop, then transfer it to the oven to bake a process that can take up to an hour.

Using the Instant Pot, we’re cutting that time down to about 30 minutes total, and trust me, you won’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4 servings, gather:

For the chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Optional sides:

• Cooked pasta
• Crusty bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 6-quart Instant Pot (or similar electric pressure cooker)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and improves browning. If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets—they’ll cook more evenly this way.

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, gently pressing the herbs into the meat.

2. Sear the Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode and add the olive oil. Once hot (it should shimmer slightly), add the chicken breasts. Don’t crowd the pot—work in batches if needed.

Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t rush it! Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

3. Create the Flavor Base

With the pot still on SAUTÉ mode, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This process, called deglazing, prevents the dreaded BURN notice and adds incredible flavor to your sauce.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.

4. Pressure Cook

Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling the pieces into the liquid. Close the lid, set the valve to SEALING, and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 8 minutes. This timing works perfectly for average-sized chicken breasts—you’ll get juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure.

5. Finish the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.

Switch your Instant Pot back to SAUTÉ mode. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Pro tip: For an extra-thick sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Return the chicken to the pot, spooning some of that luscious sauce over the top. Let it warm through for a minute, then transfer to serving plates.

Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve alongside pasta, crusty bread, or your favorite vegetable sides.

Common Questions About Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay even juicier than breasts. No need to adjust the cooking time—8 minutes under pressure works perfectly for thighs too.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes give this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute:

• Roasted red peppers (for sweetness without the intense tomato flavor)
• Fresh cherry tomatoes (they’ll break down during cooking)
• A tablespoon of tomato paste mixed with a teaspoon of honey (for a similar sweet-tangy profile)

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the parmesan cheese (or use a dairy-free alternative). The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What about leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when cold—simply add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Why This Recipe Works So Well in the Instant Pot

The magic of the Instant Pot isn’t just about speed (though that’s definitely a bonus!). Pressure cooking creates an environment where flavors infuse more intensely in a shorter amount of time.

For Marry Me Chicken specifically, the pressure helps the chicken absorb all those aromatic herbs and garlic notes, while the enclosed cooking environment keeps everything moist and tender.

Plus, the sauté feature lets you build layers of flavor in the same pot—from searing the chicken to reducing the sauce—meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward. Win-win!

Make It a Complete Meal

This versatile chicken dish pairs well with so many sides. Here are my favorite combinations:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Linguine or fettuccine	The wide noodles hold the creamy sauce perfectly
Mashed potatoes	Creates the ultimate comfort food experience
Roasted asparagus	The slight bitterness balances the rich sauce
Crusty garlic bread	Perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce
Simple green salad	Adds freshness to balance the rich main dish

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Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs creates a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—exactly what we all need in our cooking arsenal.

So dust off that Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite chicken recipe. Who knows? It might just live up to its name!