When I first tried marry me chicken instant pot, I immediately understood the hype. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil—it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together quickly. Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish goes from prep to table in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
For me, this recipe combines the best of both worlds. Growing up near Germany’s Black Forest, creamy sauces were a staple in our family meals. After moving to the U.S., I learned to blend those traditions with bold American flavors, creating dishes like this one that feel both comforting and elevated. The Instant Pot helps lock in moisture, ensuring every bite of marry me chicken instant pot is tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Table of Contents
Mastering the Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot Recipe
Essential Ingredients for the Best Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot: Creamy, Juicy, and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, rich, and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot recipe with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and basil ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt & black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1/4 tsp chili flakes
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
3/4 cup heavy cream
10 basil leaves, finely sliced
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Set Instant Pot to sauté, brown chicken on both sides, then set aside.
3. Add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and flour, cook briefly.
5. Deglaze with white wine, scraping the pot.
6. Add thyme, chili flakes, sundried tomatoes, and chicken stock.
7. Return chicken to pot, seal lid, cook on HIGH for 2 minutes.
8. Allow 5-minute natural release, then quick release.
9. Remove chicken; stir cream and basil into sauce, simmer to thicken.
10. Return chicken to sauce, warm through, and serve.
Notes
Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Store leftovers in fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
The beauty of marry me chicken instant pot lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. You’ll start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, though thighs can work too if you prefer richer, darker meat. The creamy sauce gets its depth from sundried tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, and a splash of dry white wine that adds brightness. A little flour helps thicken the sauce, while chicken stock builds a savory foundation.
To bring it all together, you’ll stir in heavy cream and finish with ribbons of fresh basil, which add a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness. A touch of chili flakes provides gentle heat, though you can adjust this to taste. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, sealing in the flavors and creating tender chicken in just minutes. Many home cooks have compared this dish favorably to other creamy chicken recipes like my instant pot creamy chicken braised in white wine or instant pot creamy chicken and leeks, both equally indulgent.
Step-by-Step Process to Instant Pot Perfection
Begin by sprinkling salt and pepper over the chicken breasts to season them. Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, lightly brown the chicken on both sides in a bit of olive oil. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Next, melt butter in the pot and sauté finely chopped garlic until fragrant, followed by tomato paste and flour. Once the mixture starts to thicken, pour in the white wine and scrape up the browned bits to boost the flavor.
Now, add chicken stock, sundried tomatoes, thyme, and chili flakes. Nestle the browned chicken back into the sauce, secure the lid, and cook on HIGH pressure for 2 minutes. After a 5-minute natural release, finish by stirring in the cream and fresh basil. Simmer briefly on the sauté setting to thicken the sauce before returning the chicken to the pot for a final warm-through.
This easy process makes marry me chicken instant pot a reliable go-to for both special occasions and busy nights. For more Instant Pot ideas, you might also enjoy my recipes for Quick & Juicy Frozen Corn on the Cob Instant Pot or Easy Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe for Juicy, Flavorful Results.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot
Easy Ways to Personalize Your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
One reason marry me chicken instant pot has gone viral is how easily you can make it your own. While the classic version uses chicken breasts, many home cooks swap in boneless chicken thighs for an even juicier texture. You can also adjust the sauce’s richness by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.
If you want to play with the flavor profile, add a handful of baby spinach after cooking for extra color and nutrients. Some cooks like to toss in a few sliced mushrooms during the sauté step, adding earthy depth that complements the sundried tomatoes. For a bit more heat, simply increase the chili flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce. The Instant Pot makes every variation easy while preserving the signature creamy texture that defines marry me chicken instant pot. If you enjoy these twists, you may also love my instant pot Moroccan chicken and rice or instant pot Greek chicken kebabs.
Perfect Pairings to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot
Choosing the right sides can elevate your marry me chicken instant pot into a full, satisfying meal. One of the most popular pairings is orzo pasta, which soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also serve it over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even roasted potatoes for a heartier option. Each choice highlights the savory richness of the sauce.
For a lighter balance, consider steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess, while a crusty loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce. Many readers also enjoy pairing this dish with my instant pot creamy chicken with red pepper and spinach as part of a full Instant Pot dinner spread.
Storage, Reheating, and Fixes for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
Storing and Reheating Your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
One great thing about Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken is how well it holds up as leftovers. Let the dish cool completely after cooking before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often and keep the heat low to prevent the cream from separating.
If you plan to freeze your leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container once fully cooled. While the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, stirring well while reheating will help bring it back together. For best quality, use frozen portions within 2 months. These simple steps ensure your marry me chicken instant pot remains just as flavorful the second time around.
Common Issues & Instant Pot Chicken FAQs
Even the best recipes come with questions, so let’s tackle some common concerns about marry me chicken instant pot:
Why does my Instant Pot chicken taste rubbery?
Rubbery chicken usually means it’s overcooked. Because the Instant Pot cooks quickly under high pressure, even a minute or two extra can dry out the meat. Always follow timing carefully and allow for natural pressure release when specified.
How is Marry Me Chicken Different from Tuscan Chicken?
While both dishes feature creamy sauces and sundried tomatoes, Tuscan chicken typically includes spinach and Parmesan cheese, giving it a slightly different flavor. Marry me chicken instant pot focuses more on simplicity with its garlic, basil, and cream-based sauce.
How to cook orzo in the Instant Pot?
Add orzo directly to the Instant Pot with enough liquid (about 1:2 orzo to liquid ratio). Pressure cook on LOW for 3–4 minutes and release naturally for perfect, tender orzo to serve alongside your marry me chicken instant pot.
Why is my Instant Pot chicken so tough?
Tough chicken often results from using very large, thick chicken breasts. If that’s the case, slice them in half horizontally before cooking to ensure even doneness. The Instant Pot thrives with uniform pieces for tender, juicy results.
Conclusion: A Creamy Classic Made Easy
Marry me chicken instant pot delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Juicy chicken, rich cream, sundried tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in a dish that feels like a special occasion but fits into any busy schedule. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this recipe never fails to satisfy. With proper storage and reheating, you can even enjoy it again and again.
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