Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken: 20 Minutes to Love

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken! This dish is not just quick and easy, but it’s also packed with creamy, dreamy flavors that’ll have everyone at the table declaring their love for it. Seriously, the moment the rich aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes fills the kitchen, you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar!

As someone who’s always on the hunt for delicious meals that don’t eat up my entire evening, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a dish that looks like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s so versatile! Whether you serve it over pasta or rice, you really can’t go wrong. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the deliciousness, shall we?

Ingredients for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts – I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this. They cook up perfectly tender!
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is where the magic happens! It makes the sauce rich and creamy, perfect for coating that chicken.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Go for low-sodium if you can; we want to control the saltiness of our dish.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes – These add such a wonderful tangy flavor! Slice them up if they’re whole; it helps them integrate into the sauce.
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese – Grated is the way to go here! It melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that cheesy goodness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key! It infuses the dish with a lovely aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs really elevates the dish; it brings that authentic Italian vibe!
• Salt and pepper to taste – Always season to your preference. I like to keep it simple but flavorful.

How to Prepare Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Season the Chicken

First things first, let’s season our chicken! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken breasts. I like to give them a good rub to ensure the seasoning sticks. This step may seem simple, but it really makes a difference in flavor!

Sautéing the Garlic

Now, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Add a splash of olive oil, and once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it until it’s fragrant—about 30 seconds should do the trick. You don’t want it to burn, so keep an eye on it! That heavenly smell is the cue that you’re on the right track!

Browning the Chicken

Next, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot. Brown them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This step is crucial because it adds a lovely depth of flavor. Plus, it gives the chicken that beautiful golden color that makes it so appetizing!

Adding Liquids and Seasonings

Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to add the magic! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any tasty bits stuck from browning the chicken. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. This is where the creamy goodness starts to take shape!

Cooking in the Instant Pot

Seal the Instant Pot lid, ensuring it’s set to the sealed position. Set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. While it cooks, you can take a moment to breathe in those amazing aromas! Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure manually. Just be cautious—hot steam will escape! Once it’s safe, remove the lid and prepare for creamy chicken bliss!

Serving Suggestions

Now for the best part—serving! I love to serve this chicken over a bed of pasta or fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce. You can even toss in some steamed veggies for a pop of color. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that extra flair. Trust me, this dish is a showstopper, and it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights.
• Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan creates a rich, luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even with a side of crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with so many sides!
• One-Pot Wonder: Cook everything in your Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze—no one likes a pile of dishes!
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with the whole family. Even picky eaters can’t resist!
• Impressive Enough for Guests: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes gourmet, so it’s great for entertaining.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy goodness. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 30g

This dish is not just delicious but also packs a protein punch, making it a satisfying meal! Enjoy knowing you’re indulging in something that checks all the boxes—creamy, flavorful, and nutritious!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to make this stellar Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken, here are some tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a world of difference!

• Don’t Skip Browning: Seriously, browning the chicken is key! It adds such a rich flavor to the dish. If you skip this step, you might miss out on that deep, savory goodness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and quality parmesan cheese. They really elevate the dish and make the flavors pop!
• Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste before serving! Depending on your broth and cheese, you might want to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two batches instead of cramming everything in at once. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the dreaded “burn” notice!
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in some spinach or mushrooms before sealing the Instant Pot. They’ll cook down nicely and add even more flavor and nutrition!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress with your creamy, dreamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken. Happy cooking!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to increase the cooking time. When using frozen chicken, set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes instead of 10. And remember to add a few extra minutes for the pot to come to pressure. No one ever said love had to wait, right?

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, no worries! You can use fresh cherry tomatoes instead, just chop them up and toss them in. Another option is to use roasted red peppers; they’ll add a lovely sweetness and color to the dish. Just remember, whatever you choose, it’ll still be delicious!

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you’re looking to kick up the heat, there are a couple of delicious ways to do it! Adding some red pepper flakes is a quick and easy way to spice things up. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce when you’re adding the liquids. Just adjust to your taste—spice is all about personal preference!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can definitely double this recipe! Just make sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot. If you have a larger model, you can fit both batches in, but if it’s smaller, I recommend cooking in two separate batches. Also, the cooking time remains the same, so there’s no need to adjust it. You’ll have plenty of creamy goodness to share!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about what to do with any leftovers—if there are any! This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it again later. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

• Storage: Allow the chicken to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep that creamy sauce with it; it’s what makes the dish so amazing!
• Freezing: If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should last for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to label them with the date so you know when to use them!

Now, when it comes time to reheat, here’s what I recommend:

• Thawing: If you’ve frozen your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps maintain that lovely texture!
• Reheating on the Stove: For best results, gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Option: If you’re short on time, you can pop it in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe dish, cover it (to avoid splatters!), and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed to your liking.

And there you have it! With these tips, you can savor the creamy goodness of your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken even after the first meal. Enjoy every last bite!

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