Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken
A quick and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy, tangy sauce with sundried tomatoes and Parmesan, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying weeknight cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1½ lb total) Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred; drain and reserve oil) If dry-packed, soak briefly in warm water or olive oil to rehydrate.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or baby spinach)
- 1 cup heavy cream For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Use Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Remember that Parmesan is salty; adjust as needed.
Instructions
Preparation
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat the olive oil until shimmering.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the pot. Brown each side for 3–4 minutes.
- Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and fresh spinach around the chicken.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan across the top. Stir slightly to blend the ingredients but keep the chicken mostly on top.
Cooking
- Close the lid and seal the valve. Set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
- When the timer ends, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C). If needed, set to Sauté and simmer the sauce briefly to thicken.
Serving
- Serve hot, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken.
Notes
To make a thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering sauce for 1–2 minutes. Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate in an airtight container. Use within 3–4 days.