Steam curls up from the valve and your stomach starts talking back. You remember that smell, that kinda warm hug feeling when dinner's almost ready. The float valve has popped up and you know it is time to do a quick release or sometimes a slow release. It's all partta the fun when you're cookin in your pressure cooker.

You catch the sound of bubbling inside the pot and you start kinda salivatin. This is where dinner’s gonna get all tender and packed with flavor. The steam cues tell you this is working real good, even without watchin every minute. It’s like a little countdown to deliciousness.
As you open that lid, a rush of scents hits ya. Garlic, herbs, a rich creamy sauce—you just know you’re in for a treat tonight. You got the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, but hey, it’s not alone. White Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Ground Beef and Gravy, Angel Chicken, and more all wait for you to try out.
What Makes Pressure Cooking Win Every Round
- Pressure cookers lock in steam so food cooks faster than regular pots do.
- They keep flavors deep inside the pot, making meals super rich and tasty.
- You get the tenderest meats without hours of babysitting the stove.
- Pressure cookers do the work for ya, freeing you up to do other stuff.
- Steam cues and float valves tell you when things are just right, so no worries.
- They use less water, which means nutrients stay in your food fresh and full.
- Slow release or natural release helps you keep texture perfect, especially for delicate dishes.
What Goes Into the Pot Today
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

These ingredients all come together to build a creamy, garlicky sauce loaded with herbs. Chicken breasts get seasoned real good before searing to lock in the juices. The sauce thickens up a bit with the cornstarch and hits all the right savory notes. Don't skip on that fresh basil at the end—it makes the dish pop in a fresh way.
How It All Comes Together Step by Step
- Season your chicken breasts well with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This gives the meat good flavor right from the start.
- Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want the fat hot enough to sear the chicken but not burn.
- Sear the chicken breasts on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see that golden crust. Don't cook 'em through here—you’re just locking in juices.
- Transfer the chicken over to your crockpot or pressure cooker insert.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. This helps thicken your sauce with no lumps.
- Pour that mixture right over the chicken, then add the heavy cream. Stir gently so the cream blends in nice and smooth without splashing your pot.
- Cover your cooker and set it to low for about 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender. When it’s done, you do a slow release if you got the time, or quick release when you’re hungry fast.
Simple steps, huh? The slow release lets the flavors deepen and keeps everything moist. You remember to watch the float valve pop up? That little guy tells ya the pressure’s built and cooking is happening inside.
Smart Shortcuts for Busy Days
- Season chicken ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then just sear and cook when you’re ready.
- Use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste to save chopping time and still get that garlic goodness.
- Swap out fresh basil for dried Italian seasoning if you’re running low on herbs.
- Do a quick release instead of natural release when you need dinner in a hurry. Just watch out for steam! Always use a kitchen cloth or tool for safety.
These small tricks help you get dinner on the table without fuss. You still get those flavors that feel home-cooked, but the prep doesn’t eat up your evening.
What It Tastes Like Fresh From the Pot
When you dish out this chicken it’s creamy and rich, with garlic and herbs dancing on your tongue. The sauce wraps around the tender chicken so perfectly you’re gonna wanna sop up every drop with bread or rice.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy little burst of flavor that surprises you in a good way. It’s a nice contrast to the smooth sauce and brings some depth to the whole dish.
Fresh basil at the end keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s like a fresh little breeze in the sauce that makes every bite feel balanced and just right. You catch that? The cauliflower got nothing on this kind of flavor pop.
Smart Storage That Actually Works
- Fridge: Let the chicken cool to room temp, then store in an airtight container. It keeps like this for about 3-4 days tops. Reheat gently so sauce doesn’t break.
- Freezer: This sauce and chicken freeze pretty well. Portion out in freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheatin slow to keep cream from curdlin.
- Separate components: You can freeze chicken and sauce separately if you wanna be smart. Then when reheatin, mix together for that fresh-from-the-pot vibe.
Following these tips means less food waste and more tasty leftovers to grab on busy days. You gotta plan right and your freezer can become your best kitchen buddy.
Everything Else You Wondered About
- Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Sure can. Thighs stay super juicy and might take slightly longer to cook. Adjust your time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Q2: What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with half and half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Just know the sauce might get a little lighter in texture.
- Q3: How do I know when the float valve pops up? The float valve is a little pin that rises when pressure hits. When it pops up, it means your cooker is sealed and working. It's your steam cue to keep calm.
- Q4: Why sear the chicken first? Searing locks in moisture and builds flavor with that brown crust. It’s worth the extra step to keep chicken juicy inside.
- Q5: Can I double this recipe? You can, but make sure not to fill your pot more than ⅔ full to keep pressure working right. Might need to increase cook time a bit.
- Q6: What is slow release vs quick release? Slow release means letting pressure come down naturally over time. Quick release is using the valve to drop pressure fast. Both got their place depending on how you want your food texture.

For more comforting dishes that bring homey vibes, check out our Classic Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa, perfect for busy weeknights, or our Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives that’s great for parties and quick appetizers. Looking for something unique? Try our Coyote Droppings Caramelized Cheetos Recipe for a sweet and savory snack twist.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken and More: Pressure Cooker Goodness
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- Season your chicken breasts well with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat to sear the chicken on both sides until golden, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared chicken to your crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the broth mixture over chicken, then add the heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is tender. Do a quick or natural release after pressure build.
- Remove chicken, whisk in parmesan, return chicken, top with basil, and serve warm.



