Instant Pot Chicken Marinara With Polenta

                      Instant Pot Chicken Marinara With Polenta

Instant Pot Chicken Marinara with Polenta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken in a flavorful marinara sauce with creamy polenta. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinara:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Polenta:

• 1 cup cornmeal or polenta
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

2. 
   

3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the Instant Pot and brown it on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.

4. 
   

5. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken, and add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.

6. 
   

7. Cancel the "Sauté" mode and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode and cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes for chicken thighs or 8-10 minutes for chicken breasts, depending on their thickness. Make sure the valve is in the "Sealing" position.

8. 
   

9. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the polenta. In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal or polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

10. 
    

11. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the polenta, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until it thickens and becomes creamy.

12. 
    

13. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and unsalted butter into the polenta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

14. 
    

15. Once the chicken is done cooking in the Instant Pot, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to "Venting."

16. 
    

17. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.

18. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir it into the marinara sauce.

Serving:

To serve, spoon the creamy polenta onto individual plates or bowls. Top the polenta with the chicken marinara mixture. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired.

Enjoy this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Marinara with Polenta for a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love