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    Instant Pot Chicken Marinara With Polenta

    September 17, 2024

    Our Instant Pot chicken marinara recipe is a simple equation for an easy, satisfying dinner that goes something like this: chicken thighs + a jar of marinara sauce = dinner’s done.

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    Shredded chicken thighs covered with marinara over polenta in a bowl with fresh basil

    More Instant Pot Recipes, Please!

    Once you go Instant Pot, there’s just no going back, is there? Especially when it comes to making chicken for dinner, the Instant Pot has made our lives so much easier. This stupid-easy chicken marinara recipe, which has only three ingredients, would be fast even without an Instant Pot. But the recipe and Instant Pot combine to make a dinner that’s so basic and brainless, we barely have words for how do-able this meal is. For more chicken and marinara goodness, try our easy Chicken Parmesan!

    raw chicken thighs on parchment paper next to polenta, marinara, salt and chicken stock
    chicken thighs and marinara in an instant pot
    chicken stock and polenta in a pot
    cooked polenta in a small pot with a wooden spoon

    Three Ingredients, You Say?

    Yep! The recipe for chicken marinara is basically not-so-hidden in the name itself. To make it, you’ll just need:

    • Chicken. Skinless chicken thighs are best for this. They’re nice and moist, but they also
    • Marinara.
    • A little salt.
    boneless skinless chicken thighs in an instant pot with marinara
    shredded chicken thighs in marinara in an instant pot

    How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Marinara

    Plug in that Instant Pot and carve out 20 minutes—dinner’s almost ready.

    1. Dump the salted chicken thighs and tomato sauce into your Instant Pot.
    2. Cook on high for 5 minutes.
    3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
    4. Shred the chicken thighs in the sauce, and serve!
    shredded chicken thigh meat cooked in marinara sauce in an instant pot.

    What To Serve With Instant Pot Chicken Marinara

    For us, serving the juicy, shredded marinara chicken thighs over a comforting bed of polenta is the end all and be all. Major, soul-soothing pay off for very little effort. However, it’s good with a lot of things. If polenta isn’t your thing, try tossing the chicken marinara with your favorite pasta, or serve with an array of roasted vegetables for a low-carb, easy dinner.

    shredded chicken thighs in marinara sauce over creamy polenta in a bowl

    Tools You’ll Need:

    More Super-Fast Chicken Recipes

    That feeling when someone in the house asks “What’s for dinner?” and you realize you don’t have an answer. These recipes are for that moment. Basic ingredients and quick prep—they swoop in and save the day, every time.

    shredded chicken thighs in marinara sauce over creamy polenta in a bowl
    shredded chicken thighs in marinara sauce over creamy polenta in a bowl

    A New Kind Of Instant Dinner

    Homemade dinner in just a few minutes. Not only is this chicken marinara recipe crazy fast, it’s super budget-friendly, too. We love how, when cooking dinner isn’t a big stress, we get to put our focus on what a family meal is all about—the faces around the table. We hope this Instant Pot recipe is a hit for you. If you make it, let us know how it turns out! Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!

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    Instant Pot Chicken Marinara With Polenta

    Updated on September 17, 2024

    • Serves:  6
    • Prep Time:  5 min
    • Cook Time:  25 min
    • Calories:  485
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    Ingredients

    • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, (2 pounds)
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt
    • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, (see notes)
    • 4 cups chicken stock
    • 1 cup stone-ground polenta
    • Flat leaf parsley, for serving (optional)

    Method

    1. Sprinkle the chicken thighs all over with 1 teaspoon salt. Add the chicken thighs and marinara to a 6 quart Instant Pot, stir to combine.

    2. Secure the lid. Choose Pressure Cook on HIGH for 5 minutes.

    3. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before flipping the valve and releasing the remaining pressure.

    4. Meanwhile, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Whisk in the polenta, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the polenta is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes (see Note 2)

    5. Using two forks, shred the chicken in the tomato sauce. Divide the polenta into 6 bowls. Serve the chicken and sauce over the polenta, sprinkled with parsley, if using.

    Notes:

    1. If your marinara is thick, add ¼ cup water to prevent a Burn Error on the Instant Pot.

    2. Polenta will thicken as it sits. If you are not serving it immediately, you can reheat it gently over low heat. Whisking in a little more chicken stock, water or olive oil will make it smooth and creamy again.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 485
    • Protein 48 g
    • Carbohydrates 36 g
    • Total Fat 14 g
    • Dietary Fiber 3 g
    • Cholesterol 137 mg
    • sodium 1880 mg
    • Total Sugars 10 g

    Instant Pot Chicken Marinara With Polenta

    Questions & Reviews

    Join the discussion below.

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    • David

      This was fast and tasty but quite watery. Is the solution to just dial back the amount of marinara I put in, or look for a better brand?

      Possibly look for a better brand. The instant pot does produce a lot of liquid, but it isn't usually watery. Sorry about that.

    • Pat

      Cook the chicken for 5 minutes?

      Have you ever used an instant pot? The chicken is actually in there for more than 5 minutes because it takes time to come to pressure, cook and then release pressure. But yes, you set the timer on the Instant pot for 5 minutes.

    • Pattie

      Would this work in a crock pot?

      You can make the chicken in a slow cooker!

    • Erin

      Tried to follow the instructions but ended up shortening cooking time as my instructions gave a food burn notification and indeed it was a bit crispy. What am I doing wrong? 😕

      Depending on how thick your marinara is, you might need to add a little water to avoid the burn notification.

    • jackie

      Hi girls! Wondering if it is possible to make this recipe without an instapot? Love your recipes!
      I am Emily Knox's Aunt Jackie :) luck me

      Hi! yes, lucky you. Yes, what I would do honestly is pick up a rotisserie chicken. I would shred it and simmer the sauce on the stove. Then I would just make a pot of polenta. Serve it all together. Take care.

    • Margaret

      Such a simple concept but so very good! I did 3/4 of a recipe for my small family but should have done more for leftovers. Definitely going on the rotation for fall and winter! PS LOVE the cookbook!

      Thanks so much Margaret! We are so happy this is going in to your rotation and EVEN HAPPIER to hear you are loving the book!

    • Kirsten

      This is one of our family's go to favorites. So easy on a school/work night. Absolutely hits the spot every time.

      Thank you Kirsten that is so great to hear! We are so glad the whole family loves it!

    • LeeAnn

      For a quick and easy recipe, this was perfect. The chicken turned out tender and was cooked perfectly. I did add Parmesan to the polenta, and a little shredded mozzarella on top of all. I served this with simple green beans and hot bread. Quick and easy! I would say that start to finish was about an hour, but plenty of down time in the middle. Thanks for a tasty recipe!

      You're so welcome LeeAnn, we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

    • Michelle

      Is there any way to avoid the "burn" alert on the instant pot while cooking this recipe? Am I the only one who has had this issue?

      I've never had that pop up. No one has ever commented with that issue. I am so sorry that happens for you.

    • Ashley

      I haven't tried it yet, I will tonight, but I just want to say that I come to the internet and put in search queries such as "quick chicken dinner" and NEVER GET SOMETHING QUICK and when I saw this recipe I wanted to cry. I asked for quick, and this is indeed the quickest Instant Pot recipe I have ever seen. I asked for chicken thighs and tomato sauce, and that's exactly what you gave me. You are my savior and I am so happy this exists! I will be back tomorrow after I try it tonight.

      I hope you enjoyed it!