The Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Marinara With Polenta Recipe: Easy, Satisfying Dinner Done!

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow fans of dinners that are both incredibly delicious AND ridiculously easy! Are you ready for a recipe that basically defines “weeknight lifesaver”? Then you absolutely must try my Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Marinara with Polenta recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those “chicken thighs + a jar of marinara sauce = dinner’s done” kind of magical meals!

Imagine tender, succulent chicken thighs, pressure-cooked to fall-apart perfection in a rich, savory marinara sauce, then shredded and served over a bed of unbelievably creamy, dreamy polenta. This easy instant pot chicken marinara with polenta is the epitome of comfort food made simple. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with flavor and making it incredibly tender in a fraction of the time. This is how you get a quick shredded chicken marinara instant pot meal on the table fast!

My love for this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe stems from its sheer simplicity and consistently delicious results. It’s one of the best instant pot chicken thighs marinara sauce dishes because the thighs stay so moist and flavorful. And when paired with a luscious creamy polenta with chicken marinara recipe, it’s a complete, satisfying meal that feels both rustic and a little bit special. We’ll cover exactly how to make chicken marinara in instant pot perfection.

So, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s high on flavor but low on effort, a dish that will warm you from the inside out, then this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe is calling your name. Let’s get that Instant Pot fired up!

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Marinara & Polenta is a Weeknight Hero

If the promise of “dinner’s done” with minimal fuss isn’t enough, here’s why this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe will become your new favorite:

• Incredibly Easy & Quick: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish comes together with minimal hands-on time. Truly an easy instant pot chicken marinara with polenta solution!
• Fall-Apart Tender Chicken: The pressure cooker makes the chicken thighs unbelievably tender and easy to shred.
• Rich & Flavorful Marinara: Using a good quality jarred marinara sauce as a base, enhanced by the chicken juices, creates a deeply savory sauce.
• Creamy Polenta Perfection: Soft, creamy polenta is the ideal comforting base to soak up all that delicious marinara. This elevates the creamy polenta with chicken marinara recipe.
• Satisfying & Comforting: This is hearty, soul-warming food that will leave everyone feeling happy and content.
• Minimal Cleanup: Often, the chicken and sauce can be made right in the Instant Pot liner.
• Versatile: While amazing with polenta, the shredded chicken marinara is also great over pasta, rice, in sandwiches, or even on pizza!

Gather Your Simple & Satisfying Ingredients

Let’s get our delicious components ready for this effortless Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe.

Key Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 1.5 – 2 lbs. Thighs stay more moist in the Instant Pot, but breasts can be used (may need slightly less cook time).
• Jarred Marinara Sauce (Good Quality): 1 (24-26 ounce) jar. Choose your favorite brand and flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for searing chicken).
• Yellow Onion (Optional): 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic (Optional): 2-3 cloves, minced.
• Dried Italian Herb Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ – ½ teaspoon, for a hint of spice.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Fresh Polenta (Quick-Cooking or Traditional): 1 cup dry polenta (plus liquid according to package – usually 4 cups water, broth, or milk).
• Butter & Parmesan Cheese (for Polenta, Optional): 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup grated Parmesan.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish, chopped.

Effortless Cooking: Your Instant Pot Chicken Marinara & Polenta Guide

Let’s make this incredibly satisfying Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe!

Step 1: Prepare & Season the Chicken (Optional Searing)

1. Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
2. Optional Sear (for extra flavor): If desired, set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on High. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, carefully sear the chicken thighs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step is optional for this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe but adds depth. Remove chicken and set aside.
   • If you added chopped onion, you can sauté it now in the pot for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze with a splash of broth if needed.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Chicken Marinara

1. Layer Ingredients: If you didn’t sauté onions/garlic, you can skip this or just add them raw. Pour about ½ cup of the marinara sauce (or chicken broth) into the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. This helps prevent a “burn” notice.
   Place the seasoned (and seared, if done) chicken thighs into the Instant Pot. Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
2. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function and set the timer for 10-12 minutes on High Pressure for boneless, skinless thighs (if using bone-in, add a few minutes; if using breasts, you might reduce to 8-10 minutes).
3. Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes of NPR, you can carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. This patience ensures the best instant pot chicken thighs marinara sauce results with tender chicken.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Prepare Polenta

1. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the Instant Pot and place them on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should be very tender and shred easily. This is key for a great quick shredded chicken marinara instant pot dish.
2. Return Chicken to Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the marinara sauce remaining in the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, you can stir in a little hot water or chicken broth. Keep warm on the “Keep Warm” setting while you make the polenta.
3. Cook Polenta: Prepare the polenta according to the package directions. Typically, this involves bringing water, broth, or milk to a boil, then slowly whisking in the dry polenta. Reduce heat and cook, whisking frequently, until creamy and thickened (about 5 minutes for quick-cooking, or 20-30 minutes for traditional, stirring often).
4. Finish Polenta (Optional): Once cooked, stir in the optional 2 tablespoons of butter and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the polenta for extra richness and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This makes for a delicious creamy polenta with chicken marinara recipe.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve Your Comforting Meal

1. Serve Polenta: Spoon a generous helping of the creamy polenta into individual serving bowls.
2. Top with Chicken Marinara: Ladle a hearty portion of the shredded Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe over the polenta.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Add an extra grating of Parmesan cheese if desired.
4. Enjoy Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly satisfying and easy instant pot chicken marinara with polenta!

Wise Tips for Instant Pot & Polenta Perfection

Make your Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe flawless with these tips:

• Don’t Skip NPR (Natural Pressure Release) for Chicken: Allowing at least 10 minutes of NPR helps keep the chicken thighs incredibly tender and juicy.
• Layering to Prevent Burn Notice: Adding a bit of liquid (sauce or broth) to the bottom of the Instant Pot before the chicken can help prevent the dreaded “burn” message, especially with thicker marinara sauces.
• Quality Jarred Marinara: Since the marinara is a key flavor component, use a brand and flavor you genuinely enjoy. You’re building on its goodness for this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe.
• Whisk Polenta Continuously (Initially): When adding dry polenta to hot liquid, whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Then, stir frequently as it cooks.
• Adjust Polenta Consistency: If your polenta gets too thick as it sits, whisk in a little more hot water, broth, or milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
• Chicken Thighs for the Win: While breasts work, chicken thighs are more forgiving in the Instant Pot and tend to stay more moist and flavorful for this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe.

Delicious Variations & Serving Ideas

This Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe is wonderfully versatile:

• Spicy Marinara: Use an arrabbiata marinara sauce or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Add Veggies to Marinara: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini in the Instant Pot before adding the chicken and sauce for extra nutrients.
• Cheesy Polenta: Stir in more Parmesan, or even some Gruyere or Fontina, into your polenta for an ultra-cheesy base.
• Serving Alternatives:
  • Over Pasta: The shredded chicken marinara is fantastic over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
  • In Sandwiches: Pile the saucy shredded chicken onto crusty rolls for delicious Italian-style chicken sandwiches.
  • With Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve over sautéed zucchini noodles.
  • As a “Bowl”: Create a quick shredded chicken marinara instant pot bowl with roasted vegetables and a dollop of ricotta.

Storing & Reheating Your Comfort Meal

Enjoying your Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe leftovers:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken marinara and polenta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating:
  • Chicken Marinara: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • Polenta: Polenta will firm up considerably when chilled. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, whisking in a little milk, broth, or water until smooth and creamy again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Instant Pot Chicken Marinara Recipe

Your common questions about this easy and delicious dish:

1. Can I use frozen chicken thighs in the Instant Pot for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. You’ll likely need to increase the pressure cooking time by about 5-7 minutes (so 15-18 minutes total on High Pressure). Searing frozen chicken isn’t recommended.
2. What if I get a “burn” notice on my Instant Pot?
   This can sometimes happen with tomato-based sauces. To prevent it: make sure there’s enough thin liquid at the bottom of the pot before adding thicker sauce components (that’s why adding ½ cup sauce or broth first helps). Scrape the bottom well if you sear anything. If it happens, turn off the Instant Pot, quick release any pressure, open, stir well (scraping the bottom), add a little more thin liquid if needed, and try again.
3. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used. They cook a bit faster, so reduce the pressure cooking time to 8-10 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release. They may not be quite as fall-apart tender as thighs but will still be delicious.
4. What kind of polenta is best? Quick-cooking or traditional?
   Either works! Quick-cooking (or “instant”) polenta is ready in about 5 minutes and is great for weeknights. Traditional stone-ground polenta takes longer (20-40 minutes) but often has a deeper corn flavor and creamier texture. Use what you prefer for your creamy polenta with chicken marinara recipe.
5. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
   Absolutely! You can make the chicken marinara in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop. Sear the chicken, remove. Sauté onions/garlic if using. Add marinara and seasonings, bring to a simmer. Return chicken, cover, and simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, or until chicken is tender enough to shred. Cook polenta separately.

This Instant Pot Chicken Marinara with Polenta recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights when you’re craving something deeply comforting and flavorful without the fuss. The easy instant pot chicken marinara with polenta comes together so effortlessly, and the best instant pot chicken thighs marinara sauce yields incredibly tender results. This dish proves that a satisfying, “dinner’s done” moment is always within reach.

I am so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the simple joy it brings! If you make this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara recipe, please come back and tell me how it turned out in the comments below. Did you add any unique touches? Happy cooking!