The Easiest Weeknight Dinner You’ll Ever Make
Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s on the table in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Instant Pot Marinara and Cheese Stewed Chicken is the definition of weeknight magic. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich marinara sauce, all blanketed under a glorious layer of melted cheese. It’s a low-carb, high-flavor dish that feels indulgent but is secretly one of the simplest recipes you’ll ever make. Just dump, set, and get ready to fall in love!
Ingredients
• 1 ½ pounds / 680g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 15 ounces / 444ml chicken broth
• 8 ounces / 225g Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 15 ounces / 425g keto-friendly marinara sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions1. Combine : Place the cubed chicken, chicken broth, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine everything.2. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and turn the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the timer for 15 minutes on HIGH pressure.3. Release the Pressure: When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Wait for the float valve to drop completely before opening the lid.4. Melt the Cheese: Stir the shredded cheese into the hot chicken mixture until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition FactsPer Serving: Calories 270 | Total Fats 17g | Net Carbs 2g | Protein 21.5g | Fiber 3g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function to brown the chicken cubes in a little olive oil before adding the other .
• Create a gourmet cheese blend by mixing Monterey Jack with mozzarella for extra stretch and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a nutty kick.
• Serve this versatile dish over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli to keep it low-carb.
• Sneak in extra nutrients by stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end, allowing it to wilt into the hot sauce before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe
A: Yes, this recipe works perfectly with either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Ensure they are cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Q: Is this Instant Pot chicken recipe keto-friendly
A: Absolutely! With just 2g of net carbs per serving and the use of a keto-friendly marinara sauce, this dish is an excellent choice for a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Q: What can I serve with this marinara chicken
A: To keep the meal low-carb, serve this cheesy chicken over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
Q: How can I make the flavor of this dish even richer
A: For a deeper flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot to brown the chicken cubes in olive oil before adding the sauce and broth. You can also use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a more complex taste.
