Introduction
This delicious chicken dish combines the flavors of tender chicken breasts with classic marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot, this recipe promises a satisfying meal served over spaghetti. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simplicity with rich flavors, making it a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
– 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 pound cooked spaghetti for serving (1 box)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Ensure the chicken breasts are thin. If needed, slice them in half to create thinner pieces or place them between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them thin.
Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Prepare the Coating
In a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Gently toss the bottom of the bag with your fingers to mix.
Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken to the bag, seal it, and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
Sauté the Chicken
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Once heated, sauté the chicken breasts for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. It’s best to do this in two batches, adding more oil if needed between batches. Remove the chicken from the pot.
Deglaze the Instant Pot
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Combine Sauces
Stir in the marinara sauce. Then, add the chicken back into the pot, covering each piece with sauce as best as you can.
Set Cooking Time
Press cancel and set the Instant Pot to cook for 8 minutes on the Manual setting.
Release Pressure
At the end of the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure manually.
Add Cheese
Remove the lid and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Place the lid back on for a couple of minutes until the cheese has melted.
Serve the Dish
Serve the chicken breasts on a bed of your favorite pasta.
Notes
Chicken Thickness
Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced for even cooking.
Sautéing in Batches
Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lead to uneven browning.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for different flavors.
Pasta Alternatives
Any pasta of your choice can be used as a base for the dish.
Storage Tips
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook techniques
Chicken Preparation
Ensure the chicken breasts are thin. If needed, slice them in half or pound them between parchment paper or plastic wrap.
Seasoning
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then coat them with a mixture of flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt for flavor.
Sautéing
Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot and sauté the chicken breasts until browned on both sides. It’s best to work in batches to ensure even cooking.
Deglazing
After sautéing, pour chicken broth into the pot and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to enhance the sauce flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Stir in marinara sauce after adding the broth, and then return the browned chicken to the pot, ensuring each piece is covered with sauce.
Pressure Cooking
Set the Instant Pot to cook on Manual for 8 minutes, allowing for a natural pressure release afterward for optimal moisture retention.
Cheese Melting
After cooking, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken and cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Serving
Serve the finished chicken breasts over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking, skin-on chicken can be used, but it may alter the cooking time and texture.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or water can be used as a substitute, though using broth will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Is it necessary to sauté the chicken first?
Sautéing the chicken adds flavor and a nice texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw chicken directly to the sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other types of cheese like provolone or gouda for different flavors.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Conclusion
This delicious dish of marinara chicken served over spaghetti brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
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