Easy Smoky Chicken and Cheesy Polenta Dinner – Quick Instant Pot Meal!
Dive into a southern-inspired dish with Gordon Ramsay's flair—Easy Smoky Chicken and Cheesy Polenta! In under 40 minutes, experience the taste of slow-cooked perfection made simple with your Instant Pot. Perfect for any weeknight indulgence!
4
20
minutes650
kcal5
minutes35
minutesDive into a southern-inspired dish with Gordon Ramsay's flair—Easy Smoky Chicken and Cheesy Polenta! In under 40 minutes, experience the taste of slow-cooked perfection made simple with your Instant Pot. Perfect for any weeknight indulgence!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
3 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup finely chopped canned tomatoes
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small pieces
1 cup barbecue sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Alternative Ingredients
Chicken thighs can be replaced with bone-in chicken breasts.
Canned tomatoes can be substituted with fresh diced tomatoes.
Polenta can be replaced with grits for a more traditional Southern texture.
Directions
- Preparing ingredients – Place the chopped canned tomatoes at the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Add minced garlic over the tomatoes. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Layering the dish – Arrange chicken thighs on top of the tomato base. Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cooking polenta – In a separate bowl, mix polenta with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture into a metal or heat-safe glass container that fits inside the Instant Pot. Place this container above the chicken using an aluminum foil trivet.
- Initiating cooking process – Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a quick release of the pressure according to the Instant Pot manual.
- Final touches – Remove the polenta container, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serving – Carefully remove chicken and tomato base from the Instant Pot. Serve hot alongside the cheesy polenta.
Equipment
- instant pot
- cutting board
- chef's knife
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 650kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 55g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Potassium: 540mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 15mg
- Iron: 20mg
