Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

6 servings
Butter chicken is a flavorful chicken curry with heavenly aroma of the garam masala and fenugreek, in a creamy sauce with orangish hue from the red chili powder and turmeric

Ingredients

  • boneless skinless chicken thighs

    cut into 2-inch pieces

    2 lb
  • ghee
    2 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    finely chopped

    1 large
  • fresh ginger

    grated

    1 tbsp
  • fresh garlic

    minced

    1 tbsp
  • ground turmeric
    ½ tsp
  • Kashmiri red chili powder
    1 tbsp
  • plum tomatoes

    pureed

    3
  • unsweetened full fat coconut milk

    allow these to separate - DO NOT shake. Best if left in fridge overnight

    1 can
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • garam masala
    1 tsp
  • kasoori methi

    dried fenugreek leaves

    2 tbsp
  • sugar

    skip for paleo

    2 tsp
  • kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp
  • cilantro
    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Set Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat ghee. Add onions and salt. Cook until onions are soft and translucent for 2-3 minutes (with a glass lid on to speed this process)

  2. 2

    Add ginger, garlic, turmeric, and red chili powder. Mix well and cook until fragrant for 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Separate the coconut cream and water. Keep the coconut cream aside. Add half a cup of the watery portion of coconut milk and pureed tomatoes mixing with spices. Add chicken and stir well.

  4. 4

    Close the Instant Pot lid with steam release handle to sealing. Pressure cook for 8 minutes followed by quick release. (Note: If using chicken breasts, pressure cook for 5 minutes followed by 5 minutes of natural pressure release)

  5. 5

    Open the Instant Pot, stir in coconut cream, tomato paste, garam masala, fenugreek leaves, sugar, and half of the cilantro. Add more salt if needed.

  6. 6

    Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Cook without the lid to allow the curry to thicken for 5 minutes. If the sauce starts to splutter, adjust to Saute(Less).

  7. 7

    Garnish with remaining cilantro. Serve the butter chicken with Homemade Parathas and Basmati Rice or Cumin Rice and  Cucumber Raita. For a low-carb meal serve with Cauliflower Cumin Rice.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

35 min6 servings381 cal

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About this Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Craving a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful chicken curry but short on time? Our Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is here to save the day! This beloved Indian-inspired dish is transformed into a quick and easy weeknight delight, delivering all the authentic taste you love in just 35 minutes total time. Say goodbye to long simmering and hello to tender chicken swimming in a luxurious sauce.

What makes this butter chicken recipe truly special is the perfect harmony of spices and textures. Each bite offers the heavenly aroma of garam masala and the distinctive, slightly bitter notes of fenugreek (kasoori methi), all enrobed in a rich, creamy sauce. You'll notice its signature orangish hue, a result of vibrant red chili powder and earthy turmeric, ensuring your meal is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Our recipe cleverly uses full-fat coconut milk to achieve an unbelievably creamy texture without traditional dairy, making it a fantastic option for those looking for a dairy-free twist or simply a unique depth of flavor.

With juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked to perfection under pressure, this creamy chicken curry yields 6 generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Butter Chicken

  • Coconut Milk Magic: For the creamiest results, remember to use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk and avoid shaking the can. Letting it separate (or even chilling it overnight) helps achieve that rich, thick consistency for your sauce.
  • Flavor Builders: Don't skimp on the fresh ginger and garlic! These aromatic powerhouses lay the foundation for the complex flavors in your flavorful chicken dish.
  • Garnish for Glory: A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the richness of the curry beautifully.

Serve your exquisite Instant Pot Butter Chicken over fluffy basmati rice, with warm naan bread for dipping, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions