Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala. A healthy, easy version of authentic Indian chicken tikka masala made quick in the pressure cooker. Not too spicy, ultra creamy, filled with flavor, and great leftover too!

Ingredients

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts

    cut into bite-size pieces

    2 lb
  • kosher salt

    divided

    1 ½ tsp
  • unsalted butter

    or coconut oil, ghee, or extra-virgin olive oil...i do think the butter is worth it here!

    1 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    finely chopped

    1 small
  • cloves garlic)

    minced (about 1 tablespoon

    3 large
  • minced fresh ginger
    1 tbsp
  • garam masala
    1 tbsp
  • ground chili powder
    1 tsp
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • ground turmeric
    1 tsp
  • ground cayenne

    use more if you like the dish spicy

    ¼ tsp
  • no salt added tomato sauce)

    (8 ounces

    1 can
  • light coconut milk)

    (14 ounces

    1 can
  • frozen peas
    ¾ c
  • plain nonfat greek yogurt
    ½ c
  • prepared brown rice

    or naan, for serving

  • fresh cilantro

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add the butter to an Instant Pot and set to SAUTE. Once melted, add the onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and the spices are very fragrant, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the chicken pieces, stir to coat with the spices and onion, and cook, stirring often,  just until the outsides start to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. Vent to immediately release the pressure.

  4. 4

    Uncover and stir in the coconut milk. Turn the Instant Pot back to SAUTE. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the Instant Pot off, and then stir in the peas. Let cool for 3 to 4 minutes, and then stir in the Greek yogurt (do not stir in the Greek yogurt right away or it may curdle). Enjoy warm with rice or naan and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

355 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the rich, aromatic flavors of chicken tikka masala but short on time? This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings the authentic taste of your favorite Indian dish right to your table, made quick and easy in your pressure cooker. You'll love how effortlessly this recipe delivers a healthy and flavorful meal. The Instant Pot transforms chicken breasts into tender, juicy pieces, perfectly infused with spices, and creates an ultra-creamy sauce that tastes like it simmered all day, without the fuss. Prepare for a culinary journey with every spoonful. This healthy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala offers a harmonious blend of savory spices—garam masala, cumin, and turmeric—balanced by the sweetness of tomato and the richness of light coconut milk and Greek yogurt. It's not overly spicy, making it a family-friendly favorite, yet you can easily adjust the cayenne to your preference. Each serving comes in at a lean 355 calories, making it a fantastic, guilt-free main course. The chicken is incredibly tender, swimming in an ultra-creamy, deeply flavored sauce that only gets better the next day. Feel free to tailor this dish to your pantry and palate. While butter is recommended for richness, you can easily swap it for coconut oil, ghee, or extra-virgin olive oil. If you prefer more heat, don't hesitate to increase the ground cayenne to your liking. For a vegetarian take, consider adding chickpeas or extra vegetables in place of the chicken, though the recipe specifically calls for chicken breasts. This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests. Serve it warm alongside fluffy brown rice or with warm naan bread, and garnish generously with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.

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