Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Discover a quick, flavorful Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. This creamy, rich dish delivers authentic Indian flavors without hours of prep, making it a fantastic option for anyone craving comfort food that’s ready in minutes. With tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with spices and butter, the Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules and last-minute cravings.
• Authentic flavor: Blends classic Indian spices with creamy tomato sauce for a restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Minimal cleanup: One-pot cooking keeps your kitchen mess-free and your time to relax longer.
• Family-friendly: Mildly spiced yet richly flavored, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Easily adjusted for dietary preferences or ingredient availability without losing its charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Instant Pot Butter Chicken lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, giving the dish its creamy texture, vibrant color, and balanced aroma.

• Chicken thighs: Preferably boneless and skinless for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Butter: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the sauce, essential for that silky finish.
• Tomato puree: Forms the base with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Heavy cream: Balances spices and enhances the creamy texture.
• Garam masala: A spice blend critical for the authentic Indian profile, bringing warmth and depth.
• Garlic and ginger paste: Provides fresh, zesty undertones that brighten the overall flavor.
• Onion: Sautéed until golden to create a flavorful foundation.
• Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and vibrant color, adjustable to taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the spices.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional garnish for a lively finish and fresh herbal notes.

Variations for Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Whether you’re tailoring it for dietary reasons or just want to shake things up, here are some tasty options to customize your Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

• Use chicken breast: Swap thighs for breast if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
• Dairy-free version: Replace butter with ghee or coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, creamy alternative.
• Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost and color.
• Spice it up: Increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper for a bolder, hotter flavor punch.
• Make it vegan: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken, with dairy-free substitutes to retain the creamy sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and melt butter. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger paste, cooking until golden and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 2: Add spices and tomato puree

Sprinkle in garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring for about a minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato puree and stir well, allowing the spices to meld with the tomato’s natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add chicken and pressure cook

Place the chicken thighs into the pot, coating them in the sauce. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken turns tender and infused with the rich, spiced sauce.

Step 4: Release pressure and add cream

Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick release. Open the lid carefully, then stir in heavy cream to create the signature creamy texture that defines Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

Step 5: Final simmer and adjust seasoning

Switch the sauté function back on for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional spices if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken

• Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor: If time allows, bone-in pieces add richness to the broth and sauce.
• Brown your chicken first: Quickly sear the chicken before pressure cooking for enhanced texture and taste.
• Don’t skip the sauté step: Cooking the onions and spices before adding liquid intensifies the aroma and flavor.
• Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld further before serving.
• Adjust creaminess: Add more or less heavy cream depending on your preferred sauce consistency.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Finish with chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of garam masala to highlight the dish’s vibrant flavors and add a fresh, herbal contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve with steamed basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option — each pairing perfectly soaks up the creamy, spiced sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the butter chicken over a bed of coconut-infused rice sprinkled with toasted cashews, or serve it alongside a crisp cucumber raita to balance its richness and create a restaurant-style experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Instant Pot Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the flavors deepen and the texture remains tender.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked dish in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain taste and texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, but it requires careful cooking to avoid drying out; reduce pressure cooking time slightly and monitor texture closely.

Is Instant Pot Butter Chicken spicy?

This recipe is generally mild but flavorful, and you can easily control the heat by adjusting chili powder or adding extra spices according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with ghee or vegetable oil and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or other non-dairy alternatives for a dairy-free yet creamy dish.

How do I thicken the sauce if it feels too watery?

Simmer the sauce on sauté mode for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gradually until thickened.

Can I double this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, but keep the pot at no more than two-thirds full to ensure proper pressure cooking; you may need to increase cooking time slightly for larger quantities.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is truly a lifesaver for busy nights when you want comforting, flavorful food without the fuss. Its richness and authentic taste make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to dinner that feels like a special treat any day of the week!

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• Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

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