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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken
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A quick and flavorful Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe that delivers authentic Indian flavors with tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting, restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the aromatics – Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion along with garlic and ginger paste. Cook until golden and fragrant, building a flavorful base for the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Add spices and tomato puree – Sprinkle in garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for about a minute to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato puree and stir well, allowing the spices to blend with the natural sweetness of the tomato.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken and pressure cook – Place the chicken thighs into the pot, coating them well with the sauce. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is tender and infused with the spiced sauce.
  4. Step 4: Release pressure and add cream – Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid carefully and stir in the heavy cream to create the signature creamy texture.
  5. Step 5: Final simmer and adjust seasoning – Switch the Instant Pot to sauté again for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken pieces for a deeper, richer flavor if time permits.
  • For enhanced texture, brown the chicken thighs before pressure cooking.
  • Don’t skip sautéing the onions and spices to maximize aroma and flavor.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld further.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Butter Chicken, Indian Recipe, Quick Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Creamy Chicken, Garam Masala

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/instant-pot-butter-chicken/