Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

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If you’ve ever yearned for a meal that’s bursting with rich, creamy flavor yet comes together effortlessly, then you absolutely have to try this Instant Pot Butter Chicken. This recipe transforms tender, juicy chicken into a luscious, spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce that’s nothing short of magical. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing any of the mouthwatering depth that makes butter chicken a beloved classic—so you get dinner on the table faster, with all the heartiness and warmth you crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Butter Chicken plays a vital role, bringing together a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Whether it’s the golden ghee for richness or the vibrant spices that create signature warmth, these essentials make this dish sing with authentic flavor.

• Ghee (2 tablespoons): Adds a nutty richness that sets the perfect base for sautéing your aromatics.
• White onion, diced (½): Provides a subtle sweetness and soft texture when cooked down.
• Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Brings a fragrant punch that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, warm spiciness that brightens the dish beautifully.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (2 pounds): The star protein that soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly.
• Tomato sauce (14 ounces): Creates a rich, tangy base that balances the creamy coconut and spices.
• Full fat coconut milk, unsweetened (13.5 ounces): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without heaviness.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds fresh acidity to lift and brighten the robust flavors.
• Garam masala (2 tablespoons): A fragrant spice blend that delivers warmth and complexity.
• Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Infuses a slightly smoky depth without overpowering.
• Turmeric (2 teaspoons): Gives a beautiful golden color and gentle earthiness.
• Coriander (1.5 teaspoons): Adds a subtle citrus note to balance the spices.
• Cumin (1.5 teaspoons): Offers a warm, nutty undertone essential in Indian cooking.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the dish.
• Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings just the right amount of gentle heat.
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Introduces a hint of sweet warmth that’s unexpectedly delightful.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of spice that complements the other aromatics.
• Cilantro (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal finish to brighten each bite.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and melting the ghee until it shimmers. Toss in your minced garlic, ginger, and diced onion, letting them cook for about three minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. This foundational step unlocks the fragrant secrets of the dish, infusing the oil with bold, savory goodness that’ll shine through every bite.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices

Next, stir in the diced chicken pieces along with the tomato sauce, creamy coconut milk, and zesty lemon juice. Sprinkle in all the spices—garam masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, chili powder, cinnamon, and black pepper—and stir thoroughly. This mixture is where the magic happens, as the chicken soaks up the vibrant, warmly spiced sauce that defines Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Seal the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken becomes tender and juicy. When the timer beeps, quickly release the pressure to stop cooking, locking in all that incredible flavor and ensuring your chicken stays moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh garnish! Sprinkle chopped cilantro generously over the dish just before serving. It adds a bright, herbal note that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness, making each mouthful feel vibrant and fresh.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken shines when paired with fluffy basmati rice or vibrant cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed cauliflower also complement the dish beautifully, soaking up every last bit of sauce and balancing out the hearty spices with mild, comforting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your butter chicken in mini copper bowls or rustic earthenware, garnished with a swirl of coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted fenugreek leaves if you have them. For a fun twist, transform it into a butter chicken wrap using warm naan or use the sauce as a dipping sauce alongside crispy flatbread for sharing at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making it an ideal recipe to prep in advance for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Just portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label them, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover butter chicken gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the sauce regain its creamy texture. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk can help if the sauce has thickened too much. This way, you’ll enjoy that fresh-from-the-Instant-Pot taste every time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving and remain juicy and tender when cooked under pressure, so feel free to swap them in for a slightly richer flavor and texture.

Is coconut milk necessary in this recipe?

Coconut milk provides a creamy, dairy-free alternative that gives this recipe a luxurious texture while balancing the spices beautifully. You can substitute with heavy cream if preferred, but coconut milk keeps it lighter and adds a subtle tropical note.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu, chickpeas, or cauliflower florets, and make sure to use vegan ghee or oil. The spices and creamy sauce will still shine, making a fantastic plant-based meal.

How spicy is this Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

It has a gentle warmth thanks to the chili powder and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the chili powder amount to suit your heat preference or add fresh green chilies if you like it hotter.

Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?

Nope! This recipe does not require marinating thanks to the pressure cooking, which infuses the chicken with flavor quickly and efficiently—perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious meals without fuss.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Instant Pot Butter Chicken—a recipe that delivers soul-warming comfort food with the ease and speed of modern cooking. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how the blend of fragrant spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken comes together into a beautifully satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

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