Name: Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, minced; 1 cup tomato puree; 2 tbsp curry powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Print Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of spices mingling in a hot pot, is there not? Imagine the rich scent of creamy butter, aromatic spices, and tender chicken wafting through your kitchen. Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo That’s right! We’re diving into the world of Instant Pot Butter Chicken. It’s like a cozy blanket wrapped around your taste buds, ensuring you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Now, let me take you back to a rainy evening when I first attempted this dish. Picture this: my friends gathered around my table, chattering excitedly while I was nervously hovering over the Instant Pot like a proud parent watching their child take their first steps. savory turkey panini As the lid popped off and the aroma hit us like a flavor freight train, we all knew that magic was happening. Instant Pot Butter Chicken quickly became our go-to comfort food for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is easy enough for weeknight dinners while impressing guests at dinner parties
The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a delightful blend of flavors that looks stunning on any plate
It’s versatile enough to pair with rice or naan, making it perfect for any gathering

I’ll never forget the joy on my friends’ faces as they devoured every last bite. It’s a dish that brings people together—just like those unforgettable moments shared around a dinner table.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I love using thighs for their tenderness and rich flavor; they don’t dry out as easily as breasts during cooking.
Butter: Go for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish; it adds that luscious creaminess we all adore.
Heavy Cream: For that velvety finish! Use fresh cream for an indulgent texture that elevates every bite.
Onion: Chop up a large onion to bring sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor release.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are key players here; they provide an aromatic kick that no one can resist.
Tomato Puree: This adds color and body to your sauce; choose high-quality puree for vibrant flavor and richness.
Curry Powder: A blend of spices will give it that classic Indian taste; feel free to adjust based on your palate.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is great for garnish; it adds a burst of color and freshness on top of your finished dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cooking Instant Pot Butter Chicken is quick and easy, so let’s get started! For more inspiration, check out this Savory Mexican Birria Tacos recipe.

Sautéing Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter until bubbly. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent—a sweet aroma should fill your kitchen in no time! Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously until fragrant.

Adding Chicken: Now it’s time for our star ingredient! Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the pot. Sauté them until they’re lightly browned on all sides—this step locks in those delicious flavors.

Merging Flavors: Stir in tomato puree, heavy cream, curry powder, salt, and pepper into the mix—this magical combination creates an irresistible sauce. Keep stirring until everything is well combined; you may want to lick the spoon at this point!

Cooking Under Pressure: Securely close the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. Don’t worry if it seems daunting—the magic happens under this pressure! Once done, allow natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining steam.

Add Final Touches: Carefully remove the lid and stir your buttery masterpiece gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro right before serving!

Now serve your delectable creation with fluffy rice or warm naan bread—the ultimate pairing for dipping into that luscious sauce! Orecchiette with Mushroom Sauce.

There you have it—an easy-to-follow recipe for Instant Pot Butter Chicken that’s sure to impress your family or guests (or just yourself after a long day). Enjoy every creamy bite as you savor those rich flavors bursting in your mouth! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.

You Must Know

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a game changer for weeknight dinners
This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, spiced sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser
Plus, the Instant Pot makes cooking quick and simple, so you can enjoy delicious flavors without the fuss

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onion and garlic in your Instant Pot until fragrant. Then add the chicken and let it sear before adding spices and tomatoes. Finally, stir in coconut milk for creaminess. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and perfect texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist on Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Experiment with spices like garam masala or curry powder to personalize the flavor profile to your liking. Adding spinach or peas can elevate the dish’s nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When preparing Instant Pot Butter Chicken, remember to cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking
Also, be cautious not to skip the sautéing step; it builds essential flavor
Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking for best results!

Sharing my first attempt at this recipe was unforgettable. My friends devoured it within minutes, demanding I make it again soon. Their compliments made me realize that this dish has special powers—bringing people together over mouthwatering food!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken in Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes under high pressure. Ensure it’s cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

Serve your butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up that delicious sauce. A side of cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch!

How do I make Instant Pot Butter Chicken less spicy?

To reduce heat, adjust the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether. You can also add more coconut milk or cream to balance out the spice without sacrificing flavor. Bavarian cream with berries.