Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Let’s talk about comfort food that’s bold, creamy, and irresistible. Instant Pot Butter Chicken is the dish you didn’t know you needed—smooth, velvety chicken in a luscious tomato-based sauce, all seasoned with a symphony of spices. What makes this even better? It’s ready in a fraction of the time thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. This is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and instantly transports you to a cozy Indian restaurant with every bite.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced butter sauce that’s absolutely perfect over rice or with warm naan. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day (if there’s any left, that is).

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:

Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot makes everything so simple—no need for slow cooking or multiple pans. You can have a hearty, flavorful meal in under an hour.

Rich & Creamy: The perfect balance of buttery, tomatoey goodness with just the right kick of spices.

One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is all cooked in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.

Meal Prep Friendly: You can make a batch ahead of time and store it for later. It reheats beautifully!

Crowd-Pleaser: This butter chicken is guaranteed to be a hit at dinner parties, family meals, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Here’s what goes into making this creamy, spiced masterpiece:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): The best cut for juicy, tender chicken.
• Yogurt: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Minced, to add a delicious depth of flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated for that aromatic zing.
• Garam Masala: The quintessential spice blend that defines butter chicken.
• Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, and Paprika: These spices create that signature warm, earthy flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

For the Sauce:

• Butter: For that rich, creamy texture that makes butter chicken… well, butter chicken.
• Onion: Finely chopped to form the base of the sauce.
• Garlic: More garlic—because why not?
• Tomato Puree: This is where the sauce gets its beautiful color and depth.
• Heavy Cream: To add that velvety, luxurious finish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce and adds flavor.
• Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro for that herbaceous touch.

Instructions

It’s time to get cooking! With the Instant Pot, this dish comes together effortlessly.

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—though if you have time to let it sit for a few hours, that’s even better!

Sauté the Onions

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add butter. Once melted, sauté the onions until they’re soft and golden—about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken along with any extra marinade into the Instant Pot. Stir everything together, then add the tomato puree and chicken broth. Mix well. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 8 minutes.

Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid, and give everything a stir.

Finish the Sauce

Switch your Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

Serve the butter chicken over rice, or with naan for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that extra touch of brightness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~400–450 (depending on portion size and cream used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes (including marinating time)

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This creamy dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

With Rice: Serve over basmati rice to soak up all that rich, flavorful sauce. Jasmine or any long-grain rice works great too.

With Naan: Warm naan bread for scooping up the butter chicken is a classic pairing.

With a Simple Salad: A fresh cucumber or tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the butter chicken.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, cauliflower, or green beans make for a nice, nutritious side dish.

Additional Tips

Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight, but even 30 minutes will do the trick.

Adjust the Heat: If you like your butter chicken spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chilies to the sauce.

Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts, they’ll work fine in this recipe, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.

Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in some spinach or peas toward the end of cooking.

Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream and skip the yogurt for a dairy-free version.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them. Reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes if using breasts.

Q2: Can I skip the marinating step?
A2: While marinating enhances the flavor, you can skip it if you’re short on time. The spices will still work, but they won’t infuse as deeply into the chicken.

Q3: Can I use a slow cooker instead?
A3: Yes! After sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Q4: How can I make this spicier?
A4: Add cayenne pepper, fresh chilies, or chili powder to the sauce for more heat. Start small and adjust to your preference!

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free naan.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A6: Absolutely! You can cook the butter chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the yogurt to make it dairy-free.

Q9: Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot?
A9: Yes, just simmer everything over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Q10: What should I serve with Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
A10: Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roasted vegetables. A fresh side salad also complements the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a cozy, flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With the magic of the Instant Pot, it’s faster than you’d ever expect, but still every bit as comforting and delicious as the traditional version. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe brings all the flavor with minimal fuss. Grab your Instant Pot and get ready to indulge!

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