Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion
Let’s talk about the kind of dinner that makes you pause mid-bite and say, “Wait, WHAT did I just eat?!” That’s the magic of this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion. We’re taking two bold favorites—Indian butter chicken and classic Mexican chocoflan—and bringing them together in the most unexpected, utterly delicious way.
Imagine tender chicken simmered in a velvety, spiced tomato-butter sauce layered beneath a rich, creamy chocolate flan. It’s savory, it’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s silky—it’s a culinary rollercoaster in the best way possible. And the best part? It’s all done in the Instant Pot. Minimal effort, MAXIMUM flavor.
Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer. If you’re someone who loves bold flavor combos and isn’t afraid to try something new, this fusion dish is calling your name.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine walking into the kitchen after a hectic day and having this luxurious, unexpected meal on the table in under an hour.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No fancy flours or imported spices here—just pantry staples with a delicious twist.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. The Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting, and the results taste like you spent all day cooking.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different spice levels or flan flavors. Want it spicier? Add extra garam masala or a dash of cayenne. Prefer a sweeter contrast? Add a hint of cinnamon to the flan.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s one of those dishes that gets people talking—and asking for seconds.

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Ingredients in Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Chicken Thighs or Breasts
Tender and juicy, they soak up all that buttery, spiced sauce beautifully. Choose skinless and boneless for easier shredding and better absorption.
Unsalted Butter
Rich and creamy, it forms the base of the butter chicken sauce, giving it that signature silkiness and luxurious depth.
Aromatics (Garlic, Ginger, Onion)
These kitchen MVPs build flavor from the ground up. Freshly grated ginger and garlic bring zing and warmth, while sautéed onions add sweetness.
Tomato Sauce
The vibrant heart of the curry—slightly tangy, deeply savory, and the perfect balance to the buttery richness.
Garam Masala and Curry Spices
Warm spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric create that classic butter chicken flavor with just enough kick.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk
This adds luscious body and softens the spices, rounding everything out into a dreamy sauce.
Chocolate Cake Mix
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, it rises over the chicken while cooking, forming a cake-like topping that surprises and delights.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Rich and creamy, it forms the foundation of the flan layer. It’s sweet without being overpowering, and it binds everything into a silky custard.
Eggs
Essential for setting the flan—this is what gives it that iconic, jiggly-smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and depth to the flan, complementing the spices in the chicken beautifully.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it heat up. This step is crucial for building flavor right from the start.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add butter to the pot and sauté the onions until translucent. Toss in garlic and ginger next, cooking until fragrant and golden.
Add Chicken and Spices
Add your chicken along with all the spices. Stir well to coat everything in that gorgeous butter-and-spice mixture.
Pour in Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Add tomato sauce and let everything simmer briefly to bring the flavors together.
Add Cream
Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir gently, then turn off sauté mode.
Prepare the Cake and Flan Mixtures
In a separate bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix as directed. In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla for the flan layer.
Layer Everything In
Grease a heat-safe bundt pan or pot-in-pot insert. Add the cake batter first, then slowly pour the flan mixture over the top. Don’t worry—it will naturally switch places while cooking!
Place in Instant Pot
Set the cake-flan pan on a trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot, then pressure cook for 30–35 minutes.
Natural Release and Cool
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing. Carefully remove the pan and let it cool before inverting.
Serve and Enjoy
Gently invert onto a serving plate, letting the flan sit beautifully on top. Slice into layers of chocolate and butter chicken magic!
How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crunchy cucumber or mint salad brings a refreshing contrast to the deep, bold flavors.
Steamed Basmati Rice: Perfect for soaking up that silky butter sauce while balancing the rich flan.
Naan or Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love mopping up sauces with warm, pillowy carbs?
Chilled Yogurt or Raita: Adds a cooling effect that balances the spices and sweetness beautifully.
Standalone Showstopper: Honestly, this dish doesn’t need much. Serve it on a large platter and just watch it disappear.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Make the cake and flan mixtures the night before to save time.
Spice It Up: Add a chopped green chili or extra garam masala if you want more heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of cream and a plant-based condensed milk to make it dairy-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
Make It for a Crowd: Double the recipe and use a larger Instant Pot insert. It’s great for potlucks or family dinners.
FAQ
Q1: Can I substitute the cake mix with homemade chocolate cake?
A1: Absolutely! A simple chocolate sponge recipe works great—just keep the batter slightly thicker than usual.
Q2: Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
A2: Yes! Use a large oven-safe baking dish, create a water bath, and bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes.
Q3: Is this recipe spicy?
A3: It has mild spice, but you can adjust it up or down to suit your taste.
Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
A4: Yes, it stores well in the fridge and actually tastes better the next day!
Q5: Can I freeze it?
A5: You can freeze the butter chicken and cake-flan portions separately, though texture may slightly change.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A6: Steam gently or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the cake.
Q7: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A7: Yes! Just keep an eye on the cooking time—they may cook a bit faster.
Q8: Can I skip the chocolate layer?
A8: You can, but that rich contrast is part of the fun! Try vanilla or caramel if you want a different twist.
Q9: What Instant Pot size is best?
A9: A 6-quart works perfectly for this recipe.
Q10: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A10: Definitely! Replace chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion, a daringly delicious twist you didn’t know you needed. It’s bold, it’s creamy, it’s chocolatey, and it’s unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just to treat yourself, trust me, this one’s going to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Grab that Instant Pot and dive in—your taste buds are in for a wild, wonderful ride.
Print
Instant Pot Butter Chicken Chocoflan Fusion
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish made effortlessly in a pressure cooker. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a fragrant tomato-based sauce seasoned with warming spices and finished with silky cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner with rice or naan!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced or paste
- 1 cup tomato puree (or passata)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, tomato paste, garam masala, coriander, cumin, chili powder (if using), paprika, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add chicken pieces and water. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release the rest.
- Open the lid and stir in the whipping cream. Set to sauté again and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with coconut oil and coconut milk.
- Kashmiri chili powder adds a vibrant red color and mild heat, but it’s optional.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or Greek yogurt for a tangier version.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated—the flavors deepen overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg