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
Scale
- 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