Name: Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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There’s something magical about the aroma that fills your kitchen when you make Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that wraps around you like a warm hug. refreshing chickpea salad The moment you take a bite, flavors explode in your mouth, making you wonder how something so delightful can be whipped up in mere minutes. spicy cucumber salad crispy potato salad

Let me take you back to when I first tried this dish at a friend’s housewarming party. The table was filled with delicious foods, but nothing compared to that rich, buttery goodness. It was love at first bite! Now, every time I make Instant Pot Butter Chicken, I’m reminded of that fun night filled with laughter and unforgettable flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is quick and easy, making weeknight dinners a breeze
The creamy sauce is bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
Perfect for serving over rice or with naan, it’s versatile enough for any occasion

I remember my aunt’s eyes lighting up when she tasted my version of this dish; she couldn’t believe it was so easy to make!

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size and appetite.
Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves to maximize flavor; nobody likes a bland sauce.
Fresh Ginger: Grate some fresh ginger for an aromatic kick; it enhances the overall taste profile.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; richness is key here!
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for a thicker sauce; crush them yourself for better texture.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy; it’s the secret to indulgent flavor.
Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander): These spices are crucial for authentic flavor; don’t skimp on them!
Sugar: Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together nicely.
Cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish and adds color; it’s a must-have finishing touch.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces; this helps them cook evenly and absorb all those delicious spices.

Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and melt butter until bubbly. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant—about 1 minute should do.

Add Spices: Toss in garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, and sugar—let those spices mingle for 30 seconds until they release their tantalizing aromas.

Add Chicken & Tomatoes: Dump in your diced chicken followed by crushed canned tomatoes; stir well to coat everything evenly with those fabulous flavors.

Pour Coconut Milk: Gently pour coconut milk over the top—this will create that creamy magic we’re after! Stir slightly but avoid disturbing the bottom too much.

Cook Under Pressure: Seal your Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Serve this delightful Instant Pot Butter Chicken hot over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread. delicious veggie fried rice Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra pop of color and flavor!

Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, get ready to impress friends and family with your culinary skills! Enjoy every last bite of your delicious creation!

You Must Know

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish packed with spices
The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or warm naan
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining convenience and taste in one delightful dish

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for flavor, then add spices and sauce before sealing the Instant Pot to cook.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or add vegetables like peas for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Searing your chicken adds depth of flavor, enhancing the dish’s overall taste
Don’t rush the marinating process; letting it sit overnight yields even better results
Adding a squeeze of lemon at serving brightens the flavors beautifully

Sharing this dish with friends transformed me into a culinary hero at our last dinner party; they were all asking for seconds!

FAQ

What can I serve with Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

Serve it with rice, naan, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make Instant Pot Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream for a delicious dairy-free version.

How long does it take to cook in an Instant Pot?

Cooking time is approximately 10 minutes under high pressure, plus time to build pressure.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken