Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—rich, creamy, and bursting with classic Indian flavors, all made effortless in your trusty pressure cooker. In under thirty minutes, you’ll be scooping tender chicken swimming in a velvety tomato sauce that tastes like you spent hours tending it—when really, the Instant Pot did all the heavy lifting!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it real: the magic of Instant Pot Butter Chicken is all about a handful of pantry spices, juicy chicken thighs, and a few creamy touches. Each ingredient plays a starring role—delivering flavor, richness, and gorgeous color you’ll swoon over with every spoonful.

• Butter: Unsalted is best—it makes the sauce rich and gives the dish its signature name and smooth flavor.
• Garlic & Ginger: These two are the aromatic backbone, adding zingy warmth and that irresistible, cozy scent.
• Tomato Puree & Tomato Paste: Both deepen the sauce, making it lusciously thick and brightly red.
• Garam Masala, Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric: Essential Indian spices that create complex, earthy, and fruity notes in every bite.
• Kashmiri Chili Powder (optional): Adds a lovely smoky heat and deep color—use as much or as little as you prefer.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika brings a mild smokiness that complements the creaminess perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances all those fabulous spices and balances the richness.
• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and tender even under pressure—no risk of dry bites.
• Water: Provides the right amount of moisture for pressure cooking the chicken and creating that dreamy sauce.
• Whipping Cream: The secret to that ultra-creamy, golden finish—you’ll want to lick the spoon!
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley wakes up the dish and adds a pop of color just before serving.

Variations

One of the joys of homemade Instant Pot Butter Chicken is how easily you can make it your own! Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your spice tolerance, make it dairy-free, or just use up what you have on hand.

• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the cream with canned coconut milk for a deliciously creamy (and vegan-friendly!) take.
• Low Carb & Keto: Swap tomato puree for diced tomatoes and opt for heavy cream to keep carbs ultra-low.
• Mild or Spicy: Adjust the Kashmiri chili powder to your taste—you can leave it out for mild, or double it for a delicious fiery kick.
• Chicken Breasts: If you prefer, substitute boneless chicken breasts—but check for doneness early, as they cook a little quicker than thighs.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Butter, Garlic, and Ginger

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling it around so it coats the bottom. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking just until aromatic—about a minute. This little step blooms their flavors, making your kitchen smell downright irresistible!

Step 2: Build the Saucy Base

To the pot, add the tomato puree and tomato paste, stirring well. Now sprinkle in all the spices—garam masala, coriander, cumin, paprika, Kashmiri chili powder (if using), turmeric, and salt. Sauté this mixture for 3 to 5 minutes—the tomato base will deepen in color and the spices’ aromas will bloom, forming a thick, fragrant paste.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Pressure Cook

Add the boneless chicken thigh pieces and water. Stir to coat everything in that gorgeous, spiced sauce—making sure there’s enough liquid to submerge the chicken. Lock on the Instant Pot lid, set it to “Poultry” (or manual/high pressure), and cook for just 5 minutes. Yep, that’s it—hands-off magic!

Step 4: Natural Release, Then Cream Finish

After your Instant Pot Butter Chicken finishes cooking, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes (or use quick release if you’re pressed for time). Open the lid carefully, then switch back to sauté mode. Pour in the whipping cream and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously silky—watch closely so it doesn’t reduce too much.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the Instant Pot, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over your butter chicken, and serve it up piping hot over fluffy rice or warm naan. Savor every bite—moments like this deserve to be enjoyed at the table with people you love.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving turns your Instant Pot Butter Chicken into a feast for the eyes. For extra decadence, drizzle with a spoonful of cream or a swirl of yogurt—both mellow the spices and add a lovely finishing flair.

Side Dishes

Piping-hot naan or fluffy basmati rice are the classics for soaking up all that luscious sauce. Add a simple cucumber raita or a crunchy kachumber salad for a cooling, fresh counterpoint—making the whole meal feel complete and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unexpected twist, serve your butter chicken over baked sweet potatoes, wrap it up in warm flatbread for an epic sandwich, or spoon it onto small plates with mini naan for a party-perfect appetizer. This dish easily becomes the star of a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled Instant Pot Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and mellow overnight, making the leftovers feel like a thrilling treat rather than an afterthought.

Freezing

Instant Pot Butter Chicken freezes like a dream! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for hassle-free future dinners—just the pick-me-up you’ll crave on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-2 minute bursts. Stir in a splash of cream or water if needed to revive that creamy texture and restore its fresh-from-the-pot flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing Instant Pot Butter Chicken to your table—even more so when you realize how simple, fast, and joyful the whole process is. Whether you’re a curry lover or trying it for the first time, I hope this recipe becomes one of those you reach for again and again. Go ahead—gather your spices, open your Instant Pot, and let the magic begin tonight!

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