Delicious Instant Pot Butter Chicken in 30 Minutes

The aroma of spices wafts through the air, mingling with creamy butter to create a dish that’s as comforting as a hug from your grandma. Instant Pot Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich flavors and velvety texture.

Picture this: You’re huddled on the couch after a long day, and the thought of cooking feels about as appealing as running a marathon. Enter Instant Pot Butter Chicken, the hero of weeknight dinners, ready to save you from your culinary woes with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

I remember the first time I made Instant Pot Butter Chicken. My friends were skeptical at first—after all, how could something so easy be so delicious? But once they took their first bite, all doubts vanished faster than my willpower around dessert.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well, but adjust based on your appetite or guest list.

• Fresh Garlic: Always choose firm cloves for the best aromatic punch in your dish.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness once sautéed—choose yellow or white for optimal flavor.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy coconut milk gives that luscious texture; opt for full-fat for richness.

• Tomato Puree: This is key for depth and color; canned works great!

• Spices (Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander): A blend of these spices creates authentic flavors; don’t skip them!

• Plain Yogurt: It adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken; use whole-milk yogurt for the best result.

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

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Melt butter until bubbly, then add finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and golden brown.

Add Spices and Chicken: Toss in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and salt. Stir well to combine before adding cubed chicken breasts. Sauté everything together until chicken is coated with spices.

Incorporate Tomato Puree and Coconut Milk: Pour in tomato puree followed by coconut milk. Stir until it’s all blended beautifully like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Pressure Cook the Dish: Close the lid securely and set the pot to “Manual” mode for 10 minutes at high pressure. Let it naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes afterward—this is where magic happens!

Add Yogurt for Creaminess: Open the lid carefully. Stir in plain yogurt until smooth and creamy—it’s like taking a beautiful sunset and swirling it into your dish.

This delightful journey of making Instant Pot Butter Chicken will leave you grinning from ear to ear. The moment you take that first bite will have you convinced that you’ve just discovered culinary bliss!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the onions and spices before adding chicken and sauce for optimal flavor. This ensures every bite is infused with aromatic goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or add veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. Customize it to match your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

There was that one time I prepared Instant Pot Butter Chicken for my friends’ potluck. They raved about it so much that I had to give out my secret recipe—well, sort of!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

Serve with rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of cream for a delicious dairy-free version.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and a rich sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe offers an easy way to enjoy authentic Indian flavors without the fuss. In just under an hour, you can savor every bite of this comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Melt butter, add onions and garlic, and cook until golden brown.
2. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and salt. Add cubed chicken and sauté until coated with spices.
3. Pour in tomato puree followed by coconut milk. Stir to combine.
4. Lock the lid and set to 'Manual' mode for 10 minutes at high pressure. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
5. Open the lid carefully and mix in plain yogurt until smooth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 358
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 635mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 91mg