Instant Pot Butter Chicken (Printable)
Rich and creamy Indian classic with tender chicken in silky spiced tomato sauce
# What you need:
→ Protein
01 - 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Marinade
02 - ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tbsp ginger paste
05 - 1 tbsp garlic paste
06 - 1½ tsp garam masala
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
09 - 1 tsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp salt
→ Sauce
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 1 large onion, finely diced
13 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 tbsp ginger paste
15 - 1 (14 oz) can tomato puree
16 - 1 tsp ground cumin
17 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
18 - 1 tsp ground coriander
19 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper
20 - 1 cup heavy cream
21 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
22 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
23 - Chopped fresh cilantro
# Directions:
01 - Combine chicken pieces with all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor penetration.
02 - Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 2 tbsp butter and allow to melt. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Sauté until onions are softened and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
03 - Stir in tomato puree, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to meld flavors and prevent scorching.
04 - Add marinated chicken pieces along with all remaining marinade to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine with the spiced tomato base.
05 - Secure lid and set steam release valve to sealing position. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook High for 8 minutes.
06 - Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Open lid away from you to avoid steam burns.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and remaining 2 tbsp butter. Switch to Sauté mode and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until sauce achieves rich, creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste.
08 - Serve immediately, generously garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Pair with basmati rice or warm naan bread for complete meal.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The Instant Pot creates depth that usually takes hours of simmering
- Leftovers taste even better after the spices have time to marry overnight
02 -
- Natural pressure release is crucial for keeping the chicken tender
- The sauce will look thin right after pressure cooking but thickens beautifully with the cream
03 -
- A pinch of fenugreek leaves at the end adds that authentic restaurant flavor
- Taste your sauce before adding salt, as the butter and cream add natural salinity