Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Gather around, my culinary confidant! Let me take you on a delightful journey of flavors with the enchanting dish of Instant Pot Butter Chicken. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, a dish that whispers comfort and nostalgia, evoking memories of cozy dinners with loved ones. Picture this: tender chicken thighs, meltingly tender and soaking up a vibrant, decadent sauce that has flavors deep enough to make your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you dive into this creation, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Now, let’s chat about why this Butter Chicken is a showstopper! First off, it’s gloriously simple yet packed with complex flavors. The richness of the butter balances with the fragrant spices, creating a symphony of taste that hits all the right notes. Got a busy weeknight? No problem! Your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting here, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

And here’s a little chef’s secret: you can customize this dish according to your spice tolerance. Love it mild? Skip the chili powder. Want a punch of heat? Just add a pinch more! It’s a dish that adapts to your whims while still delivering a guaranteed “wow!” factor. Plus, butter chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser, making it the ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. What more could you want?

Gather These Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet hearty ingredients. Let’s break them down:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: This luscious fat is the foundation of our sauce—think of it as a warm hug for your chicken.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 5 teaspoons): We’re talking about old-world charm here—garlic isn’t just aromatic; it’s the hero that elevates our dish.
• 2-inch fresh ginger root, grated (about 2 tablespoons): A little zing from ginger will awaken the senses and add that indescribable warmth.
• 2 teaspoons garam masala: Ah, the crown jewel of Indian spices! This blend brings a robust, aromatic flavor with hints of earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Toasted cumin rounds out the spices, offering a layer of depth and warmth.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: It imparts a gentle smokiness—consider it the mysterious element that will have people asking for your secret.
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: This vibrant yellow spice adds a warm hue and is bursting with health benefits, making your dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional): A sprinkle for those who like a little kick!
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed): Essential to elevate every flavor on your plate.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces: Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this dish. And you can’t beat the flavor!
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce or passata: This will form the luscious base of our sauce, infusing the chicken with vibrant flavor.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, coconut milk, or half-and-half: To finish it off, adding cream creates that luxurious richness we crave.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish: A splash of freshness to brighten up all those lovely warming flavors!

Preparing Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Alright, let’s get down to business, shall we? Here’s how this beautiful dish comes together:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Melt the butter, adding in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook this glorious mixture for about a minute; once it releases that mouthwatering aroma, you know you’re in good shape!

2. Add Spices and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook for one more minute to bloom those spices. If you notice them sticking, don’t panic! Just splash in a bit of water and scrape the bottom to loosen any flavorful bits. Then, add the tomato sauce and ¼ cup of water and switch off the sauté setting.

3. Cook the Chicken: Toss in those bite-sized chicken thigh pieces, giving them a good stir to coat in that fragrant sauce. Secure the lid, setting the vent to “SEALING.” Now, select Pressure Cook/Manual on high pressure for 6 minutes. It will take around 10 minutes to reach pressure—perfect time for a quick kitchen clean-up, right?

4. Finish the Sauce: Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. Remove the lid like a grand reveal and switch back to Sauté. Stir in the cream, letting it simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed—remember, this is your creation!

5. Serve: Serve it hot over fluffy rice or whatever tickles your fancy. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for that vibrant finish!

Best Way to Enjoy It

Now, how should you serve this glorious Butter Chicken? The go-to companion is a steaming bowl of basmati rice—its fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. Feeling adventurous? Why not serve it with some garlic naan or even a side of crispy poppadums for that extra crunch? This dish pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad for some refreshing contrast or even a dollop of creamy yogurt for added tang.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have any delightful leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to keep them safe and sound. Allow the Butter Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can chill in the fridge for about 3-4 days—just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Want to freeze it? Absolutely! Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll be like magic when you bring it back to life!

Pro Chef Tips

Here are some of my favorite chef tips to elevate your Butter Chicken experience:

• Marinate the Chicken: For an even deeper flavor, toss those chicken pieces in yogurt and spices a few hours before cooking. It’ll tenderize and infuse more flavor.
• Cook the Spices Longer: Blooming your spices properly in the beginning will deepen the overall flavor profile.
• Experiment with Cream: Don’t feel constrained to heavy cream; coconut milk adds a lovely tropical touch. Just remember, it will alter the taste slightly, but it’s delicious!
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a world of difference. Add them just before serving to retain their vibrant flavor.

Creative Twists

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are some fun variations:

• Vegetable Version: Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or your favorite seasonal veggies. Just ensure they’re tender for the best bite.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add sliced green chilies or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a flavor bomb!
• Mango Butter Chicken: For a sweet twist, throw in some diced mango or a splash of mango puree to balance the spices.
• Serve it as a Curry: Thin the sauce out a bit more and serve it as a traditional curry with your favorite bread.

Common Questions

1. How long does it take to make?
   The total time is about 30-40 minutes, including prep and cooking!

2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out easily. Thighs tend to stay juicy!

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   Coconut milk adds a lovely flavor—perfect for a dairy-free version!

4. Is this dish very spicy?
   It can be customized based on your preferences! Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste.

5. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
   Use coconut milk instead of cream and ensure your butter is a dairy-free product.

Now that we’ve navigated the wonders of this amazing dish together, I hope you’re convinced to give it a whirl in your kitchen. This Instant Pot Butter Chicken isn’t just about feeding the body; it warms the heart and soul too. So gear up, gather your ingredients, and embark on this satisfying culinary adventure. I can’t wait to hear about your own personal twists and experiences—let’s keep this cooking community vibrant and full of flavor!

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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy Gluten Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich and flavorful sauce, sure to please anyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (Foundation of the sauce)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (Adds aromatic flavor)
• 2 inches fresh ginger root, grated (Provides warming spice)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala (Robust Indian spice blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (Adds depth and warmth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Gives a hint of smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (Color and health benefits)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (Optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust as needed)
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced (Juicy and flavorful)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (Forms the sauce base)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (For rich finish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro) (For garnish)

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Cooking Steps

1. Sauté Aromatics

   Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Melt the butter and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about a minute until aromatic.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Spices and Tomato Sauce

   Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook for one more minute. Then add the tomato sauce and ¼ cup of water. Switch off the sauté setting.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Chicken

   Toss in the diced chicken thighs, stir to coat in the sauce. Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
   Takes around 10 minutes to reach pressure.
   Mark as complete

4. Finish the Sauce

   Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of steam. Remove the lid and switch back to Sauté. Stir in the cream and simmer until thickened.
   Taste and adjust salt if needed.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Serve hot over rice or your choice of side. Garnish with fresh herbs.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 40g62%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 180mg60%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 6g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish pairs well with rice and can be customized with more or less spice.

Keywords: butter chicken, instant pot, easy recipe, Indian cuisine