Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe to Try

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, you’ve come to the right place. Creamy, rich, and effortless to make, this classic Indian-inspired dish transforms tender chicken pieces into a luscious, spiced meal in under 30 minutes. Using the Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to get that deep, authentic flavor with minimal hands-on time, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken right at home any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: The Instant Pot cuts cooking time dramatically, getting dinner on the table faster without sacrificing flavor.
• Richly Flavored: Every bite is packed with a blend of aromatic spices and creamy tomato sauce, making it irresistibly comforting.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh ingredients, so no complicated shopping trips are needed.
• Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it appeals to kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family meals.
• Versatile Dish: Pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or even veggies, making it adaptable to your preferred eating style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing to a perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrancy. Gathering these essentials ensures a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish every time.

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless, and tender, they absorb spices well and stay juicy after pressure cooking.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce for that signature buttery flavor.
• Tomato puree: Provides a vibrant base with natural sweetness and acidity.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that balances the spices perfectly.
• Garlic and ginger paste: Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth and umami.
• Garam masala: A key spice blend that delivers authentic Indian flavor complexity.
• Chili powder: Adds a mild kick and vibrant color without overwhelming heat.
• Cumin and coriander: Earthy spices that deepen the curry’s aroma and taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all flavors together.

Variations for Instant Pot Butter Chicken

One of the great things about this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adjust for dietary needs, add extra veggies, or tweak flavors, here are some ideas to make it your own.

• Make it dairy-free: Swap heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and coconut oil for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Spice it up: Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you love a bit more heat in your curry.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in cauliflower florets, peas, or spinach right before the cooking cycle ends for added nutrition.
• Swap proteins: Try chicken breasts or even paneer cheese cubes if you want a vegetarian twist.
• Extra smoky flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or a touch of fenugreek leaves for an authentic smoky aroma.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add the ginger and garlic paste along with cumin and coriander powders. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes until fragrant, creating a flavorful spice base.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Brown

Next, add the chicken thighs, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Let them brown lightly in the butter and spices, stirring to coat evenly and develop layers of flavor before pressure cooking.

Step 3: Pour in Tomato Puree and Spices

Add the tomato puree, garam masala, chili powder, and mix everything well. The tomato puree will reduce slightly under pressure, concentrating the flavors and providing a vibrant sauce color.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This tenderizes the chicken quickly while locking in moisture and infusing the sauce deeply.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Finish

Once the pressure is released naturally, open the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Adjust salt and spices if needed, and let the sauce simmer on sauté mode for another 2 minutes to fully combine and thicken.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken

• Brown chicken well: Searing before pressure cooking enhances flavor and texture significantly.
• Use fresh spices: For maximum aroma and taste, opt for fresh garam masala or grind your own.
• Natural pressure release: Allowing the pot to release pressure naturally helps keep the chicken tender.
• Adjust creaminess: Add cream gradually to control the sauce’s richness and consistency.
• Don’t skip butter: It’s key to an authentic, luscious sauce—try salted for a little extra flavor punch.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, herby contrast to the creamy curry, while a drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of lemon juice balances richness with zestiness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad are great for adding freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special meal, try butter chicken stuffed inside warm naan wraps or topped with crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of toasted nuts, making it a feast for both the eyes and palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner option.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover butter chicken for up to 3 months—just portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short bursts to prevent the cream from separating and the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but watch the cooking time closely as they can dry out faster than thighs. You might want to reduce pressure cooking time by a minute.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is mildly spiced by default, making it great for families, but you can easily increase the chili powder or add fresh chilies for a spicier kick.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use coconut oil or vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free version without losing creaminess.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

For this quick Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe, marinating is optional. The pressure cooker tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavors well without extra prep time.

What can I serve with butter chicken for a balanced meal?

Pair butter chicken with steamed rice or naan and add a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad to round out your meal with vegetables and fiber.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is an absolute joy to make and enjoy. It’s the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll revisit again and again, especially on busy evenings. Give this easy, creamy, and aromatic curry a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your dinner rotation!

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