Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a creamy, aromatic dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen in a fraction of the time. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream, making it a comforting meal that is sure to impress family and friends. The best part is that it can be prepared effortlessly in an Instant Pot, allowing busy cooks to enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will adore this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe for its explosion of flavors and its convenience. The complex blend of spices such as garam masala, cumin, and coriander creates a depth that is both comforting and exotic. Cooking in the Instant Pot not only speeds up the process but also infuses the chicken with all the delightful flavors, resulting in a tender, juicy bite every time. Additionally, this dish can easily fit into various dietary lifestyles, whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or a dish to impress guests. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for pairing with rice or naan.
Tips and Tricks
To make this Butter Chicken even better, here are some handy tips:
- Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh spices rather than pre-ground ones. This will significantly enhance the aroma and flavor of your dish.
- Sauté Before Cooking: Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the chicken and onions before pressure cooking. This step adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer on the sauté function for a few minutes after pressure cooking to reduce the liquid.
Make Ahead Tips
For those who like to prep in advance, this Butter Chicken is great for make-ahead meals:
- Marinate Chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Prep Sauce Ingredients: Chop onions and garlic a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will save you time on the cooking day.
- Store Leftovers: Cooked Butter Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Spicier Version: Add more chili powder or fresh green chilies to kick up the heat.
- Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cream for a dairy-free version.
- Cooking Method: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this dish on the stovetop or in a slow cooker by adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
How to Serve
To serve your Instant Pot Butter Chicken, ladle it into a shallow bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of garam masala for a pop of color. Serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, you can add a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your Butter Chicken, consider pairing it with a chilled glass of Riesling, which balances the spices beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, mango lassi is a fantastic choice. On the side, serve garlic naan or steamed basmati rice, and finish your meal with a light dessert like Indian kheer (rice pudding) or a refreshing fruit salad.
How to Store
To store leftovers, let the Butter Chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze it, portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers, and it will last up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need:
- An Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker).
- A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
- A mixing bowl for marinating the chicken.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can use a stovetop pot, but cooking times will differ.
Dietary Adaptations
To adapt this recipe for various dietary needs:
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use coconut cream instead of dairy.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture without dairy.
- Nut-Free: Ensure that any ingredients like cashew cream are replaced with suitable alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure you serve it with gluten-free sides.
Seasonal Adaptations
Incorporate seasonal ingredients for a fresh twist:
- Summer: Add fresh tomatoes in place of canned ones for a brighter flavor.
- Fall: Incorporate butternut squash or pumpkin into the sauce for added sweetness and nutrition.
- Winter: Use hearty greens like kale or spinach, stirring them into the sauce just before serving for an added boost of vitamins.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
- How long does it take to cook? The pressure cooking time is about 10 minutes, plus time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release naturally.
- What should I serve with Butter Chicken? It pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, or a fresh salad.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a creamy, aromatic dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Sauté Onions: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add vegetable oil and heat. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pressure Cook: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Close the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed, and select the manual pressure cook function. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After the cooking time is completed, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Finish the Dish: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and butter. Mix until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 540Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 252mgSodium 735mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 41g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved dish but also a great opportunity to introduce bold flavors and spices into your cooking repertoire. With its simple preparation and rich taste, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, your guests will be asking for seconds. Enjoy the journey of cooking and the delightful meal that awaits!
