Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a deliciously creamy dish that’s packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal any night of the week. With its rich sauce and tender chicken pieces, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, using the Instant Pot means it comes together quickly and with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
This Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken not only offers rich and aromatic flavors but also showcases the convenience of pressure cooking. The Instant Pot ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender, while the butter, spices, and cream come together to create a luscious sauce that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a comforting dish at home, this recipe delivers every time.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the flavor base of your butter chicken.
Step 3: Cooking
Add the cubed chicken, tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is covered in the sauce.
Step 4: Finishing
Close the lid, set it to ‘Sealing’, and cook on ‘Manual’ high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is completed, carefully perform a quick release. After opening the lid, stir in the heavy cream until well combined, and let it simmer for an additional couple of minutes if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread, which helps you scoop up the rich sauce. Consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a dish that brings people together.
How to Store Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the butter chicken in portioned containers for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Chicken Variations: While chicken breast is a lean and healthy option, you can also use thighs for a juicier result.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference; add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick!
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still tastes wonderfully rich.
- Prep Ahead: Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger in advance, and portion out the spices for a quicker prep time during cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use chickpeas or cauliflower in place of chicken for a delightful vegetarian take.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the heavy cream with cauliflower puree or a low-carb cream alternative to keep it keto.
- Different Proteins: Pork or lamb can also work well in this sauce, providing a unique twist on the classic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time to 15 minutes and avoid adding cream until after cooking. -
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice, naan bread, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) make excellent companions for this dish. -
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and simply follow the cooking steps when you’re ready to serve. -
What if I don’t have garam masala?
You can make a simple substitute by combining equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom with a pinch of cinnamon. -
How can I make it milder?
Reduce the number of spices, especially the paprika and garam masala, to make it more kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings with its creamy texture and aromatic spices. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any home cook. So don’t hesitate—give this delicious dish a try and treat yourself to a delightful flavor experience that you and your loved ones will enjoy time and time again!
Print
Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A deliciously creamy and flavorful butter chicken dish that comes together quickly in an Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed chicken, tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring chicken is covered in the sauce.
- Close the lid, set to ‘Sealing’, and cook on ‘Manual’ high pressure for 10 minutes. Carefully perform a quick release, then stir in the heavy cream and simmer for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Serve with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
