Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

If you crave a cozy, restaurant-style meal without fuss, Instant Pot Butter Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender bites of chicken simmer in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that bubbles up in a fraction of the time, thanks to your trusty Instant Pot. This dish delivers all the warmth, silky texture, and bold flavor of classic butter chicken—no takeout required!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot Butter Chicken is how everyday pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients join forces to create something magical. Each element plays a role in building that signature sauce, from the richness of butter and cream to the bright pop of fresh herbs at the end.

• Unsalted Butter: The buttery base sautés the aromatics and brings that luxurious, signature flavor.
• Fresh Garlic & Ginger: These are the backbone of flavor, adding warming, aromatic complexity.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Chili Powder: This spice mix is where the magic happens—layering warmth, smokiness, golden color, and gentle heat.
• Salt: Seasoning is key—taste as you go and adjust if necessary.
• Chicken Thighs: Skinless, boneless thighs turn meltingly tender in the Instant Pot, but you can use breast if you prefer.
• Tomato Sauce or Passata: Gives the sauce its velvety texture and deep tomato flavor; you can substitute with blended canned tomatoes in a pinch.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (or Coconut Milk): Cream rounds out the dish with silky richness. Coconut milk is wonderful if you want a dairy-free version!
• Fresh Parsley, Mint, or Cilantro: Just a sprinkle at the end brings color and freshness—don’t skip it!

Variations

The beauty of Instant Pot Butter Chicken is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge, accommodating allergies, or just craving a fresh twist, there are plenty of ways to make this dish a perfect fit for you.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a luscious, rich coconut twist—just as creamy and delicious.
• Chicken Breast Option: Swap the chicken thighs for breasts, slightly reducing the cook time for juicy, tender bites.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in an extra tablespoon or two of butter right at the end for an ultra-silky finish.
• Mild Version for Kids: Omit or reduce the chili powder so everyone at the table can dig in happily!
• Vegan Shortcut: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or canned chickpeas—just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for Maximum Flavor

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and melt the butter until foamy. Toss in the garlic and grated ginger—it’ll sizzle right away and become fragrant in about a minute. Don’t rush this step; it sets the foundation for the whole sauce.

Step 2: Toast the Spice Blend

Add all the ground spices and salt, stirring constantly as they bloom in the butter. Toasting the spices for just a minute deepens their flavors and infuses the fat with gorgeous color. If anything sticks, deglaze with a splash of water and scrape up the flavor-packed bits.

Step 3: Build the Saucy Base

Pour in the tomato sauce (or passata) along with ¼ cup of water if needed. Stir to combine, then switch off the Sauté function—leaving the mixture well-mixed and ready for the chicken.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Pressure Cook

Add your diced chicken thighs to the pot, gently mixing them into the sauce for even coverage. Secure the lid, set the vent to SEALING, and pressure cook on HIGH for 6 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.

Step 5: Release, Creamify, and Serve

When the cooking time is up, quick-release any steam. Carefully open the lid and press “Sauté” again. Pour in the cream (or coconut milk), then let the sauce gently simmer and reduce for a few minutes. This is where the sauce thickens and the flavors settle into pure, dreamy comfort.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Nothing beats the bright finishing touch of freshly chopped cilantro, mint, or parsley showered over your butter chicken just before serving. That vibrant green not only adds a punch of color but brings an herbal lift that highlights the creaminess of the sauce. Sometimes I even add a little extra swirl of cream or a drizzle of melted butter right on top for pure bliss!

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Butter Chicken begs for something to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Steamed basmati rice is the beloved classic, but brown rice or cauliflower rice work beautifully, too. If you have naan or warm flatbread on hand, pile it high and let everyone scoop—the sauce-to-bread ratio is half the fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving warm bowls of butter chicken family-style with little dishes of fresh herbs, sliced chilies, and lemon wedges—everyone can customize their own. For parties, offer it as part of an Indian-inspired buffet with samosas or roasted veggies. And leftovers make a killer filling for wraps or lunchbox quesadillas!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Instant Pot Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. If you notice the sauce thickening overnight, don’t worry—a splash of water (or cream) brings it right back to perfect consistency when you reheat. Expect leftovers to taste even more flavorful the next day, as the spices meld and mellow!

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Simply portion the cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers (leave some space for expansion). Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw completely in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights and meal prep sessions.

Reheating

To reheat Instant Pot Butter Chicken, microwave in intervals or gently warm on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce is super thick, and re-season with salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro for that just-cooked goodness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try Instant Pot Butter Chicken at home, there’s no turning back—you’re just one pot and half an hour away from pure comfort food bliss. Whether you stick to the classic flavors or put your own spin on it, this recipe invites you to gather around the table, scoop up every last drop of sauce, and savor the moment. I hope it becomes a fast, flavorful favorite in your own kitchen!

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