Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Easy & Delicious Recipe

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Looking for a quick and easy meal? Try the Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe. It serves 4 to 6 people and is ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for those on keto, paleo, or low-carb diets.

With the Instant Pot, you can make Indian butter chicken at home. The dish is mildly spiced. You can adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or jalapenos.

What Makes Instant Pot Butter Chicken Special

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a dish that brings together the richness of Indian cuisine and the ease of pressure cooking. It’s a great example of how cooking methods can be used to make a tasty and simple meal. It only takes 30 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick, saving you hours in the kitchen. Its pressure cooking function also keeps the flavors locked in, creating a creamy sauce.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

To make delicious Instant Pot Butter Chicken, you’ll need the right ingredients and equipment. You’ll need canned tomatoes, 5-6 cloves of garlic, and minced fresh ginger. Also, turmeric, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and kosher salt are needed. Garam masala, ground cumin, boneless skinless chicken thighs, and butter cut into cubes are also required. Heavy cream and chopped cilantro complete the list.

For equipment, an Instant Pot is a must. You might also want an immersion blender for pureeing the sauce. When picking an Instant Pot, think about size and features that suit your cooking needs. It’s a great tool for many Instant Pot recipes.

Having the right ingredients and equipment is key to a successful Instant Pot Butter Chicken. With these, you’re ready to make a tasty and authentic Indian dish.

Making Perfect Instant Pot Butter Chicken

To make an authentic Instant Pot Butter Chicken, follow specific cooking instructions. This recipe has chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The secret to a great Butter Chicken is in the sauce finishing steps, like adding heavy cream and garam masala.

For serving suggestions, pair it with basmati rice or naan. Add chopped cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.

For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of basmati. This makes it perfect for keto recipes. Serve it with homemade naan, Shirazi salad, and rice.

Tips for Customizing Your Butter Chicken

The Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for making your own way. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Just add more or less cayenne pepper for the heat you want.

Also, you can change the recipe to fit your diet. Try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a different taste. This makes the dish healthier for you.

Want to save time? There are make-ahead options for you. You can make the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months. This way, you can quickly reheat and serve it.

Using frozen chicken is another great option. It’s easy to keep chicken in the freezer. Just remember, it will take a bit longer for the Instant Pot to heat up.

Spice Level Adjustments

Changing the spice level is easy. You can add more or less of any spice to taste. If you like it milder, use less cayenne pepper. For a spicier taste, add more or try other spices.

Dietary Modifications

Want to make the dish healthier? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can also try half and half or evaporated milk for less fat. These changes let you enjoy the dish while meeting your dietary needs.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Make-ahead and storage options are great for busy people. You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months. Then, just reheat it with the cooked chicken for a quick, delicious meal.

Conclusion

As we finish our journey through Instant Pot Butter Chicken, it’s clear this recipe is a winner. It’s quick to make, with a cooking time of just 15 minutes. It’s also packed with aromatic spices that delight your senses.

This dish is perfect for anyone, whether you’re new to Instant Pots or a seasoned pro. You’ll want to make it again and again.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is not only easy to make but also super versatile. You can tweak the spice level and make it fit your dietary needs. Plus, it’s healthy, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.

So, why not try making this Instant Pot Butter Chicken? It’s a quick way to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal. Start your cooking adventure with this recipe and let the amazing smells of ginger, garlic, and spices take you to India.

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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken


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  • Author: Jen P
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Description

Enjoy your rich, flavorful Instant Pot Butter Chicken, a favorite for its creamy texture and aromatic spices!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
  • 3 tablespoons butter (use ghee for a more authentic flavor)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or gluten-free naan bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, cooking until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Spices and Sauce: Add the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and toast the spices for about 30 seconds. Add the tomato sauce and mix well.
  3. Add Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce.
  4. Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
  5. Pressure Release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Finish with Cream and Butter: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and butter until well combined. Allow the butter to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve the butter chicken over cooked rice or with gluten-free naan bread.

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