If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and unbelievably flavorful dinner that comes together in a flash, Instant Pot Butter Chicken is your new best friend. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Indian butter chicken but uses the magic of the Instant Pot to cut down cooking time without sacrificing any of the luxury or tenderness. Whip up flavorful Instant Pot Butter Chicken quickly for a delicious dinner that’s creamy, rich, and ready in no time! Get ready to impress your family or guests with this comforting dish that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Dinner Fix: Uses the Instant Pot to deliver full flavor in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.
- Rich and Creamy: Balances spices with butter and cream to create a luscious texture everyone adores.
- Minimal Prep: Just a handful of staple ingredients that combine for maximum taste.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your family’s preference.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this Instant Pot Butter Chicken irresistibly flavorful. Each component contributes a vital note, from the fragrant spices to the creamy finish.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, tender results.
- Butter: Essential for creating the signature richness in both the marinade and sauce.
- Tomato puree: Provides the vibrant base and a subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Adds the silky texture that balances the spices perfectly.
- Garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that infuses warmth and depth.
- Garlic and ginger paste: Fresh aromatics that elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- Chili powder: Choose mild or hot depending on how spicy you want your dish.
- Yogurt: Helps tenderize chicken while adding tang and moisture.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every other flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: For garnish and a refreshing, herbaceous finish.
Variations for Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tailor it to your tastes or dietary requirements. These simple swaps and additions can make each meal unique.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a satisfying meat-free option.
- Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of cream to keep it lighter without losing creaminess.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Spice It Up: Include extra cayenne or fresh green chilies for a fiery kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika or finish with a splash of smoked salt.
How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Combine yogurt, garlic and ginger paste, chili powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken thighs, fully coating them with the marinade, and let sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Spices and Aromatics
Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter, then add additional garlic and ginger paste and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree and the remaining spices, letting the mixture thicken slightly to build flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken along with any leftover marinade into the pot. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Quick release the pressure once cooking is done to lock in juiciness.
Step 4: Finish with Cream
Open the lid and stir in heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create an irresistibly creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer on sauté mode for a couple of minutes if you want it thicker.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish before serving and pair with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For the best flavor and tender texture, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use Thighs Over Breast: Chicken thighs stay moist and absorb flavors better during pressure cooking.
- Deglaze the Pot: Always scrape the bottom after sautéing tomato puree to prevent burn errors on your Instant Pot.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add cream gradually to control the richness of your sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro Last: Add cilantro only just before serving to keep its bright color and taste intact.
How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Garnishes
The fresh burst of chopped cilantro and a drizzle of cream make the dish visually appealing and add layers of flavor that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Butter Chicken shines when paired with fluffy basmati rice, buttery naan, or even a side of roasted vegetables that absorb the sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your butter chicken in mini cast iron skillets or over a bed of fragrant pilaf for an elevated dinner at home. Garnish with toasted nuts or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover butter chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster in the Instant Pot; marinate well and consider reducing cook time slightly to keep them tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe’s spiciness is adjustable—you can reduce chili powder for mild or increase it, or add fresh chilies to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute butter for a dairy-free option and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a creamy texture without dairy.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Browning is optional but adds depth to the flavor; the Instant Pot’s sauté function makes this quick and easy.
What should I serve with Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
Classic choices are basmati rice and naan, but it also pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or simple roti.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a true lifesaver on busy nights, offering delicious, restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Once you try this creamy, comforting dish, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest and most satisfying meals ever!