Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

If you dream of silky, restaurant-style butter chicken but want it on your table in under 30 minutes, you will fall head over heels for Instant Pot Butter Chicken. This creamy, fragrant dish brings all the warmth and spice of classic Indian cuisine, using your trusty pressure cooker for results that are both effortless and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Instant Pot Butter Chicken is all in its perfect handful of spices and classic ingredients—the essentials work together to create something magical. Here’s how each one brings its own magic to this flavor-packed, silky curry.

• Unsalted Butter: This is the heart of the sauce, giving richness and depth that no other fat can quite match.
• Garlic & Fresh Ginger: No substitutes here—freshly minced garlic and grated ginger infuse every bite with warmth and vibrancy.
• Garam Masala: The signature Indian spice blend—just a teaspoon or two transports you straight to flavor city.
• Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika & Turmeric: Together, they layer earthy, smoky, and sunny notes, making your sauce savory and irresistible.
• Chili Powder (optional): Adds a backnote of gentle heat without overwhelming delicate palates.
• Salt: Essential for making the spices sing and the chicken shine.
• Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): Juicy, tender, and so forgiving, they stay moist (never dry!) even under pressure.
• Tomato Sauce (or Passata): This forms the tomato-y backbone of the sauce, balancing tang and sweetness beautifully.
• Heavy Cream (or coconut milk/half-and-half): For velvety smoothness—go classic with cream or dairy-free with coconut milk.
• Fresh Parsley, Mint, or Cilantro: Scattering fresh herbs on top brings all the flavors to life and adds fresh color.

Variations

Every home cook can make this creamy, dreamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken uniquely their own. You can easily tweak the flavors, adjust the sauce’s richness, and even swap out proteins or heat levels for a personalized meal every time.

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a silky, vegan-friendly alternative—no flavor sacrificed!
• Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili powder or a chopped fresh green chili to the spice mix if you’re craving more heat.
• Light & Fresh: Use half-and-half or plain yogurt for a lighter sauce with a slight tang—perfect during warmer months.
• Different Protein: Try diced boneless chicken breasts or even cubes of paneer for a vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and adding the butter. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about a minute, letting their fragrances wake up your kitchen—this is the foundation that makes everything else taste so good.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Add the garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder (if using), and salt right into the pot. Stir constantly for one more minute. Letting the spices sizzle in butter blooms their flavors, giving your sauce layers of warmth and depth you’d never get from just dumping them in later.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce & Deglaze

Pour in the tomato sauce (or passata) and a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is key for flavor (and avoids the Instant Pot’s “burn” notice). Then, switch off the SAUTE function.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add your diced chicken thighs to the pot, and give everything a thorough mix so every piece is coated in that spiced tomato sauce. Secure the lid, set the vent to SEALING, and choose PRESSURE COOK (MANUAL) for 6 minutes on high. The pot will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure—time to relax and dream of dinner.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Once the timer beeps, do a quick release to let out the steam. Carefully remove the lid (smells amazing, right?), hit SAUTE again, and pour in the cream. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and turns gloriously silky. Taste and season with extra salt if needed, then garnish and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or mint brings a burst of freshness that really sets off the creamy, spicy sauce. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of cream or a tiny pat of butter swirled on top adds elegance—and a few toasted sliced almonds won’t go amiss if you want a subtle crunch!

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is simply made for steaming, fluffy basmati rice—it soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce. Don’t forget pillowy naan or roti for scooping, and maybe a cool cucumber raita, crisp salad, or quick-pickled onions to balance the rich, spiced flavors on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your butter chicken in small bowls for a “tapas night” or tuck it into soft tortillas or lettuce cups for fun fusion wraps. For a party, ladle it over aromatic rice in a big serving platter, scatter fresh herbs on top, and let people dig in family-style—watch it disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious—no one complains about repeats with this dish!

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a champ. Cool it completely, then portion into airtight bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting—it’ll taste just as creamy and flavorful as fresh.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce, stirring often to prevent sticking or separation. Garnish with fresh herbs again for a quick “just-cooked” touch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, color, and big flavor, Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a true dinner hero. Once you try this ultra-creamy, deeply spiced favorite at home, you’ll wonder how you ever waited for takeout. I can’t wait for you to give it a go—let your kitchen fill with those beautiful aromas, and don’t forget to share and savor every last bite!

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