If you’re craving a dish that instantly warms your heart and transports you straight to your favorite Indian restaurant, Instant Pot Butter Chicken is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. This streamlined recipe brings together creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, all in one magical pot—no fuss required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: You get classic rich butter chicken flavor in a single Instant Pot, making both cooking and cleanup blissfully easy.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Silky sauce, plenty of aromatic spices, and fall-apart chicken taste just like your favorite takeout—no reservations required!
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From sautéing fragrant ginger and garlic to spooning that creamy sauce over rice, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken fits right into your busiest nights.
- Adaptable for Every Palate: Whether you love it mild, crave extra heat, or need a dairy-free twist, this recipe welcomes your personal flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken keeps things blissfully simple—every ingredient plays a part, layering in warmth, depth, and that signature creamy finish. The magic truly comes alive when humble staples like butter and tomato sauce meet bold Indian spices and juicy chicken.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a silky texture, making the sauce velvety and lush.
- Garlic: Five fresh cloves bring earthy, aromatic depth and the essential backbone to the flavors.
- Fresh Ginger Root: Grated ginger gives a subtle zing and warmth that brightens the whole dish.
- Garam Masala: The secret weapon! This spice blend delivers that signature Butter Chicken aroma and warmth.
- Ground Cumin: Adds an undertone of earthiness and rounds out the spice profile.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky undertone and beautiful color to the sauce.
- Ground Turmeric: Brings a sunny golden hue and mild, earthy flavor.
- Chili Powder (optional): For a little kick—add to taste if you like a bit of heat.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and highlighting all those bold spices.
- Chicken Thighs: Skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-size pieces; thighs stay extra tender and juicy under pressure cooking.
- Tomato Sauce (or Passata): Brings deep tomato flavor, forming the base of the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (or Coconut Milk, or Half and Half): Swirled in at the end, it makes the sauce irresistibly creamy—choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Fresh Parsley, Mint, or Cilantro: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a pop of flavor right before serving.
Variations
The best Instant Pot Butter Chicken is one that fits your cravings. With just a few swaps or tweaks, you can make this classic dish uniquely yours—whether you need it dairy-free, crave extra veggies, or want to crank up the heat.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Swap the heavy whipping cream with coconut milk for a wonderfully creamy, lightly sweet dairy-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add extra chili powder, a diced green chili, or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery kick that’s all your own.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, bell peppers, or peas after pressure cooking for extra color and nutrients.
- Make It Lighter: Use half and half instead of cream or opt for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option.
How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Start by pressing the SAUTE function on your Instant Pot and letting the butter melt. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring just until they’re impossibly fragrant—about a minute. Now, sprinkle in all your spices and the salt. This little moment of sauté magic is where the flavor foundation happens! If bits begin to stick, don’t worry—just add a splash of water and scrape up anything golden for even more taste.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce (or passata) right into the pot and add about a ¼ cup of water. Give everything a gentle swirl and switch off the SAUTE setting. All those spices will meld beautifully with the tangy tomato base, setting the stage for your Instant Pot Butter Chicken to shine.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Pressure Cook
Add your bite-size chicken thigh pieces into the Instant Pot, stirring well to coat them fully in the spice-laden sauce. Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL for 6 minutes on high—then just sit back as the Instant Pot works its magic! When the timer beeps, do a quick release of the steam for perfectly tender chicken every time.
Step 4: Finish With Cream and Simmer
Carefully remove the lid, then press SAUTE again. Pour in the cream (or coconut milk or half and half), stirring to create a dreamy, silky sauce. Let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes to thicken to your liking—season and taste, adjusting salt if needed. Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint. There you have it: crowd-pleasing, soul-satisfying Instant Pot Butter Chicken!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Spice Sauté Technique: Sautéing the spices in butter truly unlocks their flavors; don’t rush this step, and watch for the aroma to know it’s just right!
- Deglaze for Flavor: If anything sticks to the bottom while sautéing, add a splash of water to deglaze—those golden bits add loads of savory depth!
- Creamy Finish Timing: Always add cream or coconut milk at the very end with the SAUTE function—this prevents curdling and keeps the sauce luscious and smooth.
- Chicken Cut Know-How: Cutting the chicken thighs into even, bite-sized pieces ensures they’ll be perfectly juicy and scoopable in every serving.
How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing completes Instant Pot Butter Chicken like a generous sprinkling of fresh cilantro, parsley, or mint just before serving. For extra decadence, drizzle a swirl of cream on top or add a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish is tailor-made for soft, fluffy basmati rice, but don’t stop there! Warm naan, roti, or even garlic butter pita make perfect dippers for all that luscious sauce. Add a simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies to round out your Indian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating Instant Pot Butter Chicken in small bowls with a swirl of cream, fresh herbs, and a side of crispy papadum for a dinner party-worthy touch. Or, spoon the chicken and sauce into lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a lighter presentation that still packs all the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Butter Chicken tastes even richer the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for lunch meal-prep or a fuss-free dinner encore.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just remember: sauces with cream may separate a little when thawed, but a gentle reheat restores smoothness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to reincorporate the sauce. Splash in a spoonful of water or cream if it’s too thick, and top with fresh herbs to revive that just-made flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, too—just be mindful to not overcook since breasts can dry out more easily than thighs. Cut into uniform pieces and stick to the same cook time for juicy results.
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Is it possible to make this Instant Pot Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Coconut milk is a fantastic, dairy-free alternative that still provides great creaminess and depth. It also adds a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
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How spicy is Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
It’s generally mild and family-friendly, but you’re in control! For a little extra kick, add more chili powder or a fresh green chili. Or, leave it out for a gentler, creamier dish.
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Why is my sauce too thin or thick after pressure cooking?
If the sauce is thin, simmer it with the SAUTE function for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash of water or cream until it’s just right for you.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a vibrant, soul-satisfying dish that’s no longer reserved for special occasions or restaurant outings. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch it disappear from your table—there’s nothing quite like the comfort of dipping warm bread into that golden, creamy sauce. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful take on the classic Indian dish. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 pounds (900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
For the Sauce:
- 1 15–ounce can (425 grams) tomato sauce or passata
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter: On the Instant Pot, press SAUTE and melt the butter. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook briefly.
- Add Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce and water. Add the chicken. Pressure cook for 6 minutes.
- Finish: Release pressure, stir in cream, and simmer briefly to thicken. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve over rice.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- For a healthier version, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
