Creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Welcome to your new go-to comfort food recipe! Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that hits the trifecta: rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up. From my personal cheffing days to busy weeknights with my family, this dish has always been a crowd-pleaser. And guess what? We’re making it even easier by cooking it in the Instant Pot. If you’ve ever hesitated to make Butter Chicken at home, this recipe will make you wonder why you waited so long.

Hook Statement: Craving takeout but don’t want to leave the house? This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is creamy, aromatic, and ready faster than delivery!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• No marinating required—hello, less prep time!
• Super creamy and flavorful, just like your favorite Indian restaurant’s version!
• The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, so you can sit back and relax.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to create buttery, saucy magic:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal here—they stay super juicy and tender.
• Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the salt levels.
• Tomato Purée: This forms the base of the sauce. Go for a smooth and rich canned purée.
• Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce ultra-luxurious. Coconut cream works if you prefer dairy-free.
• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and ginger are the holy trinity of flavor in this dish.
• Spices: Garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and a little cayenne for heat.
• Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro for a bright, herby finish.

Pro Tip: If you like a smooth sauce, you can blend the base using an immersion blender before adding the cream and chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make some magic in your Instant Pot:

1. Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onions and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and your spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne). Stir and toast the spices for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
3. Pour in the tomato purée and stir, deglazing the pot to incorporate all those tasty browned bits on the bottom.
4. Switch the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” mode. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re completely coated in the sauce. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
5. Carefully open the lid, switch to “Sauté” mode again, and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish the dish by stirring in 2 tablespoons of butter for that signature silkiness. Taste and add salt as needed.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• If you want to lighten up the recipe, swap heavy cream with full-fat plain yogurt—but stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Out of garam masala? Combine equal parts of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon for a quick substitute.
• Shred leftover butter chicken and use it as a filling for naan or wraps for a delicious lunch the next day.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Make it Spicier: Add an extra pinch of cayenne or sliced green chili to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for paneer, tofu, or chickpeas, and cook for 3 minutes under pressure.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with basmati rice, garlic naan, or even a side of roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

FAQs

• Can I freeze Butter Chicken? Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• How do I reheat this? Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
• What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Don’t worry! You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the chicken in the sauce for 25-30 minutes until tender.

Your Instant Pot Butter Chicken is ready to enjoy! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments or tag your delicious creations with #TheKitchensAid. Happy cooking!