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Homemade 30 Minute Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe photo

30 Minute Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This 30 Minute Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful delight that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Butter Chicken:
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into small bite-size chunks)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 5-6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (minced or finely grated)
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz tomato sauce (or 1 cup tomato puree)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or replace with 1/2 cup more tomato sauce)
  • 3/4 cup water (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with evaporated milk, coconut cream, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Start by cutting your chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized chunks. This will help them cook evenly and absorb all those amazing flavors.
  2. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the garam masala, smoked paprika, curry powder, ground cumin, and salt to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, cooking for another minute to release their essential oils.
  4. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot, and stir to combine with the onion and spices.
  5. Pour in the can of tomato sauce and tomato paste (or the additional sauce if you’re substituting). Add the water or chicken broth to help create a delicious sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
  6. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting.
  7. After the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream (or your chosen substitute). This will give your butter chicken that rich and creamy texture we all love.
  8. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness. Serve your delicious 30 Minute Instant Pot Butter Chicken over rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal!

Notes

  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for later in the week.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the butter chicken simmer on the sauté setting for a few extra minutes after adding the cream.
  • Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like peas or bell peppers, for added nutrition.