Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that has become a beloved favorite around the world. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a silky tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, making it a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The beauty of cooking this dish in an Instant Pot is its ability to deliver deep flavors in a fraction of the time, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken right from your own kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Readers will adore this Instant Pot Butter Chicken for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely divine—think aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander blending perfectly with creamy butter and tangy tomatoes. Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare; the Instant Pot does most of the work for you, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Lastly, Butter Chicken can fit various dietary lifestyles; it’s naturally high in protein and can be adjusted to be gluten-free with ease, making it a versatile option for family meals.
Tips and Tricks
- For the most flavorful chicken, consider marinating it in yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This step enhances tenderness and infuses flavor.
- Always sauté the spices in oil before adding the other ingredients; this process helps to release their essential oils and brings out the best flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can set the Instant Pot to the sauté function after cooking to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving elevates the dish and adds brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be just cooked through but still juicy. The Instant Pot cooks quickly, so a short cooking time is key.
- Be cautious with the amount of salt you add; the butter and cream already contribute saltiness, and you can always adjust it later.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step! It’s essential for building the flavor base of your dish.
- If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly but ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Make Ahead Tips
To make this recipe even more convenient, consider prepping the ingredients in advance. You can chop the onions, garlic, and ginger, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Additionally, marinate the chicken the night before to enhance its flavor. The cooked butter chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a satisfying alternative.
- Experiment with different spices; adding a bit of smoked paprika or turmeric can give a unique twist to the traditional flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped green chilies.
- To make it lighter, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt.
How to Serve
Serve your Instant Pot Butter Chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of color and freshness. Consider adding a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spice and balance the flavors.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a refreshing mango lassi or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled mint lemonade complements the spices beautifully. As for dessert, a light and creamy panna cotta or some vanilla ice cream will round off the meal perfectly.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Equipment Needed
You will need an Instant Pot for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, you can adapt it to a slow cooker or stovetop method. A good quality cutting board and sharp knife are essential for chopping the ingredients efficiently.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use coconut milk instead of cream. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cream or replace it with cashew cream. Make sure to check the spice labels for allergens if you’re cooking for someone with food sensitivities.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, you can swap out canned tomatoes for fresh tomatoes when they are in season. In the winter, adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale can enhance the nutritional profile and add texture to the dish.
Cost Breakdown
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe typically costs around $10-$15 for 4 servings, making it very budget-friendly. You can save money by using frozen chicken instead of fresh or by purchasing spices in bulk.
Kitchen Hacks
To save time peeling garlic, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife; the skins will slip off easily. For chopping onions without tears, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Is this recipe spicy? The level of spice depends on your preference; feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.
How To Make instant pot butter chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that has become a beloved favorite around the world.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Cancel the sauté function and seal the Instant Pot lid.
- Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream. If the sauce is too thin, set the Instant Pot back to sauté and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve the butter chicken over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 765Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 21gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 344mgSodium 638mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 3gSugar 8gProtein 64g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken at home is not only a delightful culinary adventure but also a way to bring the flavors of Indian cuisine to your table with ease. With its rich and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or serving it at a gathering, you can feel confident that this recipe will impress and satisfy. Happy cooking!