Crazy-Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Introduction

Tired of takeout? Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality Instant Pot Butter Chicken that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite. No more complicated cooking – just creamy, flavorful chicken that everyone will adore.

Why This Works

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe works because it utilizes the power of the Instant Pot to create incredibly tender, juicy chicken in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. The rich, creamy sauce is bursting with aromatic spices and is naturally thickened within the pressure cooker, resulting in a luxurious texture. It’s a simple recipe that delivers BIG on flavor!

Key Ingredients

🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
🌶️ 1 tablespoon ginger paste
🌿 1 tablespoon garam masala
🌿 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
🌿 1 teaspoon cumin powder
🌿 1 teaspoon coriander powder
🌿 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
🍚 Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the butter and melt. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2️⃣ Bloom the Spices: Add the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step helps to release the full potential of the spices.

3️⃣ Add Chicken and Tomatoes: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine everything.

4️⃣ Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

5️⃣ Stir in Cream: Once the pressure has released, carefully open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it slightly.

6️⃣ Serve: Serve your Instant Pot Butter Chicken hot over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional).

Handy Tips

Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
For a smoother sauce, you can blend a portion of the cooked sauce with an immersion blender before adding the cream.

Heat Control

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken without burning or drying it out. The natural pressure release allows the chicken to further absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Crunch Factor

While this recipe focuses on the creamy, tender texture of the chicken, you can add a crunch element by topping with toasted slivered almonds, chopped cashews, or crispy fried onions before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless breasts. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty touch.
A dollop of plain yogurt or raita on top adds a cooling contrast to the richness of the sauce.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Butter Chicken makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a pretty, heat-safe container with a side of rice and some naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Butter Chicken: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
🌟 Coconut Butter Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk along with the heavy cream for a creamy, coconutty twist.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Butter Chicken: Add a can of diced tomatoes along with the crushed tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor.
🌟 Garlic Butter Chicken: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.

Troubleshooting

Chicken is dry: If the chicken is dry, you may have overcooked it. Reduce the cooking time next time or use bone-in chicken thighs.
Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it and thicken it. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
Sauce is too spicy: Add a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice to mellow the heat.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, but the cooking time will be significantly longer (4-6 hours on low).
What can I serve with this? Naan bread, rice, roti, and even cauliflower rice are excellent accompaniments.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag us on social media! Happy cooking!