Dinner Recipes: Instant Pot Butter Chicken – A Creamy, Flavorful Classic Made Easy

Craving a taste of India without the fuss? Our Instant Pot Butter Chicken brings authentic flavors right to your table in minutes!

Mortal Act

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a globally adored dish that blends the rich, creamy flavors of Indian cuisine with the convenience of modern cooking. While traditional recipes can take hours of marination and stovetop simmering, the Instant Pot revolutionizes this process, making butter chicken a weeknight-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy professionals, families, and anyone who loves flavorful, protein-packed dishes. Whether you’re an Indian cuisine enthusiast or a home cook seeking quick and easy meals, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe will become a go-to comfort food in your dinner rotation.

Why Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

In today’s fast-paced world, the Instant Pot has emerged as a lifesaver for home cooks who want to enjoy gourmet meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With its pressure cooking capabilities, this device can reduce cooking times while intensifying flavors—ideal for dishes like butter chicken, where rich, well-developed sauces are key.

This version of butter chicken uses the Instant Pot to recreate the authentic flavors of the dish without the need for a tandoor or extensive marination. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, which means minimal cleanup, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or weeknight dinners.

The Magic of Butter Chicken: A Deep Dive into Its Flavors

Butter chicken is known for its velvety tomato sauce, spiced with aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The addition of butter and cream gives it a luxurious texture, while marinated chicken provides the protein-packed heart of the meal. These key ingredients combine to create a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that delight foodies and comfort food lovers alike.

But why does it work so well in an Instant Pot? The pressure-cooking process helps to meld the spices with the tomatoes, butter, and cream more efficiently, creating a deep, layered flavor in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for heat preference)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 cup water or chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, half the garam masala, and a dash of chili powder. This gives the chicken a chance to absorb some initial flavor.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the onions, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the remaining spices—garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder—cooking them for 30 seconds to release their aromas. This step enhances the depth of flavor by blooming the spices.
4. Deglaze and Add Chicken: Pour in the tomato puree, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (these are flavor gold!). Add the chicken and stir to coat with the sauce. Then, pour in the water or broth, which helps create steam for pressure cooking.
5. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a 10-minute natural release before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure.
6. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer on the “Sauté” setting for 5 minutes until thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan for a complete meal.

Practical Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Butter Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor: Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the pressure cooker compared to chicken breasts, as they stay tender and juicy even after pressure cooking.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your heat preference. If you’re cooking for kids or those with sensitive palates, reduce or omit it altogether.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on richness. It also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Instant Pot butter chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Common Questions About Instant Pot Butter Chicken [?]

How Can I Prevent the “Burn” Warning on My Instant Pot?

The “burn” warning on the Instant Pot can occur when food is stuck to the bottom of the pot. To prevent this, be sure to properly deglaze the pot after sautéing the onions and spices by adding the tomato puree and scraping the bottom. Adding enough liquid (such as water or broth) is also essential to prevent burning.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but be mindful that they can dry out more easily during pressure cooking. To avoid this, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and ensure a quick release to stop the cooking process immediately after pressure is released.

Can I Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The flavors of butter chicken deepen when allowed to sit, making it a perfect dish for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Why Instant Pot Butter Chicken Is a Game-Changer for Busy Professionals {?}

For busy professionals and families, Instant Pot Butter Chicken offers the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. The one-pot method cuts down on both time and dishes, making it an efficient choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s a protein-rich dish that’s easy to pair with simple sides like rice, naan, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Case Study Example: One home cook, Jessica, shared her experience using the Instant Pot to make butter chicken after a long workday. “I love how quickly it comes together. I can start it before helping my kids with homework, and by the time we’re done, dinner is ready. And the flavors are restaurant-quality, which is hard to believe considering how little effort it takes.”

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Time-Saving Dinner for Every Occasion

Instant Pot Butter Chicken offers a balance between rich, comforting flavors and modern convenience, making it the perfect dinner option for foodies, busy professionals, and families alike. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or new to Indian cuisine, this recipe delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. With the right ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, creamy, and protein-packed dish on the table in less than 30 minutes.

So next time you’re craving something flavorful and comforting, pull out your Instant Pot and whip up this butter chicken—it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner routine.