Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Quick & Creamy Delight

Make rich, creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken in minutes! Perfectly spiced, tender, and ready for a quick, satisfying dinner any night, this recipe brings the beloved classic Indian dish right into your kitchen with the ease and speed of an Instant Pot. A luscious tomato-based sauce mingles with fragrant spices and buttery goodness, coating juicy chicken pieces for a comforting meal packed with flavor and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Cook a restaurant-quality butter chicken in under 30 minutes using your Instant Pot.
• Consistent tenderness: The pressure cooker locks in moisture, making chicken perfectly juicy every time.
• Rich, creamy sauce: Silky butter and cream create an indulgent, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
• Minimal cleanup: One-pot cooking means no fuss with dishes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Customizable spice level: Adjust the heat easily to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays an important role in building the layers of flavor, from aromatic spices to creamy richness and tender chicken that soaks up every bit of sauce.

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in or boneless, they stay juicy and tender under pressure cooking.
• Butter and cream: Essential for that signature silky texture and mellow richness.
• Tomato puree: Forms the tangy, flavorful base of the sauce.
• Garam masala: A warm, fragrant spice blend that defines the dish’s classic taste.
• Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic foundation.
• Chili powder and paprika: Provide balanced heat and vibrant red color.
• Greek yogurt or cream: Adds tang and creaminess, helping tenderize the chicken.
• Fresh cilantro: For a bright, fresh garnish to finish.

Variations for Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Love this dish but want to switch things up? Experimenting with different spices, proteins, or even dairy alternatives makes this recipe extremely adaptable, so you can enjoy your favorite flavors with a personal twist.

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for paneer cubes or cauliflower florets for a meatless delight.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of butter and cream for a vegan-friendly version.
• Milder spice: Reduce chili powder and spice quantities for a gentler flavor suitable for kids.
• Extra smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder to deepen the taste.
• Protein swap: Try shrimp or turkey breast to diversify the texture and nutrition.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor deeply.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode, melt butter, and gently cook finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and golden brown – this step builds the sauce’s flavor base.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Puree

Stir in garam masala, paprika, and tomato puree, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the spices with the tomato base beautifully.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces and any juices, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This quickly tenderizes the chicken while locking in moisture.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Butter

After the pressure naturally releases, stir in heavy cream and an extra pat of butter, letting the sauce become luxuriously creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top, pairing the dish with your favorite rice or naan for a full meal experience.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken

• Use bone-in chicken: For extra flavor and juiciness, bone-in thighs work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Don’t skip the sauté: Browning the spices and aromatics before pressure cooking intensifies the taste.
• Allow natural pressure release: This helps keep chicken tender and prevents sauce splatter.
• Adjust cream at the end: Stir in cream gradually until you reach your desired richness and thickness.
• Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to deepen flavors and save time on busy days.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten your butter chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro leaves and a drizzle of cream or melted butter to enhance its indulgent look and taste.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fluffy basmati rice, garlic naan, or buttery roti to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce for that perfect bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try plating the butter chicken in individual shallow bowls with a swirl of cream, a wedge of lime, and a sprinkle of toasted fenugreek leaves or crushed cashews for added texture and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.

Freezing

Butter chicken freezes well; cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, though chicken breast is leaner and can dry out more easily; reduce cooking time slightly to keep it tender within the Instant Pot.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with oil or vegan margarine and use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

How spicy is this recipe by default?

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken has a balanced, mild to medium heat level, but you can easily adjust the chili powder to make it spicier or milder to suit your palate.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, a quick 15–30 minute marinate still produces delicious results in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling works well. Just make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot—leave enough space for pressure to build and cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a game-changer for busy food lovers craving rich, satisfying Indian comfort food without the hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tender goodness made simple with your Instant Pot.

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