Instant Pot Butter Chicken a Weeknight Wonder

Recipe Introduction: Butter Chicken Bliss Made Easy!

Fancy a cracking Butter Chicken? Honestly, who doesn't? You know I'm always on the lookout for quick and tasty dinners.

So, how about Best Instant Pot Recipe to blow your socks off? This bad boy is packed with creamy, aromatic goodness.

It's restaurant quality, but way easier.

Butter Chicken is an Indian classic that's been a favorite for ages. I think it is one of the best instant pot indian recipes .

This version cuts down the cooking time using an Instant Pot. You'll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes, serves about 6 people and it is beginner friendly.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This recipe is great because it's fairly healthy and also it's packed with protein and flavor. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

What makes this instant pot chicken recipes easy is the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. It is a truly memorable dish!

Okay, Mate, Let's Talk Ingredients

First up, you need chicken thighs. One and half pounds should do the trick. Marinate them in yogurt, lemon juice, and some spices.

Don't skip the marinade. It makes the chicken extra tender and flavorful, I also use fresh cilantro.

You'll also need butter, onion, garlic, ginger, and some key spices. Garam masala, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential. A can of crushed tomatoes and some heavy cream will create that classic sauce.

I have always found fresh ingredients to be best. For all my Garlic Chicken Recipes I always use fresh garlic.

I was also surprised how tender the chicken came out when you let the pressure naturally release in the beef tips instapot .

Next up we will see if this can be made in the beef tips pressure cooker or the pressure cooker butter chicken .

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Instant Pot Recipes

Alright, let's talk ingredients for my Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference. This recipe is seriously one of my favourite instant pot recipes , so I want to make sure you all nail it.

Main Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces. Get good quality chicken! You know, the kind that looks nice and pink, not grey and sad.
• Plain yogurt: 1 cup (240ml) , full fat or low-fat.
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Garam masala: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Ground turmeric: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional).

For the Butter Chicken:

• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (about 1 cup).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) piece, peeled and minced. Fresh is always best, trust me!
• Garam masala: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . We need it twice!
• Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Gives it a lovely smokiness.
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) .
• Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped for garnish (optional).
• Salt: to taste.

Seasoning Notes

Garam masala is key. It's like the heart of Indian cooking. If you don't have any, try mixing cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin.

But honestly, just get some! Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference too. Don't skimp on them. For the beef tips instapot, garlic chicken recipes or the beef tips pressure cooker, consider adding some other spices like curry powder.

For the authentic butter chicken instant pot or pressure cooker butter chicken try to get the best garam masala you can.

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot: 6-quart or larger. Obvs!
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Mixing bowls.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. A normal spoon works in a pinch.

Honestly, that’s all you need. Now, the instant pot indian recipes can be made by using your Instant Pot , so get it out and ready!.

I really recommend getting all of these ingredients and equipment, because using a Best Instant Pot Recipe will result in a delicious dinner.

Cooking Method: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Alright, let's dive into the cooking method for this Best Instant Pot Recipe : Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Honestly, this is one of those instant pot recipes that feels like cheating because it’s so easy for how delicious it is.

So, if you're looking for Instant Pot Indian Recipes look no further. We're talking restaurant quality on a Tuesday night!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place is key, mate. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. Marinate those chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes.

I sometimes leave them overnight. Trust me, it's worth it! For the yogurt, any kind will do. If you don't have yogurt, you can use sour cream.

Organise your spices. It will save you so much time. Safety wise, be careful when handling raw chicken and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

step-by-step Process: From Zero to Hero

1. Chuck your Instant Pot on Sauté . Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add diced onion. Sauté till translucent. Add minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant. About a minute.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook 30 seconds . This wakes up the spices.
4. Pour in the 28-ounce crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir.
5. Add the marinated chicken, making sure it’s covered in the sauce.
6. Seal the Instant Pot. Set to Manual for 10 minutes .
7. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes . Then, manually release any remaining pressure. This stops the chicken from toughening.
8. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Season with salt. Garnish with cilantro. Bob's your uncle! You can add chilli flakes for a kick!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Butter Chicken

• Deglaze, Deglaze, Deglaze: Scrape the bottom of the pot after sautéing to avoid that dreaded burn warning.
• Don't skip the marinating stage; even a short marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavour.
• If you’re in a rush, you can skip the natural pressure release, but the chicken will be more tender if you let it naturally release for 10 minutes.

And there you have it! Instant Pot Butter Chicken, sorted. Grab some naan, serve it with rice, and you are in for a good time.

This quick One-Pot Butter Chicken Recipe is what you need after a hard day at work. If you have Beef Tips Instapot you can also adapt the recipe.

Recipe Notes That Make All The Difference

Right then, let's dive into a few extra bits for our Best Instant Pot Recipe of Instant Pot Butter Chicken .

These tips will take your dish from good to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Honestly, these little things are what I've learned over time and they’re total game changers.

Serving Ideas That'll Impress

Fancy a bit of posh plating? Spoon a generous dollop of the Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Easy over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.

A swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro? Chef's kiss! On the side, a cooling cucumber and mint raita balances the richness perfectly.

And don't forget warm naan bread for soaking up all that glorious sauce!

Storage Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This One-Pot Butter Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully. Pop it into an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days .

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just make sure it's completely cooled first. When reheating, a gentle simmer on the stovetop or a zap in the microwave does the trick.

Adding a splash of water or cream helps to revive the sauce.

Mix It Up

Feeling adventurous? For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is your best friend. Works a charm! You can also swap the chicken for chickpeas for a yummy vegetarian twist.

And when tomatoes are at their peak in summer, using fresh, ripe ones adds a burst of flavor that tinned tomatoes just can't match.

Nutrition, Simply Put

Each serving of this Authentic Butter Chicken Instant Pot is roughly 450 calories. You're getting a good dose of protein from the chicken (about 35g).

There's fat (around 25g) from the cream and butter, but hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone. Plus, those spices are packed with antioxidants.

It's comfort food with a bit of a health kick! If you are looking for Garlic Chicken Recipes , this is not it.

This one is butter chicken. For something else, how about Beef Tips Instapot or Beef Tips Pressure Cooker ?

So, there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs to make your Instant Pot Butter Chicken a total triumph.

With these Instant Pot Indian Recipes , You've got the inside scoop now. Now go on, get cooking and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! I keep getting the "Burn" message on my Instant Pot. What am I doing wrong?

Oh dear, nobody wants the dreaded "Burn" message! It usually means something is stuck to the bottom of the pot. Be sure to deglaze the pot properly after sautéing the onions and garlic by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.

Also, ensure there's enough liquid in the pot and that no food is directly touching the heating element. It's like trying to watch Bake Off with soggy bottoms nobody wants that!

Can I make this Instant Pot butter chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

I'm trying to cut back on dairy. Can I substitute anything for the heavy cream in this butter chicken recipe?

No worries, you can easily adapt this recipe! Full fat coconut milk makes a wonderful dairy-free substitute for the heavy cream. It will add a subtle coconut flavor that complements the spices nicely.

Alternatively, cashew cream (made from blended soaked cashews) is another great option for a creamy texture without the dairy.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this instant pot recipes butter chicken?

Butter chicken is basically a hug in a bowl, so you want sides that enhance that cozy feeling! Fluffy basmati rice is a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. Naan bread, either store-bought or homemade, is another must have for scooping.

A refreshing cucumber raita (yogurt dip) adds a lovely coolness to balance the richness of the dish, and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette completes the meal.

My butter chicken sauce is too thin! How do I thicken it up after cooking in the instant pot?

Don't fret, thin sauce is a common issue! There are a couple of easy fixes. You can simmer the sauce on the sauté function (with the lid off) for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Alternatively, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce while it's simmering. Cook for a minute or two until thickened. If you allow the natural pressure release, this should help too!

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs in this Instant Pot butter chicken recipe?

You can, but bear in mind that chicken thighs are generally more forgiving and stay moister in the Instant Pot. If you do use chicken breast, be sure to reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes to prevent it from drying out.

You might also want to cut the chicken breast into slightly larger pieces to help retain moisture. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it is safely cooked.