Rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a weeknight dinner game-changer. With tender pieces of chicken smothered in a luxurious, spiced tomato cream sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Serve it with fluffy white rice or warm naan bread to soak up every last drop of the heavenly sauce.
What Makes This Dish Special
This Butter Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors. The pressure cooking in the Instant Pot infuses the chicken with the aromatic spices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. The silky, buttery sauce is irresistibly rich yet surprisingly easy to make, transforming a restaurant favorite into a simple homemade delight.
A Meal Worth Savoring
Picture yourself at the table with a steaming plate of Butter Chicken, the vibrant aroma of spices filling the air. Each bite is a burst of flavor, the tender chicken melting into the creamy sauce, and the hint of butter making every mouthful smooth and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause, savor, and go back for seconds (or thirds!).
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, an impressive dish for guests, or a meal-prep wonder, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken brings comfort and delight to every occasion.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This dish is versatile enough for a casual dinner or a special gathering. Pair it with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal, and let the rich, spiced sauce shine. It’s quick, convenient, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredient Notes
- Basmati Rice: A fragrant, fluffy accompaniment that perfectly absorbs the rich butter chicken sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a luxurious, creamy base and rich flavor to the dish.
- Sweet Onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper (diced): Contributes a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a robust, savory aroma and flavor.
- Freshly Grated Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that enhances the complexity of the spices.
- Garam Masala: A signature spice blend that gives butter chicken its warm, aromatic flavor.
- Ground Turmeric: Provides a vibrant golden color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that complements the rich tomato base.
- Ground Cumin: Enhances the earthy, savory notes in the sauce.
- Ground Cayenne Pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who prefer a spicier dish.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Balances and enhances the dish’s flavors.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Forms the base of the sauce with a bright, tangy flavor.
- Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Adds smoothness and enhances the tomato richness in the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Provides depth and helps create a silky consistency for the sauce.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks): The main protein, tender and flavorful when cooked in the spiced sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess, balancing the spices and acidity of the tomatoes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to ensure it coats the chicken beautifully.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro Leaves: A fresh garnish that brightens the dish and adds an herbal note.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Butter Chicken is best enjoyed warm, paired with:
- Steamed basmati rice or fragrant jasmine rice for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Freshly baked naan bread or parathas for scooping every flavorful bite.
- A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added texture.
- A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cilantro for a refreshing garnish.
Tips for Butter Chicken Perfection
- Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are more tender and flavorful, but breasts work just as well.
- Adjust the spice level: Add or reduce chili powder to suit your heat preference.
- Blend the sauce for smoothness: Use an immersion blender to puree the tomato base before adding cream for a velvety texture.
- Don’t skip the butter: It’s the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its signature richness.
A Dish That Brings Joy
Instant Pot Butter Chicken combines the magic of Indian spices with the ease of modern cooking, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The creamy, spiced sauce and tender chicken will have everyone at the table falling in love with this timeless classic.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ sweet onion diced
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsps garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper optional
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by cooking your rice! Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan and cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside.
- Step 2: Grab your 6-quart Instant Pot® and set it to the high sauté mode. Melt the butter, then toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like some heat). Stir for about a minute until your kitchen smells incredible! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Now, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and chicken pieces to the pot. Give it a good stir. Switch to the manual pressure setting, adjust to high pressure, and set the timer for 10 minutes. When the timer’s up, carefully quick-release the pressure following your Instant Pot® manual instructions.
- Step 4: While the chicken cooks, whisk together heavy cream and flour in a small bowl until smooth. Set it aside for now.
- Step 5: Switch your Instant Pot® back to high sauté mode. Stir in the creamy mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens just a bit—this should take around 3 minutes. Toss in fresh cilantro and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Step 6: Serve this creamy, spiced chicken dish hot over your fluffy rice. Enjoy every bite!
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