Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken: A Nonna’s Comfort Food Twist

Instant Pot Butter Chicken! Now, we know what you might be thinking. Three Italian grandmas cooking Indian food? *Mamma mia!* But sometimes, a recipe comes along that just feels like a warm hug, no matter its origin. This Instant Pot Butter Chicken is exactly that. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it cooks up so quickly in your pressure cooker that you’ll wonder why you ever waited for takeout. We first discovered this beautiful dish through a neighbor, and while it’s different from our traditional Sunday gravy, the warmth and comfort it brings to the table reminded us of our own family meals. It truly is a celebration of flavor that anyone can enjoy.

Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

You will absolutely adore this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe, we promise you! It brings so much warmth and flavor to your table without a fuss. First, there’s the speed; using your pressure cooker means a flavorful, tender chicken dinner is ready in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods. We grandmas appreciate anything that gives us more time for chatter! This indian butter chicken recipe is wonderfully creamy and rich, enveloping tender pieces of chicken in a beautifully spiced tomato sauce. It is truly a creamy curry dinner that satisfies the soul. It’s so easy to make, even if you are new to Indian flavors or your Instant Pot. We find it wonderfully comforting, much like a hearty bowl of our pasta fazool, but with a delightful new twist. It proves that delicious, easy indian food can be for everyone.

Ingredients Needed for This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Gather your ingredients, amici! You will need:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

How to Make This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Let’s get cooking our Instant Pot Butter Chicken! Follow these steps for a delicious pressure cooker chicken:

1. 1. Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the butter and olive oil.
2. 2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sprinkle with garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just to lightly brown the chicken.
4. 4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, making sure to scrape up any browned bits to prevent a “Burn” notice.
5. 5. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Select “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) on High for 8 minutes.
6. 6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
7. 7. Open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and brown sugar or honey. Let it simmer on “Sauté” (or “Keep Warm”) for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

How to Serve This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

This creamy curry dinner is best served warm and fresh! We love to ladle generous portions of Instant Pot Butter Chicken over fluffy basmati rice, allowing all those lovely flavors to soak in. For an extra special touch, tear off pieces of warm naan bread or a good crusty loaf of Italian bread for dipping into the rich sauce. A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro right before serving adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness. You can also offer a side of cooling plain yogurt or raita for those who prefer a milder experience.

How to Store This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

You can easily store your delicious Instant Pot Butter Chicken to enjoy later! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this easy indian food freezes wonderfully. Place the cooled butter chicken in freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.

Tips to Make This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

For the best Instant Pot Butter Chicken, here are some Nonna approved tips! If you prefer white meat, chicken breast can be used, but reduce the pressure cooking time to 6 minutes to keep it tender. For an extra rich sauce, you can add 1/4 cup of cashew paste (soaked cashews blended with a little water) before pressure cooking. Always remember to deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing to avoid the “Burn” message. Don’t rush the natural release; it helps the chicken stay incredibly moist. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten all the flavors beautifully.

Helpful Notes for This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

When preparing your Instant Pot Butter Chicken, remember that fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference in flavor. If you do not have crushed tomatoes, a can of diced tomatoes can be used, but you might want to blend them briefly for a smoother sauce. The amount of chili powder is a guideline; feel free to adjust it up or down to suit your family’s preference for spice. We usually make a bigger batch of this pressure cooker chicken because everyone always wants seconds!

Variation of This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Want to try a little twist on your Instant Pot Butter Chicken? You can easily add some vegetables like peas, chopped bell peppers, or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking, after the pressure has been released. For a smokier flavor, add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika along with the other spices. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can substitute chickpeas or paneer for the chicken and adjust cooking times accordingly. A sprinkle of dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) at the end offers an authentic Indian restaurant flavor.

FAQs About This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
Q: Can I make this Instant Pot Butter Chicken spicier?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices for an extra kick. You can also garnish with sliced fresh chilies.
Q: Do I need to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?
A: While we recommend a light sauté to build flavor, it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step and add the raw chicken directly with the spices, then proceed with adding the liquids.
Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: No Instant Pot, no problem! You can make this indian butter chicken recipe on the stovetop. Sauté the ingredients as directed, then simmer the sauce with the chicken in a Dutch oven or large pot for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Conclusion

So there you have it, our Nonna approved take on a delicious Instant Pot Butter Chicken. This creamy curry dinner is proof that wonderful flavors can come from anywhere, bringing comfort and joy to your kitchen. We hope you’ll gather your family around the table to enjoy this easy indian food as much as we do. Give this Instant Pot Butter Chicken a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below!