Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

If you love takeout-style Indian food but hate the wait (and the cost!), this Instant Pot Butter Chicken is about to be your new weeknight obsession. Creamy, dreamy, bold, and absolutely effortless, it transforms simple pantry staples and a few juicy chicken thighs into the silkiest, most aromatic curry you’ve had—right in your own kitchen, and in under an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter chicken magic is all about the right balance of cozy spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken. Here’s every ingredient you need, along with a few tips for bringing out the best flavor and beautiful color in your Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

• Butter (unsalted): The soul of this dish, it melts into the sauce for a rich, luxurious finish—don’t scrimp!
• Garlic & Ginger: Use fresh if you can for irresistible aroma, but paste will work in a pinch for speed.
• Tomato Puree & Tomato Paste: These give the sauce its signature silky tang and gorgeous brick-red color.
• Garam Masala, Coriander, Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Kashmiri Chili Powder: This happy spice party brings warmth, depth, and that authentic butter chicken soul. Kashmiri chili powder is mild and beautiful but optional—just use more paprika if you can’t find it.
• Salt: Absolutely essential for tying together all the flavors.
• Chicken Thighs (boneless & skinless): They stay juicy and tender in the Instant Pot, but you can swap for chicken breast if you prefer.
• Water: Helps blend everything together and makes sure the chicken cooks evenly under pressure.
• Whipping Cream: Stirred in at the end for a dreamy, luscious sauce—swap for heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk if you like.
• Fresh Parsley: Not traditional, but a shower of green makes each bowl pop.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot Butter Chicken is how easy it is to tweak! Don’t hesitate to get creative or make adjustments for dietary needs—this recipe is super forgiving, and every variation still delivers that signature comforting flavor.

• Creamy Coconut Butter Chicken: Use creamy full-fat coconut milk instead of dairy cream for a totally dairy-free, tropical twist (bonus: it’s just as rich and silk-smooth!).
• Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken breast, turkey, or even paneer for a vegetarian delight—just adjust cooking time as needed.
• Make It Spicy: Craving more heat? Add extra Kashmiri chili powder or a dash of cayenne. For a gentle, kid-friendly dish, stick to smoked paprika only.
• Veggie-Loaded: Sneak in a handful of spinach, peas, or roasted cauliflower right after adding cream for a hidden-veggie boost.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Butter, Garlic & Ginger

Start your Instant Pot on the sauté setting, toss in the butter, and let it melt into a golden puddle. Add in all that freshly minced garlic and ginger—just a minute or two, until their perfume fills the kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want fragrant, not bitter!

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato puree and tomato paste, then sprinkle in every spice: garam masala, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, (Kashmiri chili if using), turmeric, and salt. Let everything bloom together for 3-5 minutes—this step deepens color and infuses the base with all those cozy flavors.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Pressure Cook

Add the chicken pieces and pour in the water. Stir until every morsel of chicken is coated with those beautiful spices and there’s enough liquid to just cover the meat. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to the Poultry setting for 5 minutes, and get ready for magic!

Step 4: Natural Release & Finish the Sauce

Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes (this keeps the chicken ultra-tender). Carefully open the lid, switch back to sauté, and stir in the cream. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and turns irresistibly glossy.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Turn off the Instant Pot, tumble in plenty of chopped fresh parsley, and get ready to spoon your Instant Pot Butter Chicken over warm rice or scoop it up with fluffy naan. The aroma will have everyone racing to the table!

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro absolutely brightens the final dish—scatter it generously over your Instant Pot Butter Chicken just before serving for a pop of green and a touch of freshness. If you want to gild the lily, a drizzle of extra cream or a dollop of thick yogurt makes every serving look and taste extra-special.

Side Dishes

It’s impossible to beat the classic combo of steamy, aromatic basmati rice and fluffy naan, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce. Or, serve with roti, warm pita, or even simple brown rice if you’re feeling a little wholesome—you seriously can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Instant Pot Butter Chicken family-style right from the pot, or pile it into shallow bowls with swirls of cream and a scattering of microgreens. For fun, assemble little naan wraps or lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate—it will keep beautifully for 3–4 days, and the flavors get even deeper and richer overnight. Perfect for tomorrow’s lunch, tucked into a pita or simply reheated with rice!

Freezing

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a lifesaver for meal prep. Let it cool completely before freezing. Portion into freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to 3 months—just skip the fresh herbs until ready to serve for best color and flavor.

Reheating

Simply reheat leftovers in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce seems thick. For faster microwave reheating, cover and use 50% power—this keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to tuck in to your first bowl of Instant Pot Butter Chicken—there’s something so comforting (and empowering!) about making a dish this flavorful at home. Give it a try, tweak it to suit your tastes, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!

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