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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken dish that is easy to make in the Instant Pot, combining tender chicken thighs with a flavorful sauce that will impress family and friends.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless Can substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Spices
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and grating the ginger.
Cooking
  1. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the butter and let it melt.
  2. Once melted, add the onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
  3. Mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, and paprika. Stir and let the spices cook for another minute.
  5. Place the boneless chicken thighs into the pot and pour in the tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Close the lid, ensure the valve is sealed, and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes.
  7. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  8. Open the lid, stirring in the heavy cream until the sauce is rich and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or with warm naan.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on stove over low heat, adding water or cream if it thickens too much.