Print Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Skip the takeout, and try this quick and easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken instead!
Prep Time10 mins
Pressure Cook Time10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Butter, Chicken, Easy, Instant Pot, Quick
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 7 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1/2 tbsp ginger minced
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp garam masala divided
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne or to taste
  • 14 oz fire roasted or diced tomatoes
  • 1 lb chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • cilantro for garnish

Basmati Rice

  • 2 cups Basmati rice rinsed
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • Turn the Instant Pot to the Saute function, and add 3 tbsp of the butter. When melted and bubbling, add the onions, ginger, and garlic. Saute until the onions are soft and translucent (2-5 minutes).
  • Add the spices, reserving 1 tsp of the garam masala for later, and cook while stirring for 30 seconds. Add the water to deglaze the pan, and thoroughly scrape the bottom. Turn off the Saute function.
  • Stir the onion mixture well. Dump the can of tomatoes on top, but do not stir. Place the chicken thighs on top of the tomatoes.
  • Put the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the knob to Sealing, and set to High Pressure for 10 minutes,
  • When the time is up, allow to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes before venting. Take off the lid and remove the chicken, set aside.
  • Blend the sauce with an immersion blender (or transfer to blender) until smooth. Turn on the Saute function and cook until until thickened slightly (2-5 minutes). Add the butter, remaining garam malasa, and heavy cream. Stir until the butter melts, and everything is incorporated.
  • Cut the chicken into pieces, and return to the sauce. Mix through. Serve with Basmati rice, and garnish with cilantro.

Basmati Rice

  • Combing equal parts rinsed basmati rice and water in the Instant Pot.
  • Put the lid on, turn the knob to Sealing, and set to High Pressure for 6 minutes.
  • When time is complete, allow to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes before venting. Remove the lid and fluff the rice.