Master Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Delicious Recipe
There’s something absolutely magical about the aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? The moment I catch a hint of cumin or coriander while cooking, I’m transported back to evenings spent with family around the dinner table, sharing laughter and stories over delicious home-cooked meals. One dish that never fails to send my taste buds into a joyful dance is Butter Chicken. And let me tell you, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Made Easy recipe is not just a breeze to make; it’s also a comforting hug in a bowl that warms your heart on those chilly nights.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together with friends, this dish is a stellar choice to please everyone at the table. Plus, using the Instant Pot makes it even easier! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into the cozy world of flavors that is Butter Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner—ready in just about 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver big on flavor.
- A creamy, rich sauce that’s utterly comforting and delicious.
- Quick clean-up thanks to the one-pot cooking method.
- Customizable: perfect for meat lovers or can be adapted for vegetarians.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sumptuous dish:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces) – thighs give a juicier result!
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that aromatic punch!)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (because buttery goodness is essential!)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning Butter Chicken ready to devour!
- Prep the Chicken: If you’re using chicken thighs, simply cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Saute the Aromatics: Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the butter and let it melt before tossing in the chopped onion. Sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant—your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds—this helps to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
- In with the Chicken: Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring well to coat them with the spice mixture. Allow the chicken to sear for about 5 minutes—don’t worry if it doesn’t brown completely; we’re building flavor here!
- Pour in the Tomato Puree: Add the tomato puree to the pot. Give it a good mix to combine everything. This base will create that signature buttery sauce we crave!
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Get ready to enjoy the sweet anticipation!
- Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. After that, you can quick release the rest by carefully turning the valve to ‘Venting.’
- Add Cream: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. You should be greeted by a beautiful, creamy sauce that will make you want to dive in with a spoon right away!
- Serve it Up: Ladle the butter chicken into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and prepare for compliments to roll in!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are some fun twists to elevate your Butter Chicken even further:
- Spicy Kick: Add more red chili powder or toss in a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step for extra heat!
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use coconut milk instead of cream. Delicious and dairy-free!
- Extra Flavor: A tablespoon of lemon juice added right before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Herbaceous Twist: Toss in some dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for an authentic touch!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have this creamy bowl of goodness, the real question is: what should you serve it with? Here are my personal favorites:
- Warm Naan: There’s nothing like tearing off a piece of soft naan and scooping up the butter chicken. Pure bliss!
- Fluffy Basmati Rice: The perfect side to soak up that rich sauce—a match made in heaven!
- Crunchy Veggies: A side salad with crisp cucumbers and vibrant tomatoes can give a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- A Cup of Chai: No meal is complete without a cozy beverage to sip. A hot cup of spiced chai will be just the thing to round out your dinner.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to store and reheat your Butter Chicken while keeping all those delightful flavors intact:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier the next day!
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also microwave it, but I recommend covering it to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breast can be a tad drier than thighs, so make sure not to overcook them. You can also adjust the cooking time slightly lower if you prefer breast meat.
Is it spicy?
The spice level can be easily adjusted! If you’re serving to kids or those sensitive to heat, you can reduce the red chili powder or omit it altogether. The creamy sauce will still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just reheat as advised, and it’ll be just as yummy!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version or a dairy-free option, coconut milk works wonderfully as a replacement! You’ll still get that luscious texture and flavor without the dairy.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friend! You’ve just created a beautiful, heartwarming dish of Instant Pot Butter Chicken that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy. I’d love to hear how your Butter Chicken turns out or if you made any fun variations! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!
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Master Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Delicious Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Make Butter Chicken in your Instant Pot effortlessly Discover simple steps for a delicious meal thatll impress everyone Enjoy quick cooking
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Made Easy recipe is not just a breeze to make; it’s also a comforting hug in a bowl that warms your heart on those chilly nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Instant Pot, Butter Chicken, Indian Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe