This Instant Pot butter chicken is a simple and comforting dinner made for busy days. The chicken cooks directly in a rich, creamy sauce and comes out tender every time. It is a dependable meal that feels satisfying without being complicated.
Instant pot chicken recipes like this are popular because they save time and reduce cleanup. Cooking chicken in instant pot recipes allows the flavors to blend quickly while keeping the meat moist. This dish fits well into easy instant pot chicken recipes that work for weeknight meals.
This recipe is a solid choice for Easy Instant Pot Recipes and Quick Instant Pot Recipes. It uses basic ingredients and clear steps to create a flavorful result. Instant Pot Dinner Ideas like this help make meal planning easier.
If you are looking for chicken instant pot recipes that are consistent and easy to follow, this butter chicken is a reliable option. Simple preparation, one pot cooking, and a creamy finish make it a practical dinner choice.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped very small
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, less if kids are picky
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more if needed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional topping: chopped cilantro
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the onion
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Add butter and oil. When it melts, add the chopped onion. Stir and cook until soft. This part smells good already. That is how you know it is working.
Step 2: Add garlic and ginger
Add the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds. Do not walk away here. It cooks fast. If it smells really good, that is perfect.
Step 3: Add spices and tomatoes
Pour in the tomato puree. Add garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well. Let it cook for two or three minutes. The sauce will look thicker and darker. That is what you want.
Step 4: Add the chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir so every piece is covered in sauce. Turn off sauté mode.
Step 5: Pressure cook
Close the lid. Set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release on its own for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release.
Step 6: Make it creamy
Open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream. Turn sauté back on. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce looks creamy and smooth. Taste it. Add more salt if needed.
Meal prep tips
These are the little things that make this butter chicken even easier later. Future you will be very thankful.
- Let the butter chicken cool before storing so it stays creamy, not watery
- Portion into containers with rice to make grab and heat lunches
- Use shallow containers so it cools faster and stays fresh
- This recipe is great for doubling if you are already cooking anyway
- Keep naan or flatbread separate so it does not get soggy
Storage tips
Storing it right keeps the flavor strong and the chicken tender. This one holds up really well.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring once or twice
- Add a small splash of cream or water when reheating if the sauce thickens
- Freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs ?
Yes, chicken breast works fine here. Cut it into even pieces so it cooks evenly. Thighs stay juicier, but both are good.
Is this butter chicken spicy ?
This version is mild and family friendly. You can reduce the chili powder for less heat or add more if you like it spicy.
Can I make this dairy free ?
Yes. Swap the butter for oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor is still rich and cozy.
Can I double the recipe ?
Yes, the Instant Pot can handle it. Do not change the cook time. Just make sure you do not fill past the max line.
Why is my sauce thin ?
Sometimes the tomatoes have more liquid. Turn sauté mode on and simmer for a few minutes. It thickens fast.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe Card
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and oil. Once melted, add the chopped onion. Cook until soft and lightly golden, stirring often.
- Add the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep stirring so it does not burn.
- Add tomato puree, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well. Let it cook for two to three minutes so the spices blend into the sauce.
- Add the chicken pieces. Stir until all the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Turn off sauté mode.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Turn sauté mode back on and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicy even if dinner gets delayed
- If the sauce looks thin, simmer a few extra minutes on sauté mode
- Stir gently after adding cream to keep the sauce smooth
- This recipe tastes even better the next day
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy free version
- Add a teaspoon of honey for a lightly sweet flavor
- Stir in frozen peas at the end for extra veggies
- Serve over rice, with naan, or in simple bowls for leftovers
This Instant Pot butter chicken is a reliable meal that works well for busy schedules. The chicken stays tender and the sauce turns out creamy and flavorful without extra steps. It is a practical option for weeknight cooking.
Instant pot chicken recipes like this are helpful when time is limited and dinner still needs to feel complete. Cooking chicken in instant pot recipes keeps the process simple and the results consistent. This dish fits easily into easy instant pot chicken recipes for regular meal planning.
This recipe works well with Easy Instant Pot Recipes and Quick Instant Pot Recipes because it uses one pot and basic ingredients. Instant Pot Dinner Ideas like this make it easier to serve a warm and filling meal.
If you need chicken instant pot recipes that are straightforward and repeatable, this butter chicken is a dependable choice. It delivers comfort, efficiency, and a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
