Name: Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee; 1 medium onion, diced (about 3 oz); 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 green serrano chili, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 inch fresh ginger root, grated (about 1.5 tablespoons); 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 curry leaves; 1 teaspoon flakey salt; ⅓ cup tomato paste; 2 lb chicken thighs or breasts, skinless, boneless, cut into 1 inch pieces; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped; Rice (as desired); Naan bread (as desired)

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If you love bold, creamy, and comforting flavors that warm you up from the inside out, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender chicken simmered in a richly spiced tomato and cream sauce, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot to lock in incredible flavor and juiciness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of spices, velvety texture, and that unmistakable buttery finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl filled with pale pink raw chicken pieces in the top right corner. Below it, a white plate holds a cinnamon stick in the center surrounded by five piles of spices in shades of brown, red, and orange, with an old silver spoon resting on one pile. To the left of the chicken, a clear glass jug is filled with creamy white liquid, and next to it is a white bowl filled with chopped white onions. Below the onion bowl are two small metallic bowls, one containing bright red tomato paste and the other with chunks of pale yellow butter. Scattered around these are smaller white bowls with minced garlic, chopped green herbs, salt, yellow minced ginger, dry seeds, and other spices, creating a balanced and colorful ingredient layout photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic behind this recipe. Each element here plays a distinct role, from building layers of flavor to creating that beautiful creamy texture and vibrant color that butter chicken is famous for.

Unsalted butter or ghee (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel that’s essential for authentic butter chicken.
Medium onion (1): Provides sweetness and depth once sautéed to golden perfection.
Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon): Impart a warm, earthy aroma that forms the backbone of the spice profile.
Green serrano chili (1, diced): Offers a subtle kick of heat without overpowering the dish.
Garlic cloves (5, minced): Bring a pungent, savory note that blends beautifully with ginger and spices.
Fresh ginger root (2 inches, grated): Adds bright, zesty warmth that freshens the rich sauce.
Garam masala (2 teaspoons): A fragrant spice blend that’s key for authentic Indian flavor.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Enhances the earthiness and provides a smoky undertone.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant red color.
Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Lends a golden hue and subtle bitterness balancing the flavors.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the spice mix.
Cinnamon stick (1): Introduces a touch of sweet spice that rounds out the aromatics.
Curry leaves (2): Provide a distinctive herbal note that is a hallmark in Indian cooking.
Flakey salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Tomato paste (⅓ cup): Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce beautifully.
Chicken thighs or breasts (2 pounds, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch pieces): The star protein, juicy and tender, soaking up all the spices.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For that creamy, dreamy finish that makes butter chicken so irresistible.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Melt the unsalted butter or ghee and toss in the cumin seeds, allowing them to sizzle and release their fragrance. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and golden, stirring frequently. Next, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and serrano chili, stirring constantly until everything is beautifully aromatic.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Now it’s time for the magic to really happen. Toss in the garam masala, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon stick, curry leaves, and flakey salt. Toast these spices briefly in the fragrant butter mixture to unlock their full potential, stirring well to avoid burning.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Chicken

Add the tomato paste and stir it into the spices, letting it cook down for a couple of minutes to develop a deeper, richer flavor. Then, add the chunks of chicken thighs or breasts, stirring well to coat every piece in the aromatic sauce.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for just 8 minutes. This quick cooking time ensures the chicken stays juicy while absorbing all the flavors. Once done, carefully release the pressure before opening the lid.

Step 5: Add Cream and Finish

Switch your Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine, letting the sauce thicken and become silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your butter chicken is now perfectly done and ready to serve.

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

A large silver pot filled with thick dark reddish-brown stew with visible chunks of tender meat and a cinnamon stick, a light blue spatula with a wooden handle is resting inside the pot, coated with the rich sauce, the pot is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a delightful burst of color and a fresh, herbal contrast to the rich sauce. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes each serving look and taste even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or steaming hot naan bread. The rice soaks up all the luscious sauce, and the naan is perfect for scooping every last bit off your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve the butter chicken in small copper bowls with lemon wedges on the side. Pair it with a simple cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a balanced, colorful meal that impresses visually and palatably.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring well between intervals to ensure it heats evenly without becoming grainy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too, but keep in mind thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving with pressure cooking, so they might yield a more tender result.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version packed with flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate with the serrano chili and chili powder, but you can easily adjust it by reducing or omitting the chili pepper to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?

You can, though the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking and enhances the flavors. On the stovetop, simmer the sauce gently until the chicken is cooked through and tender, which might take longer.

What’s the key to getting the sauce creamy and smooth?

Using heavy cream and cooking it on low heat towards the end helps achieve that signature velvety texture. Avoid high heat once cream is added to prevent curdling.

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing quite like the ease and deliciousness of this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe. It brings authentic Indian flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. If you’re ready for a dish that is comfort food at its finest, you owe it to yourself to give this recipe a try today — you’ll find it becoming a cherished favorite before you know it.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need