This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe is To Die For

butter

🥗Healthier: ghee

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Ghee adds flavor while vegetable oil reduces cost.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Coconut milk offers a dairy-free option with richness.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu provides a vegetarian alternative, while thighs are more affordable.

garam masala

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: cumin + coriander

Homemade blends can control ingredients and cost.

Add plain yogurt into a large bowl.

Add a generous amount of lime juice or lemon juice to the bowl.

Add garam masala, salt, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the bowl.

Whisk the ingredients together to combine.

Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat.

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode on high.

Add butter to the Instant Pot and let it melt.

Add the marinated chicken to the Instant Pot and sear for color and flavor.

Monitor the chicken closely to prevent burning; add a bit of water if it starts to brown.

Cancel the sauté mode after searing the chicken.

Add pasada or strained tomatoes to the Instant Pot.

Add water to prevent burning during pressure cooking.

Add more minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and garam masala to the pot.

Mix all ingredients together in the Instant Pot.

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set to pressure cook mode for 5 minutes on high pressure.

Ensure the lid is in sealing mode before starting the pressure cooking.

After 5 minutes, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a manual release.

Open the Instant Pot carefully after the pressure has released.

Check the consistency of the sauce; it may be too thin for some.

Add honey to sweeten the sauce, adjusting to taste.

Add ground green cardamom and kasuri methi to the sauce.

Add a bit of butter and switch back to sauté mode.

Finish by mixing in cream to the sauce and chicken.

Reduce the sauce on low sauté mode until it reaches desired consistency.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens