Best Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Do you love Indian cooking? Are you looking for a delicious, flavourful dinner that comes together quickly and easily? Introducing this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe!

This best butter chicken recipe is an easy option that requires minimal effort while providing maximum flavour. It’s a creamy, savory dish your whole family will love – and with the help of the Instant Pot, it can be on the table in no time!

Read on to find out how to make this classic Indian food using an all-in-one pressure cooker. It’s one of the best butter chicken recipes around!

What Is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine. It’s a creamy curry dish made with chicken and lots of heavy cream (hence the name!).

Authentic Indian butter chicken sauce is usually made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, spices (such as garam masala), and cream.

Why Is It Called Butter Chicken?

The name of this dish comes from the generous amount of butter/cream used in the recipe. It’s also known as murgh makhani, which means “butter chicken” in Hindi.

Is Butter Chicken Healthy?

Butter chicken can be a healthy dish if you follow the right recipe. This Instant Pot butter chicken is made with whole ingredients and no added sugar, so it’s a much healthier option than other versions.

Plus, the Instant Pot makes it much quicker to cook up than traditional stovetop methods!

How Many Calories In Butter Chicken?

This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe is quite light on calories. A single serving of this dish has around 350 calories. It goes great with cauliflower rice if you’re looking to cut down on carbs.

What Does Butter Chicken Taste Like?

This butter chicken recipe has a creamy, savory flavor thanks to the combination of spices and tomatoes in the sauce. The dish has a slight sweetness that comes from the brown sugar.

Is Butter Chicken Spicy?

Not all butter chicken recipes are spicy. It depends on the amount of spice you use. This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe has a mild spice level that is perfect for the whole family.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Ingredients

The ingredients in this butter chicken Instant Pot recipe make six servings:

• 16 Ounces Tomato Sauce
• 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
• A Tbsp Curry Powder
• 1 Tsp Garam Masala
• 1 Tsp Paprika  
• 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
• ½ Tsp Sugar
• Salt To Taste
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, cubed
• 2 lb Diced Skinless Chicken Thighs
• 2/3 Cup Heavy Cream

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making restaurant-quality butter chicken in your Instant Pot.

Step One: Add Spices To The Instant Pot

Add the tomato sauce, minced garlic, curry powder, Garam Masala, paprika, onion powder, sugar and salt to the Instant Pot and stir together.

Step Two: Add Diced Chicken

Add the diced chicken thighs and butter on top.

Step Three: Pressure Cook Butter Chicken

Cover your Instant Pot and seal. Select the pressure cook button and set pressure cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

Step Four: Natural Release For 5 Minutes

When done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes then quickly pressure release the remaining pressure.

Step Five: Turn On Saute Function

Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode mix in the heavy cream and simmer till the butter sauce thickens to your taste.

Step Six: Serve And Garnish

Switch off the heat and prepare to serve.

Serve this Instant Pot butter chicken recipe with rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of butter. Enjoy!

What To Serve With Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken pairs perfectly with Indian-style rice dishes such as cumin rice and jeera rice.

You can also serve it over naan, roti, or chapati.

For a lighter option, try pairing your Instant Pot Butter Chicken with a simple green salad.

Do I Have To Use Chicken Thighs For Butter Chicken?

No. We use boneless chicken thighs in this recipe but you can easily substitute this with boneless skinless chicken breast. Chicken breasts are a great cut to use in butter chicken and you can cook this recipe with both fresh or frozen chicken. Just add 4 extra minutes of cook time if you’re using frozen chicken.

Is Butter Chicken Keto?

Unfortunately, this butter chicken recipe is not keto-friendly due to the high amount of heavy cream and sugar used in the dish. If you’re looking for a keto-friendly version, try using coconut milk instead of cream or swap out the sugar for a low-carb sweetener. Just be sure to use low-fat coconut milk rather than full-fat coconut milk.

Is Butter Chicken Gluten Free?

Yes! This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe is gluten-free. As long as you use a gluten-free curry powder, this dish will be suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.

Can I Freeze Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze butter chicken. Let the Instant Pot butter chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a saucepan or microwave. Enjoy!

Is Butter Chicken And Tikka Masala The Same?

No. Chicken Tikka Masala is a tomato-based curry originating from the Indian subcontinent. It usually contains chunks of cooked chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, ginger and cilantro.

Butter chicken is similar to tikka masala but it’s made with a richer, creamier sauce and is often served with basmati rice. It’s also a lot sweeter than tikka masala, due to the addition of sugar or other sweeteners.

Both are delicious Indian dishes that will bring an exotic flavor to your dinner table!

If you love Instant Pot Indian recipes, then you’ll love this list of the best Indian Instant Pot dishes.

Can you Pressure Cook Chicken Too Long?

Yes, you can pressure cook chicken too long. If the chicken is cooked for too long, it will become tough and dry. The best way to ensure the chicken doesn’t get overcooked is to use a timer and make sure you don’t exceed the recommended cooking time.

Pressure cooking any meat can lead to tough, dry results so it’s important to pay attention. Now you have all the tips and tricks for making the best Instant Pot Butter Chicken – give it a try! You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!

Why is my Pressure Cooked chicken rubbery?

If your pressure cooked chicken is rubbery, it could be because you overcooked the chicken. It can also happen if the chicken isn’t cooked evenly or if you used too much water in the cooking process.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to follow the recipe instructions closely and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

If you find that the chicken is still rubbery, try adding a few tablespoons of cream or butter to the pot and cooking for an additional minute. This should help make it more tender.

Pressure Cooking Butter Chicken vs Indian Take Away

There are many benefits to making Instant Pot Butter Chicken rather than ordering Indian takeaway.

For starters, you can control the quality of ingredients and choose organic or locally sourced ones. You can also adjust the spiciness level according to your palate. Plus, pressure cooking is much faster than traditional methods, so you won’t have to wait as long for a homemade Indian dish which tastes incredibly delicious and has so much flavor.

Finally, you can save money by making your own butter chicken at home. All of these benefits make Instant Pot Butter Chicken a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a try and see what you think! This may not be an entirely be an Indian restaurant meal, but experiment and you may just get the meal of your dreams by using an electric pressure cooker.

Why is My Butter Chicken Not Thick?

If your butter chicken is not thick enough, it could be due to a few different factors. First, make sure you are using full-fat coconut milk or cream for maximum thickness. Also, too much liquid in the cooking process can dilute the sauce, so use just enough water for the pressure cooker to come up to pressure.

Finally, make sure the heat isn’t too high and that you are cooking on low pressure for the recommended time. All of these tips should help you get a thick, creamy sauce with your Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

How Much Saturated Fat is there in Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken can be high in saturated fat due to the butter and cream used in the sauce. If you want to reduce the amount of saturated fat, use low-fat milk or cream instead and use less butter. You can also add more vegetables or legumes to the dish to make it even healthier.

Overall, butter chicken can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Don’t forget to include plenty of fiber-rich carbohydrates and protein sources such as chickpeas or lentils on the side. This will help you get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs while still enjoying delicious Indian food like Butter Chicken.

Which Cream is Best for Butter Chicken?

Heavy cream or full fat Cream or Coconut cream/Milk are the best choices for butter chicken. These creams will make the sauce rich and creamy, while also adding flavor to the dish. You can use low-fat cream or milk if you’d like to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your meal.

Whipping Cream can also be used for butter chicken; however, the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. To get the best results, use either heavy cream or coconut milk/oil with your Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe.

Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an easy way to enjoy a delicious Indian dish in no time. Whichever type of cream you choose, this dish is sure to be one of your new favorite dinners. So, don’t forget to give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We hope you enjoy making Instant Pot Butter Chicken as much as we do.

Coconut oil instead of Coconut Cream

If you’d like to make a healthier version of butter chicken, try substituting the cream and butter with coconut oil. Coconut oil is full of healthy fats that can help boost your metabolism and provide energy.

However, keep in mind that this substitution will alter the flavor slightly so if you’re looking for that classic butter chicken flavor, you may want to stick with the cream and butter. But if you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish, try using coconut oil instead.

What gives butter chicken its Colour?

Butter chicken gets its characteristic orange color from the use of turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. These spices give the dish it’s unique flavor and also impart color to the sauce.

If you want to make butter chicken even brighter in color, try adding a few drops of red food coloring or tomato paste to the sauce. This will give your butter chicken that beautiful bright orange color we all love and crave.

Diced tomatoes vs Puree

You can use either diced tomatoes or tomato puree in your Instant Pot butter chicken recipe. Diced tomatoes will give the dish a chunkier texture, while pureed tomatoes will make it smoother and creamier.

If you go with diced tomatoes, be sure to cook them for at least 5 minutes before adding the other ingredients so that you acquire the great recipe you are looking for.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are also a great addition to this dish and can really help bring out the flavor. Making Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an easy way to enjoy a delicious Indian dish in no time. Whether you use cream or coconut oil, this dish is sure to be one of your new favorite dinners.

Don’t forget to add plenty of fresh herbs and spices to make sure you get the best flavor. So, give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We hope you enjoy making Instant Pot Butter Chicken in a fantastic recipe.

Chopped Parsley vs Ground Parsley

Chopped parsley is the best choice for this dish as it will add texture to the sauce. Ground parsley can also be used; however, it won’t have the same effect and may not provide as much flavor.

If you do choose to use ground parsley, make sure to add it at the end of the cooking process as it can easily be overwhelmed by the other flavors.

Finally, don’t forget to garnish your dish with extra chopped parsley and some freshly squeezed lemon juice for an even brighter flavor! Enjoy your Instant Pot Butter Chicken and bon appétit!

How Much Chili Powder Do I Need?

The amount of chili powder you use in your butter chicken will depend on how spicy you want it to be. Start with a small pinch and then add more as needed until you find the perfect balance for your tastes.

Keep in mind that if you’re using diced tomatoes instead of tomato puree, it will also affect the spiciness of the dish. So, adjust the chili powder accordingly for a perfectly spiced butter chicken!

Finally, remember to let your butter chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving so all the flavors can come together and deepen. Enjoy your Instant Pot Butter Chicken with naan bread or basmati rice – either way it’s sure to be a fantastic dish.

Chili Powder vs Smoked Paprika

Chili powder and smoked paprika are two different types of spices that can be used to add a hint of heat and flavor to many dishes. Chili powder is typically made from ground dried chilis and has a slightly spicier flavor than the smokiness of smoked paprika.

When making your Instant Pot Butter Chicken, it’s best to use both chili powder and smoked paprika. This will give the dish a nice deep flavor that is balanced by the sweetness of the cream or coconut oil.

So, go ahead and try adding some chili powder and smoked paprika to your Instant Pot butter chicken – it’s sure to be a hit!

How Much Garam Masala?

Garam masala is an important part of this dish and should be added to taste. Start with a teaspoon of garam masala and then adjust up or down depending on how spicy you want it. Remember, the more you add, the spicier the dish will be!

The great thing about garam masala is that it adds a unique flavor to your butter chicken that can’t be achieved with any other spice. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance for your tastes.

Indian Spices

In addition to garam masala, other Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric can be used in your butter chicken. These spices add a wonderful depth of flavor that you won’t get with regular spices.

However, it’s important to use these spices sparingly as they can easily overpower the dish if used in excess. So, start with a small pinch and add more as needed.

By using these Indian spices along with chili powder, smoked paprika, and garam masala, you can create a delicious Instant Pot Butter Chicken that is sure to become one of your favorite dishes!

The Best Way to Store leftovers.

If you have leftovers of your Instant Pot butter chicken, it’s best to store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so be sure to add a bit of water or broth when reheating if necessary.

You can also freeze the butter chicken for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Chicken is so versatile. You can make Chinese, Indian, and Mexican food with it. Here are some of my other favorite Instant Pot Chicken Recipes to try.

• Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
• Chicken Taco Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
• Chicken Jalapeno Wings
• Instant Pot Italian Chicken
• Keto Snacks You Will Love
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes