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Creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe Easy 30-Minute Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy creamy butter chicken made in the Instant Pot with tender chicken thighs and a rich, mildly spiced sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and half the minced garlic and ginger. Mix well and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode: Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter until shimmering. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add remaining garlic and ginger: Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and spices (1 teaspoon garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder if using). Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast spices.
  4. Brown the chicken: Add marinated chicken and leftover marinade. Stir to coat and cook for about 3 minutes to seal edges.
  5. Pressure cook: Pour in 1/2 cup water or chicken broth. Close lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
  6. Release pressure: Perform a quick release once cooking is done. Open lid and check chicken tenderness.
  7. Finish the sauce: Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and heavy cream. Mix gently on sauté mode for 2-3 minutes until sauce is rich and silky. Adjust salt and spices to taste.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to adjust consistency. For more tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Avoid boiling sauce vigorously after adding cream to prevent curdling. Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, butter chicken, creamy, quick dinner, easy recipe, Indian cuisine, weeknight meal, pressure cooker

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-instant-pot-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/