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top down view of instant pot butter chicken served with rice
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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A quick and easy version of the popular restaurant dish you'll love to make at home.
Course Main
Cuisine American, Indian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 297kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces (453g) tomato sauce/passata
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter cubed
  • 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream if you prefer
  • 2 lb (900g) diced chicken thigh meat

Instructions

  • Add the tomato sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, mild curry powder, Garam Masala, paprika, salt, and onion powder (if using) and mix together.
  • Add in the diced chicken thighs and butter.
  • Cover your Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
  • Select Pressure Cooker / Manual Setting, and set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
  • When cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick pressure release.
  • Remove the chicken pieces from the Instant Pot, turn the Instant Pot back on to the Sauté mode add in the coconut milk, stir to combine, and let simmer for a few minutes for the butter sauce to thicken.
  • When done, switch off the heat, add the chicken pieces back in, adjust any seasonings, and then serve.

Video

Notes

  • I add in 1/2 teaspoon onion powder as I love that extra flavor.
  • To reduce calories, omit the butter, use skinless chicken breast, low fat coconut milk, or half and half.
  • I prefer less butter, but feel free to double the amount of butter if you like.
  • Use canned coconut milk, not coconut milk from a carton.
  • Like a little heat? Then use spicy curry powder or add in some red pepper flakes.
  • If you prefer the sauce a little runnier, then skip the thickening step.
  • I prefer a slightly sharper curry so I only add 3/4 of a cup of coconut milk or heavy cream when making this.
  • You can start with frozen diced chicken thighs but be aware that it will take a little longer for Instant Pot to come up to pressure.
  • Cooking time listed does not include time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
There are 8 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 537mg | Potassium: 727mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 597IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 4mg