Instant Pot Butter Chicken
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe with coconut milk makes a healthy restaurant-quality meal at home, in your electric pressure cooker, in 30 minutes from start to finish.
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe with coconut milk makes a healthy restaurant-quality meal at home, in your electric pressure cooker, in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 large garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 14 oz can coconut milk full fat
- 2 inch ginger root minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 3 - 3.5 lbs chicken drumsticks or thighs*
- cilantro and green onion for garnish
- brown rice for serving
- Carbohydrate 10.9954365853016 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 10.7838384585666 g
- Fiber 1.44080531342766 g
- Protein 2.33477542550914 g
- Saturated Fat 9.42914109609649 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (164g)
- Sodium 33.9863315172885 mg
- Sugar 9.5546312718739 g
- Trans Fat 0.686689273012689 g
- Calories 139 calories
Step-by-step
- In Instant Pot, add ingredients in exact order as listed above: water, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, pepper, coconut milk, tomato paste, maple syrup, and chicken.
- Close the lid, set pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cooking on High for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, Instant Pot will beep. Let pressure release naturally (about 20 minutes) or do a quick release (2-3 minutes).
- Open the lid and press Sauté (cancel Keep Warm if it's on).
- In a small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch with a fork, pour over chicken and stir gently.
- Cook for a few minutes until sauce has thickened.
- Serve with brown rice, garnished with cilantro and green onions.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken: My Weeknight Go-To
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. That's why I've become a huge fan of the Instant Pot – a lifesaver that allows me to whip up restaurant-quality meals in a fraction of the time. And this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe? It's become an absolute staple in our household.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Gone are the days of spending hours simmering chicken in a complicated sauce. With the Instant Pot, the entire cooking process, from start to finish, takes a mere 30 minutes. Thirty minutes! Can you believe it? I can have a flavorful, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying dinner on the table before the kids even finish their homework. It's become my secret weapon for those crazy busy weeknights when I need a quick, yet impressive meal.
Why this recipe works:
- Speed: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Flavor: The rich and creamy coconut milk-based sauce is packed with delicious Indian spices.
- Healthier Option: It's a lighter version of traditional butter chicken, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatility: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more tender and flavorful result. Serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
The rich, creamy sauce is simply divine. The coconut milk adds a wonderful depth of flavor, balancing the spice perfectly. And the tender chicken? It just melts in your mouth. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, absolutely devour this dish. Even my husband, who's a self-proclaimed foodie, raves about it. It's the kind of dish that's impressive enough for guests, yet easy enough for a weeknight family dinner.
Beyond the taste and convenience, this recipe also allows for some healthy customization. I often add extra vegetables like spinach or peas for a nutritional boost. Feel free to experiment with different spices to tailor the recipe to your preference. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, allowing you to create a dish that truly suits your taste.
The Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe has become more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of my ability to balance my busy life with delicious, homemade food. It’s a reminder that even on the craziest of days, I can still create something special and nourishing for my family. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe that won't leave you stuck in the kitchen all evening, give this Instant Pot Butter Chicken a try. You won't regret it!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Instant Pot Butter Chicken:
- Use high-quality spices: Freshly ground spices will give you the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. The Instant Pot does a great job of cooking the chicken perfectly.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking: Add more or less chili powder depending on your spice preference.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro and green onions add a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately: The best way to enjoy this dish is fresh out of the Instant Pot. The flavors meld together beautifully when served hot.
This recipe has truly changed the way I approach weeknight dinners. It’s efficient, delicious, and flexible—everything a busy mom needs in a recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!
