Butter Chicken

A Home Cook's Take on Butter Chicken

As a busy mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep the family fed and happy. That's why I've embraced quick, flavorful recipes like this Butter Chicken. It's become a weeknight staple, a delicious escape from the usual dinnertime rush, and a meal that the whole family enjoys. Forget takeout; this recipe is simpler than you think and a million times more satisfying.

The aroma of this dish alone is enough to transport you to a warm, inviting kitchen. The rich, creamy sauce coats tender chicken pieces, and the subtle spice blends perfectly with the sweetness of the onions. It's the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a hug after a long day. The best part? It comes together surprisingly quickly, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. No more hours spent simmering sauces – just a few simple steps and you've got a restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes. I’ve adapted many recipes, tweaking them to fit my busy schedule and family preferences. This one is the perfect balance of flavor and convenience, and it’s become a favorite in our home.

Ingredient Spotlight: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I love using Shan Butter Chicken Masala; it's readily available and consistently delivers amazing flavor. Feel free to experiment with other brands or spice blends – the key is to find a mix you enjoy. The quality of your ingredients truly matters. Opt for fresh, high-quality produce whenever possible, and you'll notice a significant difference in the overall taste. You will notice that I don't add salt. The premade masala is often very salty and I prefer to adjust the salt level at the end to my liking.

Serving Suggestions: We often serve our Butter Chicken with fluffy basmati rice and a side of naan bread. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up every last bit of rice, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. You could also serve it with roti or other Indian breads. Sometimes, I'll add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish. And don’t forget the cilantro! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Variations and Tips: This recipe is remarkably adaptable. Feel free to add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt the recipe for a slow cooker or stovetop. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Remember, cooking is an adventure; don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Beyond just a meal, this Butter Chicken is a symbol of my commitment to creating a welcoming and delicious home for my family. It's a dish I can make without spending my entire evening in the kitchen, allowing me more time for the things that truly matter. It's easy to make, delicious to eat, and brings a little bit of joy to our otherwise busy weeknights. And that, my friends, is priceless.

Step-by-step

• Turn on InstantPot to SAUTE mode
• Add butter and jeera
• Add onions
• Allow onions to saute for 3 minutes or until translucent with a glass lid covering the pot
• Add ginger and garlic
• Add tomato puree
• Add Butter Chicken masala
• Add whipping cream
• Mix well to incorporate all ingredients
• Add chicken to the mixtures
• Mix well to completely coat the chicken
• Close InstantPot lid to lock it
• Turn vent on the lid to CLOSE VENT to prevent steam from escaping
• Press CANCEL/OFF button on InstantPot to turn off
• Set pot to MANUAL mode
• Set to HIGH PRESSURE
• Set timer to 8 minutes
• Once done allow the steam to release naturally (NPR) for 5 minutes minimum
• Press CANCEL/OFF button on InstantPot to turn off
• Now manually release the steam by opening the vent. The silver prong will drop back into the lid. BE CAREFUL OF THE HOT STEAM
• Open the lid and add in the additional butter and whipping cream
• Stir well until completely incorporated
• Serve and enjoy!