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Creamy Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy Instant Pot butter chicken recipe that delivers tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 ½ cups tomato puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • Optional: Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode, melt butter, add chopped onions and cook 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies (if using), cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook spices for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in tomato puree, simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Cancel ‘Sauté’ mode, add marinated chicken and leftover marinade, stir to combine.
  7. Close and lock Instant Pot lid, set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes.
  8. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure carefully.
  9. Blend cottage cheese until smooth. Open lid, set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’, stir in blended cottage cheese and heavy cream.
  10. Simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until sauce is creamy and combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan. Add lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use good-quality unsalted butter for richness. Allow natural pressure release to keep chicken tender. Blend cottage cheese for a creamy sauce texture. Adjust spice levels to taste. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream/cottage cheese with coconut cream.

Nutrition

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

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