Simplify Dinner with This One Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter Chicken, a beloved dish from Indian cuisine, is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Traditionally, this dish requires time and patience, but with the advent of modern kitchen gadgets, you can now enjoy a mouthwatering plate of butter chicken without the long cooking time. Welcome to our Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe—the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you crave a quick yet authentic Indian meal.
Why Choose the Fast Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized how we cook, making it easier to prepare complex dishes like butter chicken with minimal effort. Here’s why the Instant Pot is ideal for this recipe:
One Pot Butter Chicken: Everything is cooked in a single pot, reducing cleanup time. Flavor Retention: The pressure cooking method locks in flavors, making the chicken tender and infusing it with the rich, creamy sauce. Speed: Compared to traditional methods, the Instant Pot cuts the cooking time by more than half, allowing you to enjoy your meal faster.
1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon of grated ginger 1 can (15 oz) of tomato puree 1/2 cup of heavy cream 1/2 cup of plain yogurt 1 tablespoon of garam masala 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1 teaspoon of ground cumin 1 teaspoon of ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to taste) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro for garnish Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and golden brown. This will take about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
To the sautéed mixture, add garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir the spices into the onion mixture, allowing them to bloom and release their flavors—about 1 minute.
Pour in the tomato puree, stirring well to combine it with the spiced onion mixture. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly. This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavor that defines the best instant pot butter chicken.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Stir in the yogurt, which helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy note to the dish. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 10 minutes.
After the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream. The sauce should now be rich and Creamy , coating the chicken beautifully. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a splash of water or chicken broth.
Garnish your butter chicken with fresh cilantro and serve it hot with basmati rice or naan. This one pot butter chicken will impress with its deep flavors and velvety texture.
Marinate the Chicken: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in yogurt, turmeric, and chili powder for a few hours before cooking. This adds extra depth to the dish. Adjust the Spice Level: Butter chicken is typically mild, but you can increase the heat by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the sauce simmer on sauté mode for a few minutes after adding the cream.
With this Instant Pot Butter chicken, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to make the best butter chicken at home.
Comments