Oh, Butter Chicken – where have you been all my life? I still remember my first encounter with this divine dish. It was at a small Indian restaurant tucked away in a cozy corner of my hometown. The fragrance wafting through the air and the rich, creamy sauce made my heart skip a beat. Ever since then, I’ve been on the hunt for a quick way to recreate that magic at home, and let me tell you, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe is the answer. In under 30 minutes, you can find yourself digging into a bowl of aromatic, flavorful goodness that’s perfect for any occasion!
Cooking doesn’t have to be lengthy, tedious, or stressful! The Instant Pot makes whipping up this classic dish a breeze. Whether you’re busy with family, working from home, or just craving comfort food, let me take you through how to make a restaurant-quality Butter Chicken right in your kitchen!
What’s in Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
Chicken Breast: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast for this dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs all those delicious spices beautifully. You could also use thigh pieces if you want a slightly richer flavor.
Butter: This is, of course, the star of the dish! It adds that creamy richness we all love in butter chicken. Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
Onion: Chopped onion forms the aromatic base of the sauce. They sauté down to a sweet silkiness that’s a game-changer in this dish.
Garlic and Ginger: These two bring a punch of flavor that’s essential in Indian cuisine. Fresh is always best, but jarred versions work in a pinch.
Tomato Puree: This gives the sauce its rich, vibrant color. I recommend using a good brand for the most authentic taste.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala): The spices are what turn a simple dish into something magical. They bring warmth and complexity, giving you that truly comforting flavor. If you have whole spices, grinding them fresh can elevate the dish even more!
Heavy Cream: The final touch that makes the sauce creamy and luxurious. Feel free to substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option or if you’re dairy-free!
Salt and Pepper: To taste, making sure all the flavors harmonize beautifully.
Is Instant Pot Butter Chicken Good for You?
Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, like all good things!
Chicken: A lean source of protein! It’s great for muscle repair and is low in calories if you don’t load up on too much butter and cream.
Tomato Puree: Packed with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is good for heart health.
Heavy Cream: While it does add a rich flavor, it’s also high in calories and saturated fat. Consider using light cream or reducing the amount if you want to lighten it up.
In summary, while this dish can fit into a balanced diet in moderation, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon garam masala
– 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
*Serves about 4.*
How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
1. Start by pressing the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Add the butter and let it melt.
2. Toss in the chopped onions, stirring occasionally until they are soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Oh, it smells heavenly!
4. Stir in the tomato puree along with the spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala) and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them thoroughly in the spicy mixture.
6. Pour in 1/2 cup of water (or chicken broth for more flavor). Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook,” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Once the time is up, carefully release the pressure. Add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir until well combined.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve this delightful dish with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan – your dinner guests will think you’ve been slaving in the kitchen for hours!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Butter Chicken
– If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the sauce after you’ve sautéed the onions, garlic, and ginger.
– Want to spice things up? A pinch of cayenne or red chili powder can crank the heat up a notch.
– Don’t skip the garnishing! Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the dish.
– This recipe freezes well! Make a double batch and save some for a busy weeknight.
I genuinely hope you give this Instant Pot Butter Chicken a try! It’s one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket for when I need something cozy and satisfying. Once you taste that creamy goodness, you might just find yourself making it every week! Feel free to come back and share your experiences or any variations you tried. Happy cooking!