Name: Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic (about 5 teaspoons, minced or crushed); 2 inch fresh ginger root (grated, about 2 tablespoons); 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional); ¾ teaspoon salt (add more if needed); 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (or passata); ¼ cup water (for deglazing and cooking); 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut milk, or half and half); 2 pounds chicken thighs (skinless, boneless, diced into bite-size pieces); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or mint or cilantro, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a rich, comforting, and elegantly spiced dish that comes together faster than you’d expect, then you absolutely have to try this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe. This recipe delivers tender chicken simmered in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce bursting with fragrant spices, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just craving a hearty, soul-soothing dinner, this version is the perfect blend of convenience and authentic flavor that you’ll want to keep close in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows the inside of a stainless steel pot with an orange-red sauce covering the bottom layer. On top of this sauce, there are several raw pale pink pieces of chicken placed in the center. The sauce has a smooth texture, and the chicken pieces appear fresh and moist with some glossy areas. The pot is shiny and reflects light softly. The background surface around the pot is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect butter chicken starts with a handful of simple but well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering deep flavor, achieving the perfect creamy texture, or adding that beautiful golden color that makes the dish so inviting.

Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich, silky base to infuse the dish with buttery goodness without overpowering the spices.

Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Adds pungent warmth and depth, a must for any great curry.
Fresh ginger root (2 inches, grated): Brings a subtle spicy brightness that lifts the flavors.
Garam masala (2 teaspoons): The star spice blend that lends classic Indian warmth and complexity.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy, nutty undertones to balance the sauce.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smokiness and a mild peppery touch for depth.
Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Provides that iconic golden hue and a gentle bitterness.

Chili powder (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a hint of heat to excite the palate.
Salt (¾ teaspoon, to taste): Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the dish perfectly.
Chicken thighs (2 pounds, skinless and boneless): The ideal cut for juicy, tender pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.

Tomato sauce or passata (1 15-ounce can): Forms the rich, tangy base of your curry.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The silky element that mellows the spices and creates that signature buttery sauce—can swap for coconut milk or half and half for different twists.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Bright green garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by pressing the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot to melt the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook them just until they smell heavenly—about one minute. This simple step wakes up the flavors, creating a fragrant base that your chicken and spices will nestle perfectly into.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Next, sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder if you’re using it, and the salt. Stir everything together and let the spices toast gently for about a minute. This brief toast unlocks essential oils in the spices, transforming their raw taste into something magical. If you notice anything sticking to the bottom, add a splash of water and scrape the bits up—that’s pure flavor you don’t want to lose!

Step 3: Add Tomato and Water

Pour in the tomato sauce along with a quarter cup of water, then give the mixture a good stir to marry all those wonderful aromatics and spices into a smooth sauce. At this point, turn off the SAUTE mode to prepare for the next step.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Pressure Cook

Gently add the diced chicken thighs to the pot, stirring to coat each piece evenly in the spice-tomato mixture. Seal the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Choose the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL function, set it to high pressure, and cook for 6 minutes. The Instant Pot will take around 10 minutes to build the pressure before cooking begins, so don’t worry if it seems like nothing’s happening right away. Once the timer beeps, perform a quick release to let out the steam safely.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Carefully remove the lid and switch back to SAUTE mode. Stir in the creamy heavy whipping cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a silky, luscious coating for the tender chicken pieces. Let it simmer just a bit longer so the sauce thickens to your liking—taste and adjust the salt if needed. Now it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds two main parts: one half has white fluffy rice sprinkled lightly with green chopped herbs, and the other half is covered with orange creamy sauce with chunks of tender meat also topped with green herbs. A silver fork rests on the rice side. Above, there is a partial view of another white bowl filled with the same orange sauce and meat pieces. A gray striped cloth is visible to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or even mint not only adds a burst of color but also a refreshing herbal lift that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. Just before serving, scatter the herbs on top to brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

Butter chicken practically begs to be paired with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. Naan bread is another classic companion, perfect for scooping up every last bit. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber raita if you want a cooling component.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve individual portions in small bowls with a side of warm naan slices and a mint chutney dip. Or turn it into a fusion bowl by adding some sautéed spinach, roasted cauliflower, and a drizzle of yogurt for extra richness. The creamy sauce also works beautifully as a topping over grilled meats or even a baked potato if you want a cozy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter chicken actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Freezing

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the cream doesn’t separate. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the chicken or sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap in chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during pressure cooking, which makes a big difference in the final texture of the dish.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

Garam masala is key for authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can mix equal parts ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and coriander as a quick substitute.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a luscious, dairy-free version that adds a subtle sweetness, complementing the spices nicely.

Is it necessary to use an Instant Pot for this recipe?

While the Instant Pot speeds up cooking time and makes it almost foolproof, you can make this recipe on the stovetop by simmering gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens, though it will take longer.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mildly spiced by default, with chili powder optional. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or including fresh chilies based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a homemade butter chicken when you want a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying, yet requires minimal effort in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe hits every note—from bold spices and creamy sauce to tender chicken and quick preparation—making it an absolute keeper for weeknights and special occasions alike. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods.