Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken: An Incredible 5-Star Recipe

Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of Indian cuisine with the convenience of pressure cooking. This amazing recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With tender, juicy pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy, spicy sauce, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of India. In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe is a must-try, provide you with an efficient cooking schedule, detail the ingredients needed, offer step-by-step instructions, and suggest some fantastic serving ideas.

If you’ve ever tasted authentic butter chicken, you know just how flavorful and comforting it can be. This Instant Pot version is made even more convenient by being ready in a fraction of the time. Imagine the aroma of rich spices wafting through your kitchen while only having to spend minimal effort in the process. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen newbie, you’re in for a treat with this Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken that’s bound to impress your family and friends.

The technique of using the Instant Pot enhances this already wonderful dish, sealing in flavors and ensuring moist chicken every single time. Its versatility is another reason to fall in love with it, as you can serve it over rice, with naan, or even use it as a filling for wraps. Let’s dig deeper into what makes this recipe so special and how easy it is to create at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Getting your Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken ready follows a straightforward timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus natural release time)
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

These times will help you plan your cooking process effectively and ensure a timely meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating your Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken is a breeze if you follow these simple steps:

1. Sauté Onions: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ mode. Heat the olive oil, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about one minute or until fragrant.
3. Spice It Up: Add garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin, and chili powder to the pot. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to toast briefly in the oil.
4. Add Chicken: Incorporate the chicken pieces, stirring until they are well coated with the spice mixture.
5. Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well to combine.
6. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes.
7. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before switching the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
8. Stir in Cream: Open the pot carefully. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the salt or spice levels if necessary. You can add more chili powder for added heat.
10. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish seamlessly, ensuring every flavor shines through.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving your Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken, consider these delightful options:

1. Rice Base: Serve the dish over a bed of warm, fluffy basmati rice. The rice is great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Naan or Roti: Accompany your butter chicken with warm naan or roti for a delightful, authentic experience.
3. Fresh Sides: Pair with a side of cucumber raita or a refreshing salad to balance the spices.
4. Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle additional fresh cilantro on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
5. Drink Pairing: Pair the meal with a mango lassi or a crisp, chilled beverage to counterbalance the spices in the dish.

By taking the time to serve the meal thoughtfully, you’ll enhance the dining experience, making it even more memorable for everyone involved.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Spices: To enhance the flavors in your Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken, use fresh spices whenever possible. This makes a noticeable difference in taste.
• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.
• Serve with Sides: Accompany your butter chicken with traditional sides like basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Let It Marinate: For even richer flavors, consider marinating the chicken with the spices and yogurt for a couple of hours before cooking.
• Garnish Innovatively: Beyond cilantro, you can add toasted cashews or slivers of green chili for extra texture and flavor.

Recipe Variation

Explore different flavor profiles with these variations:

1. Coconut Curry Twist: Substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical flavor infusion.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with paneer or your favorite vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian meal.
3. Extra Creamy: Add an additional splash of cream or yogurt just before serving for aCreamier texture.
4. Spiced Up Version: Add some cardamom and cinnamon during the sautéing phase for a more aromatic dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Ensure it is well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

To create the best Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken, make sure you have these essential tools:

• Instant Pot: Ideal for making this dish quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: For chopping the chicken and vegetables uniformly.
• Cutting board: A clean surface to prepare your ingredients.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For ensuring precise ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the ingredients easily while cooking.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Spicy Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it is an experience that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Cooking in an Instant Pot saves time while preserving the authentic taste of butter chicken, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every bite with family and friends, and remember to savor the experience.