Instant Pot Butter Chicken

I seriously have a thing for curry, whether it’s Japanese, Indian, Thai, or Hong Kong Curry…

Love me some glorious curry sauce!! It’s interesting to taste how each culture adapts their curries in a unique way to suit local tastes & ingredients.

I simply love how the complex combinations of spices, herbs, and ingredients create such a deep explosion of layers of flavors, plus the creamy, thick & rich curry gravy.

And Butter Chicken is simply a “love at first bite”.

What is Butter Chicken?

Is Butter Chicken an actual Indian dish?

Yes! Butter Chicken (aka murgh makhani) actually originated from northern India, created by Kundan Lal Gujral in 1948.

Who knew this mild butter-based curry sauce could capture the hearts of many and became a gateway to the delicious depths of Indian cuisine?!

Slightly sweet, savory, mildly spiced, tangy, tomatoey, buttery, wholesome, hearty, satisfying, creamy, comforting, thick, soup-like textured sauce. oh, my heavenly goooood!!

Time to cook this Glorious Butter Chicken in Instant Pot!

P.S. No need to marinate ahead of time 😉 Enjoy~

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Butter Chicken Guide

Don’t be intimidated! This is a Super Easy dish to put together.

*Soy Sauce: It may not be a traditional Indian ingredient, but it’s our own little twist to boost up the umami flavors. Try it and see what you think!

Brown Chicken Thighs

First, heat up Instant Pot Pressure Cooker using Sauté More function.

*Tip: For older version, press “Saute” button, then “Adjust” button. For newer version, press “Saute” button twice.

Wait until it says HOT (takes roughly 8 minutes).

Pat dry the skinless chicken thighs, then season one side with some kosher salt.

Add 2 tbsp (30g) ghee or unsalted butter.

Then, brown 2 sides of the chicken thighs in Instant Pot for 3 minutes per side.

Set aside the browned chicken thighs.

Saute Onions and Spices

Add sliced onions in Instant Pot, and saute for 4 minutes.

Add minced ginger, garlic, 2 tbsp (24g) garam masala, 2 tbsp (24g) sugar, 3 tbsp (22g) paprika, 1 tsp (2g) ground turmeric, 1 ¼ tsp (2.5g) ground coriander, and 1 ¼ tsp (2.5g) ground cumin. Then, saute for another minute.

Deglaze Instant Pot

Pour in ½ cup (125ml) unsalted chicken stock, then completely deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.

*Pro Tip – Burn Error: If your Instant Pot is more sensitive to the “BURN” notice (usually the newer versions of Instant Pot), use 1 cup (250ml) unsalted chicken stock instead.

Turn off the heat briefly.

Pressure Cook Butter Chicken

Add in 3 tbsp (45ml) regular soy sauce.

*Note: Soy sauce may not be a traditional Indian ingredient, but it’s Amy + Jacky’s little twist to boost up the umami flavors. Try it and see what you think! 🙂

Then, add browned chicken thighs (and the meat juice!) back in the Instant Pot.

Add in freshly squeezed lemon juice from half a lemon (20ml).

Layer 1 cup (225g) tomato paste on top and do not mix! Leave it as is, as shown in below photo.

Close lid and turn Venting Knob to the Sealing position.

Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 6 minutes*, then 10 minutes Natural Release.

*Pro Tip – Pressure Cooking Time Chart:

• Chicken Breasts: High Pressure 5 mins
• Boneless Chicken Thighs: High Pressure 5 mins
• Chicken Drumsticks: High Pressure 7 mins
• Chicken Cubes: High Pressure 2 mins

After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning the Venting Knob to Venting position.

Remove the lid carefully and give it a few gentle stirs so the tomato paste infuses into the sauce (as shown in below photo).

Make Butter Chicken Sauce

Set aside the chicken thighs in a serving bowl.

Mix in 1 ½ cup (370g) plain yogurt and ⅓ cup (83ml) heavy cream.

If you want a smoother butter chicken sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, sugar, lemon juice, and yogurt.

For Reference: we added 3 pinches of salt + a tablespoon lemon juice.

Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Add chicken thighs back in the Instant Pot and give them a quick mix.

Garnish with cilantro and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your Glorious Instant Pot Butter Chicken!~ 😀

Tools for Instant Pot Butter Chicken

• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
• Immersion Hand Blender
• Bamboo Wooden Spoons

Other Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Game-Changing “Zero-Minute” Method: Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Italian-Inspired: Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken