Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that brings the magic of classic Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen—without hours of simmering. Traditionally known as Murgh Makhani, butter chicken is loved for its tender chicken pieces cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices, butter, and cream. Using the Instant Pot makes this beloved dish faster, easier, and more accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

This recipe captures all the authentic flavors of restaurant-style butter chicken while cutting down cooking time significantly. The pressure cooker locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in succulent chicken and a smooth, luxurious sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this Instant Pot Butter Chicken is comfort food at its finest.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers authentic taste with minimal effort. The Instant Pot does most of the work, yet the final dish tastes slow-cooked and indulgent. The balance of spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken makes it incredibly satisfying every single time.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Restaurant-quality flavor made at home
• Ready in a fraction of the traditional cooking time
• Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced
• Beginner-friendly yet impressive
• Pairs beautifully with rice or naan

Recipe Overview

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Calories (approx.): 430 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 700 g (1.5 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato puree
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté aromatics in the Instant Pot.
2. Add spices and tomato puree.
3. Add chicken and pressure cook.
4. Finish with butter and cream.
5. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté the Base
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add butter and oil. Sauté chopped onions until golden.

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato
Add garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt. Pour in tomato puree and water. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Chicken
Add chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set valve to sealing, and pressure cook on High for 8 minutes.

Step 6: Release Pressure
Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release remaining pressure.

Step 7: Finish with Cream
Stir in heavy cream and sugar (if using). Simmer on Sauté for 2–3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish
Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra butter if desired.

How to Serve

Serve Instant Pot Butter Chicken hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, roti, or jeera rice. Add a side of cucumber raita or fresh salad for balance.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Adjust spice level to taste
• Blend sauce for ultra-smooth texture if desired
• Add cream at the end to prevent curdling
• Rest the dish for 5 minutes before serving

Variations

Dairy-Free Butter Chicken
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter.

Extra-Spicy Version
Add green chilies or extra chili powder.

Butter Paneer
Replace chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian version.

Low-Calorie Option
Use light cream or cashew paste instead of heavy cream.

Smoky Flavor (Dhungar Method)
Add a touch of charcoal smoke for authentic restaurant flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezing:

• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (or electric pressure cooker)
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Conclusion

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. With tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish proves that authentic Indian flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this butter chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every time.