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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish is made with chicken breasts and a creamy, buttery sauce.

If you love easy Instant Pot recipes, you will love this butter chicken dish. It is simple to make and the end result is a flavorful, creamy curry that the whole family will love.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken on top of a bowl of rice.
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Instant Pot Indian Chicken Curry

The chicken curry recipe I am sharing today is one of my favorites. I love it because it is simple to make, and the end result is a flavorful, creamy curry that the whole family will love.

  • Easy to make
  • Perfect for picky eaters
  • Looks beautiful on a plate
  • Fills the house with a delicious aroma

If you love Instant Pot chicken recipes you may also enjoy this Instant Pot Saucy Chicken recipe.

Overhead horizontaI shot of Instant Pot Butter Chicken on top of a bowl of rice.
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Ingredients

You need several ingredients to make this chicken curry recipe. However, you may already have most of these ingredients on hand, helping you avoid a trip to the grocery store.

  • chicken breast cut into 2” bites
  • onion diced
  • butter
  • minced garlic
  • tomato sauce
  • tomato paste
  • paprika
  • chili powder
  • curry powder
  • cumin
  • salt
  • chopped cilantro
  • heavy whipping cream
Ingredients used to make Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

Substitutions

Milk: Milk is a great substitute for heavy whipping cream.

Turkey: Turkey can be used in place of chicken if you prefer. 

Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools

You only need three kitchen tools to help you make this creamy and delicious chicken recipe.

How to Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe comes together in just five simple steps. You will be so glad that you made this dish once it’s finished cooking.

Step 1: Saute the onion

Set the instant pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the onion and sauté until the onion is golden.

Step 2: Toast the garlic

Toss in the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.

Onion and garlic sauted in an Instant Pot.

Step 3: Brown the chicken

Add the chicken and brown the outside. Once the chicken is browned, add the spices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and cilantro. Sauté for 1 minute.

Browned chicken in the instant pot with added spices, tomato sauce, tomato paste

Step 4: Pressure cook the chicken

Seal the lid and pressure valve and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release pressure when done.

Step 5: Add in cream

Remove the lid and stir in the cream for 4 minutes. Enjoy best with basmati rice and fresh garlic naan.

Cream added onto the cooked chicken with the other ingredients.

Variations / Options / Add-Ins

Looking for ways to increase the flavor of this dish? Here are my favorite swaps for this recipe.

Coconut: If you love a coconut flavor in your curry, use coconut milk in place of the heavy whipping cream.

Green curry paste: If you want a more intense curry flavor, add in 2 tablespoons of green curry paste.

Garam masala: Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala for a richer flavor profile.

A close up half shot of Instant Pot Butter Chicken on top of a bowl of rice.

Toppings/Serving Suggestions

Serving this dish is so easy, here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with this homemade curry.

Overhead vertical shot of Instant Pot Butter Chicken on top of a bowl of rice.

Tips

  • Leave the cilantro out of this recipe if you are not a fan of the flavor.
  • Don’t like spice? Leave out the chili powder.
  • Add extra butter if you want a less spicy dish.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

How to store

Store your leftover curry chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to reheat

Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Or for large amounts reheat in a saucepan on the stove on medium heat.

Can I freeze?

No, this chicken curry recipe does not freeze well.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken on top of a bowl of rice.

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you like Instant Pot recipes, give these recipes a try:

Ready to get cooking? Print off the recipe card below or toggle on Cook Mode to keep your screen from going dark while you follow along on your phone or tablet.

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📋 Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Corinne Schmitt
The end result is a flavorful, creamy curry that the whole family will love.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3 Servings
Calories 552 kcal

Equipment

  • knife and cutting board
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 chicken breasts cut into 2” bites
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 5 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions
 

  • Set the instant pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the onion and sauté until onion is golden.
  • Toss in the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes
  • Add the chicken and brown the outside. Once chicken is browned, add the spices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and cilantro. Sauté for 1 minute.
  • Seal the lid and pressure valve and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release pressure when done.
  • Remove the lid and stir in the cream for 4 minutes.
  • Enjoy best with basmati rice and fresh garlic naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 552kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 39gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 1861mgPotassium: 1492mgFiber: 7gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 4087IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 161mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Need to run to the store for a few ingredients first? Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it when you’re ready to cook!

A collage of 4 images showing the process to make Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

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