Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Meal Recipe

Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the call of this Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Meal. I’m telling you, the smell alone will have your whole family running to the kitchen. It’s a hug in a bowl, and it’s about to become your new weeknight superhero. If you love cozy, one-pot wonders, you have to try my Homestyle Chicken Taco Soup next.

Forget takeout menus and long ingredient lists. We’re making magic happen in one pot. Creamy, dreamy tomato sauce. Tender, juicy chicken. Spices that sing. Come to Mama! This is the recipe I make when I need a guaranteed win. And guess what? It’s going to be your win, too.

Let’s get that pot singing. Your taste buds are about to throw a party.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Indian
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (active time)
• Servings: 4-6

Do You Love This Recipe Too?

I fell head over heels for butter chicken on a rainy Tuesday. I was tired, the fridge was kinda empty, and I craved comfort. I threw this together on a whim. The first bite? Absolute bliss. The way the creamy curry coats the fluffy rice… it’s pure joy.

Now, it’s my go-to celebration meal. Bad day? Butter chicken. Good day? Butter chicken! It never, ever lets me down. Making it at home feels like a little victory dance every single time.

My Shopping List for This Recipe

I keep this list taped to my fridge! It’s all about building layers of flavor, from the tangy marinade to the rich, buttery finish. Most of this is probably already in your pantry.

Grab your chicken, some spices, and a can of tomatoes. The rest is easy. Let’s break it down.

Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready

Here’s everything you need. Trust me, the yogurt marinade is the secret to the most tender chicken you’ve ever had. Don’t skip it! For another fantastic recipe that uses a simple, flavor-packed marinade, check out my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken.

• For the Chicken & Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika (for color and mild sweetness)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference!)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)

Okay, team! Let’s do this. The Instant Pot makes it so fast, but the flavor tastes like it simmered all day. That’s the magic of the pressure cooker.

Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Meal Recipe

Make Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Meal Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Emily Morgan

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready

• For the Chicken & Marinade:1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp grated ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp garam masala 1/2 tsp turmeric 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• For the Sauce:2 tbsp butter or ghee 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp grated ginger 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes 1 tbsp garam masala 1 tsp paprika (for color and mild sweetness) 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference!) 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp paprika (for color and mild sweetness)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference!)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)

1

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and stir until fully coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor!).

2

Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the 2 tbsp of butter. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

3

Build the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, garam masala, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4

Pressure Cook: Add the marinated chicken and all its yogurt goodness into the pot. Stir to combine. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes.

5

Natural Release: Once the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

6

Finish & Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and the cold, cubed butter. This step makes the sauce incredibly rich and glossy. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Butter Chicken Easy Meal Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~450

Fat: 32g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Protein: 28g

Did You Make This?

Leave a review and tag us on social media!

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and stir until fully coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor!).
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the 2 tbsp of butter. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, garam masala, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pressure Cook: Add the marinated chicken and all its yogurt goodness into the pot. Stir to combine. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes.
5. Natural Release: Once the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
6. Finish & Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and the cold, cubed butter. This step makes the sauce incredibly rich and glossy. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Fun Variations to Try Next Time

Got the basics down? Let’s play! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own ideas.

Try using boneless chicken breast for a leaner option (just reduce the pressure cook time by 1 minute). Add a big handful of fresh spinach at the end for some green. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream and coconut oil instead of butter. It’s just as dreamy!

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

This curry is maybe even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 28g

(*Approximate values per serving. For detailed information, consider using a specific recipe calculator.)

A Quick Q&A on This Recipe

What should I serve with this butter chicken?

Oh, this is the best part! You have to have something to soak up that amazing sauce. I always, always serve it with fluffy basmati rice. And warm, buttery naan bread is non-negotiable in my house. It’s the ultimate tool for getting every last drop!

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Just use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Sauté everything the same way, then add the chicken and about 1/2 cup of water. Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Then finish with the cream and butter.

My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken it?

No worries! After you add the cream, just set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Let it bubble gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. It will thicken up perfectly. You can also mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it in during this step.

There you have it! Your ticket to the most comforting, flavor-packed dinner ever. I’m so excited for you to try this. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand the obsession. And if you’re looking for another quick, bite-sized chicken hit, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are absolutely irresistible.

This isn’t just another curry recipe. It’s a memory-maker. It’s the meal that makes everyone ask for seconds. Now go, get that pot going, and fill your kitchen with the most incredible smells. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!