Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Brown Chicken Thighs: Heat up Instant Pot using Sauté More function. Wait until it says HOT (~8 mins). Pat dry the skinless chicken thighs, then season one side with some kosher salt. Add 2 tbsp (25g) 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. Turn off the heat briefly.

Pressure Cook Butter Chicken: Add 3 tbsp (45ml) regular soy sauce, browned chicken thighs (& the meat juice!), then add freshly squeezed lemon juice from half a lemon (20ml) in Instant Pot. Layer 1 cup (225g) tomato paste on top and do not mix!

High Pressure cook for 6 minutes*, then 10 minutes Natural Release.

*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

Remove the lid carefully and give it a few gentle stirs so the tomato paste infuses into the sauce.

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. For smoother butter chicken sauce, blend sauce 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: Add chicken thighs back in Instant Pot, then give them a quick mix. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every bite of this Glorious Butter Chicken!~ 🙂