Leave cook mode

Your screen stays on while this page is open, on devices that allow it.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page.

Ingredients for 25 servings
  • 8 1/3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 3/8 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 8 1/3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 1/8 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 21 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 1/8 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 2 3/4 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 3/8 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 3/8 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 1/8 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 1/8 cans tomato sauce, 15 ounces
  • 1 3/8 cups water
  • 2 1/8 cups heavy cream
  • 8 1/3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • 16 2/3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  1. Step 1 of 5

    Toss the chicken with the salt.

  2. Step 2 of 5

    Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and cook the onion 4 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, ginger and all the spices and stir 1 minute.

  3. Step 3 of 5

    Pour in the water and scrape the bottom well so nothing is stuck; this prevents a burn warning. Stir in the tomato sauce, then add the chicken without stirring it to the bottom.

  4. Step 4 of 5

    Lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the rest.

  5. Step 5 of 5

    Switch to Sauté. Stir in the cream and the cold butter and simmer 3 to 5 minutes to thicken. Taste for salt and top with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.