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Make authentic Instant Pot Butter Chicken with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is the quicker version of the old fashioned stove-top preparation. This dish is also known as murgh makhani (Hindi: मुर्ग़ मक्खनी) & is an Indian dish of chicken in a gently spiced curry sauce.
This creamy meal is best enjoyed with butter naan or garlic naan.
Rinse chicken.

Cut chicken into large cubes & place into a bowl.

Add salt & ground black pepper.

Add in the garam masala, jeera (cumin) powder & the dhania (coriander) powder.

Next, add in the chili powder, red chili flakes, turmeric powder, thyme & ginger & garlic paste.

Thereafter, add in the plain yoghurt or maas (sourmilk).

Mix well & allow to marinate for up to 1 hour.

After an hour has passed, peel & chop the onion.

Plug in your Instant Pot, the display should read “OFF”.

Press the “SAUTÉ” button the Instant Pot. Press on it again until the heat level is at “NORMAL”. The display should pre-select to 00:30, but it is fine at whichever time because it may be canceled whenever you are done sautéing.

Next, add in the butter.

Allow the butter to melt.

Thereafter, add in the bay leaves, curry leaves, cloves, elachi (cardamom) & the cinnamon stick.

Add in the chopped onion.

Mix well. Sauté until onions are translucent.

Add in the tomato puree.

Give it a stir.

Add in the marinated chicken.

Mix well.

Pour in the water.

Press “CANCEL” on your Instant Pot, this will turn off the “SAUTÉ” mode.

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.

Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “SEALING”.

Press the “Pressure Cook” button. Press the button again to set the pressure level to “MORE” on the display. Next, use the “- or +” buttons & set the cooking time to 00:30 (30 minutes).

The Instant Pot should display “ON” until the pressure builds up.

Once the pressure builds up, the “float valve” will pop up – when it pops up, do not attempt to open the lid! Thereafter, the 30 minute timer will count down on the screen.

After the 30 minutes are over. Press “CANCEL” on your Instant Pot.

Turn the anti-blockage vent (steam release handle) to “VENTING” & allow the steam to release. Once the “float valve” sinks in, it is safe to open the lid.

The chicken should be cooked & everything should be well infused.

Give it a stir.

Pour in the fresh cream.

Mix well.

Empty out into a serving bowl.

Garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

Drizzle some cream over using a spoon.

Serve this Instant Pot Butter Chicken with garlic naan or butter naan.

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Instant Pot Butter Chicken.
Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.
Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Butter Chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.
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