Indian CuisineIndian FoodDurban Indian

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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.

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By DenisiyaPublished on November 29, 2019
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time120 mins
⌛
Total Time135 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4
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This Indian Recipe Serves 2-3

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.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4
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Step-by-Step Instructions

37 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Rinse chicken.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Cut chicken into large cubes & place into a bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Add salt & ground black pepper.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

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

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

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

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

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

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

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

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

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

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

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

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    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.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Next, add in the butter.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Allow the butter to melt.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

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

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Add in the chopped onion.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Mix well. Sauté until onions are translucent.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Add in the tomato puree.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Give it a stir.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Add in the marinated chicken.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Mix well.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Pour in the water.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

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

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

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

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    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).

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

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

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    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.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

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

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    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.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

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

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    Give it a stir.

    Step 30 visual guide
  31. Step 31

    Pour in the fresh cream.

    Step 31 visual guide
  32. Step 32

    Mix well.

    Step 32 visual guide
  33. Step 33

    Empty out into a serving bowl.

    Step 33 visual guide
  34. Step 34

    Garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

    Step 34 visual guide
  35. Step 35

    Drizzle some cream over using a spoon.

    Step 35 visual guide
  36. Step 36

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

    Step 36 visual guide
  37. Step 37

    Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

    Step 37 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Instant Pot Butter Chicken.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in 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.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

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.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

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.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

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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