Healthy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
8 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
23 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Healthy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Description
This method starts by sautéing garlic paste, tomato paste, selected spices including garam masala, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric in the Instant Pot. Adding tomato passata and chicken stock creates a spiced liquid base that covers the chicken pieces prior to pressure cooking, ensuring they cook evenly and infuse with the sauce.
After pressure cooking for 15 minutes, milk or coconut milk is added to provide creaminess while keeping the dish lighter than traditional heavy cream versions. The sauce can be thickened by stirring in a flour mixture or simmering longer, depending on dietary preferences. The dish delivers tender chicken in a fragrant, mildly spiced sauce.
This recipe suits those who want butter chicken with less fat while still enjoying the classic flavors. Adjust the garam masala quantity to personal preference, starting with less and adjusting after initial cooking to avoid overpowering the dish.
Ingredients
- 4 tsp garlic paste
- 5 tsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato passata
- 3 - 4.5 tbsp* garam masala OR to taste, see note
- 0.5 tbsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 cup chicken stock using 1 tsp Better than Bullion Chicken mixed with water
- 2 lb chicken thigh
- 2 lb chicken drumstick
- 2 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup milk swap for coconut milk for whole30
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour skip for whole30, or cornstarch
- parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
- On the sauté function of your Instant Pot, place in your garlic paste, tomato paste, spices, and passata and stir.
- After 2 minutes, mix in your chicken stock, and add your chicken. The liquid should cover your chicken.
- Set 15 minutes on the Pressure Cook option. (Please follow the manufacturer's guide)
- After the cycle is over, following the manufacturer's guide, open the lid. Switch the Instant Pot setting back to sauté and add in the milk (or coconut milk).
- On the sauté function, let it cook down for a couple minutes/simmer if it is not as thick as you'd like it yet.
- If the sauce isn't as thick as you'd like it (because we are not using heavy cream), in a small bowl, put 2 tbsp of flour and a scoop of the sauce and mix together until the flour as dissolved in. Add more liquid if needed. Once the sauce in the bowl has thickened, stir it back into your Instant Pot. If you are on Whole30, skip the flour/cornstarch method and just let the sauce simmer until thickened.
- Turn off the Instant Pot and garnish with parsley. Serve warm over rice and/or with a naan. If you are on Whole30, serve with cauliflower rice
Notes
- Begin with 1/3 to 1/2 of the garam masala amount, taste after pressure cooking, and add more if desired before simmering.
- For whole30 compliance, skip the flour thickener and simmer sauce longer to thicken naturally.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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