Instant Pot Chicken Korma

User Reviews

4.8

177 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Marinating time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    456 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Indian

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Instant Pot Chicken Korma features marinated chicken legs cooked with aromatic whole spices, yogurt, and a creamy cashew paste. The slow-cooked onions combined with ginger and garlic create a rich base, while the use of garam masala and coriander powder provides warm, earthy flavors. Finished with fresh cilantro, this curry offers a mildly spiced, smooth texture perfect for serving over rice or with naan bread, combining methodical marination and pressure cooking for tender results.

Description

Instant Pot Chicken Korma blends chicken legs marinated in yogurt and spices with a blend of whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaf. The process begins by sautéing aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, and ginger to build a deep flavor base. Cooking the chicken under high pressure allows the meat to become tender while preserving the aroma of the spices. The addition of a smooth cashew paste enriches the sauce, lending a creamy texture and subtle nuttiness to the curry. Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that balances the dish.

The curry has a velvety consistency with complex spice layers without overpowering heat. The gentle cooking of the yogurt coating the chicken helps develop a lightly tangy background, complementing the richness of ghee and nuts. This recipe is well suited for serving over steamed rice or paired with naan to soak up the sauce. It provides a filling meal grounded in precise spice balance.

Recipe notes suggest reducing pressure cooking to 4 minutes when using boneless chicken to prevent overcooking. Whole spices can be contained in a spice pouch to ease removal after cooking. For a more decadent version reminiscent of Shahi Chicken Korma, roasted sliced almonds and raisins can be added as toppings. The recipe was developed using a 6-quart Instant Pot DUO60, which may help with timing and quantities.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken legs
  • 3 tablespoon ghee or oil
  • 2 cups onion
  • 1 tablespoon ginger minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder dhaniya powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 cup water for cooking chicken
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1/4 cup water warm, to soak and blend cashews
  • 1/4 cup cilantro to garnish

Whole Spices

  • 5 pods green cardamom aka Elaichi
  • 2 bay leaf Tej Patta
  • 1" cassia cinnamon aka Dalchini
  • 6 cloves aka Laung
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera

For marination

  • 3 tablespoon yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, turmeric, red chili and salt. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
  2. Soak cashews in warm water while the chicken is marinating. Blend cashews with water to a smooth paste. 
  3. Start the instant pot in sauté mode. Add oil and whole spices. Saute for 30 seconds. 
  4. Add onion, ginger, garlic and sauté for 3 minutes. 
  5. Stir in the spices. Add marinated chicken and sauté for 3-4 mins. We want the yogurt to cook before pressure cooking the chicken.
  6. Add water for cooking. Stir well and deglaze the pot. Press Cancel and close lid with vent in sealing position. 
  7. Start on Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 6 minutes. When the pressure cooker beeps, press cancel and quick release the pressure manually.
  8. Add cashew paste to the chicken and mix well. 
  9. Garnish with cilantro. Enjoy over rice or with naan. 
Equipments used:

Notes

  • Pressure cook boneless thigh or breast pieces for 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • Use a spice pouch if you prefer to remove the whole spices easily after cooking.
  • Add roasted sliced almonds and raisins for a variation similar to Shahi Chicken Korma.
  • This recipe is tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot DUO60 model, which affects cooking times.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 456kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 34g (52%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Cholesterol 120mg (40%) Sodium 685mg (29%) Potassium 480mg (10%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 205IU (4%) Vitamin C 7.9mg (9%) Calcium 78mg (8%) Iron 2.9mg (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 456 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 456kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 34g 52%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 120mg 40%
Sodium 685mg 29%
Potassium 480mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 205IU 4%
Vitamin C 7.9mg 9%
Calcium 78mg 8%
Iron 2.9mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

177 reviews
Excellent

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