Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

User Reviews

4.9

168 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    460 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Asian, Indian

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala combines tender chicken pieces cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. The pressure cooking method infuses the chicken with the flavors of garam masala, cumin, cayenne, garlic, and ginger, creating a creamy, moderately spicy dish. This recipe is convenient for those wanting a flavorful Indian-inspired meal served with rice or naan bread.

Description

The Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala features bite-sized chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a richly spiced tomato sauce. Butter and sautéed onions form the base, while ginger, garlic, garam masala, cumin, and cayenne pepper add depth and warmth. Pressure cooking shortens the preparation time while tenderizing the meat and melding flavors. The sauce is finished with heavy cream to provide a smooth, creamy texture and is garnished with fresh cilantro for brightness.

The combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken results in a dish where the subtle heat complements the richness. The sauce reduces slightly after cooking, concentrating the flavors and providing a balanced mouthfeel. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or naan, which help soak up the sauce.

For serving, ladle the tikka masala over rice or alongside warm naan. It works well as a comforting dinner or a flavorful weekend meal. Follow the pressure cooker steps carefully to ensure the chicken cooks just right and the sauce thickens properly.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 2 ½ pounds chicken thigh cut into 2-inch pieces, or boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped, fresh

Instructions

  1. Set an electric pressure cooker to the sauté function. Add the butter and onions and cook until softened. Stir in the ginger, garlic, garam masala, cumin, cayenne and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Add the chicken, tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and ¼ cup cream to the pot and stir to combine.
  3. Cover and set to pressure cook at high pressure for 8 minutes. Release the pressure manually.
  4.  Scoop the chicken out of the pot with a slotted spoon (cover to keep warm). Add the remaining ¼ cup cream to the sauce in the pot. Press the sauté or reduce button. Let the sauce simmer until slightly reduced and thickened, 8 – 10 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken back to the pot. Add the cilantro and stir to combine.
  6.  Serve in bowls over rice or with naan flatbread on the side.

Notes

  • Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with rice to soak up the sauce and balance the spices.
  • Mango chutney and garlic naan complement the dish well for a traditional accompaniment.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 460kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 56g (112%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 311mg (104%) Sodium 855mg (36%) Potassium 745mg (16%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 525IU (11%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 62mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 460 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 460kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 56g 112%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 311mg 104%
Sodium 855mg 36%
Potassium 745mg 16%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 525IU 11%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 62mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

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

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Overall Rating

4.9

168 reviews
Excellent

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