Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot
Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by The Dallas Morning News on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $8.31 total, $2.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs or Breasts (cut into large pieces, bone‑in or boneless)
- 28 ounces Canned Diced Tomatoes (no‑salt added, diced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and minced)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (about 3 cloves, minced)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground)
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon Garam Masala (store‑bought blend)
- 2 tablespoons Clarified Butter (Ghee) (higher smoke point than regular butter)
- 0.5 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 cup Aged Basmati Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1 cup Water (for cooking rice)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Measure all spices, grate the ginger, mince the garlic, and rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Chicken and Sauce in the Instant Pot
Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add the chicken pieces on the trivet, then pour the canned tomatoes over them. Sprinkle ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and garam masala evenly over the mixture.
Time: PT5M
Add Rice Using the Pot‑in‑Pot Method
In a heat‑proof bowl, combine the rinsed rice, 1 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Set the bowl on top of the trivet (above the chicken) so the rice cooks simultaneously.
Time: PT3M
Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot, set to High Pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Once the timer ends, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: High pressure
Blend the Sauce
Remove the rice bowl and set aside. Transfer the chicken and tomato‑spice mixture to a blender (in batches if needed) and blend until very smooth.
Time: PT3M
Finish the Butter Chicken
Return the blended sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir in the clarified butter and heavy whipping cream. Switch to the Sauté setting and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Serve
Fluff the cooked basmati rice with a fork. Spoon the butter chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, High‑protein
Allergens: Dairy (ghee, cream)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Turkey pieces
- Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes (about 2 cups, peeled)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Chili powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Low‑sodium salt
- Instead of Garam Masala: Homemade garam masala
- Instead of Clarified Butter (Ghee): Regular butter, vegetable oil
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑half, coconut cream (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Aged Basmati Rice: Regular basmati rice
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker)
- Trivet (metal rack)
- Blender (immersion or countertop)
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Heat‑proof Bowl or Small Casserole Dish
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Lid for the Bowl (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the pressure cooker reaches full pressure for the full 10 minutes
- Blending the hot sauce safely to achieve a smooth texture
- Adding the cream and butter without letting the sauce boil over
Chef Tips from the Video
- Keep chicken pieces large to retain moisture and avoid a shredded texture.
- Use clarified butter (ghee) for authentic flavor and a higher smoke point.
- For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of melted ghee just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin after pressure cooking
Simmer on Sauté mode for an extra 5‑7 minutes to reduce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Chicken is overcooked and falling apart
Reduce the pressure‑cook time to 8 minutes and ensure a quick release after the natural release period.
Blended sauce is grainy
Blend longer or pass the sauce through a fine mesh sieve before returning to the pot.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store butter chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze butter chicken in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; rice freezes well for 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The sauce can be blended and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before adding cream and butter.
- Cook the rice ahead of time and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter chicken in Indian cuisine?
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s when chefs mixed leftover tandoori chicken with tomatoes, butter, and cream to create a rich, mildly spiced sauce. It quickly became a beloved comfort dish across India and worldwide, symbolizing the fusion of smoky tandoor flavors with a silky, buttery gravy.
What are the traditional regional variations of butter chicken in North Indian cuisine?
In Punjab, butter chicken often includes a higher proportion of cream and a sweeter tomato base, while in Lucknow (Awadhi) versions may add cashew paste for extra silkiness. Some regions temper the heat with fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) or a pinch of sugar.
How is butter chicken traditionally served in Indian households?
Butter chicken is traditionally served hot, spooned over steamed basmati rice or with soft naan bread, and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of melted butter. It is a staple for family meals and festive gatherings.
During which celebrations is butter chicken commonly prepared in Indian culture?
Butter chicken is popular during festivals such as Diwali, Eid, and family celebrations like weddings and birthdays because its rich flavor appeals to a wide range of guests and it can be made in large batches.
What makes butter chicken special within the broader Indian cuisine?
Its balance of smoky char from tandoor‑style chicken, tangy tomato base, aromatic garam masala, and luxurious butter‑cream creates a uniquely comforting yet sophisticated flavor profile that stands out among Indian curries.
What are the authentic ingredients for butter chicken versus common substitutes?
Authentic butter chicken uses tandoori‑marinated chicken, ghee, tomato puree, cream, garam masala, and fenugreek leaves. Substitutes like regular butter, heavy cream, or canned tomatoes work well but may alter the depth of flavor and richness.
What other Indian dishes pair well with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or paratha, and side dishes such as cucumber raita, spiced lentil dal, and a fresh salad of sliced onions and lemon wedges complement its richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter chicken in an Instant Pot?
Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken (which makes it fall apart), not allowing a natural pressure release (which can cause the sauce to splatter), and adding cream too early, which can cause it to curdle.
Why does this butter chicken recipe use clarified butter instead of regular butter?
Clarified butter (ghee) has a higher smoke point, preventing burning during pressure cooking, and adds a nutty, authentic Indian flavor that regular butter cannot fully replicate.
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the cooked sauce (without cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream and butter before serving. The rice can be refrigerated separately and reheated before plating.
What does the YouTube channel The Dallas Morning News specialize in?
The YouTube channel The Dallas Morning News focuses on local news, lifestyle, and community-oriented cooking segments, often featuring quick, approachable recipes that highlight regional flavors and everyday cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel The Dallas Morning News' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
The Dallas Morning News emphasizes practical, time‑saving methods—like using an Instant Pot and canned tomatoes—making Indian dishes accessible for busy home cooks, whereas many dedicated Indian channels may focus on traditional stovetop techniques and elaborate spice preparations.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
