Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot

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

1. Prep Ingredients

   Measure all spices, grate the ginger, mince the garlic, and rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.

   Time: PT5M

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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