YT Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Mash

Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Mash is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TwoSleevers on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $8.63 total, $2.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 can Canned Tomatoes (28 oz, undrained; fire‑roasted or regular)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (ground)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor and red color)
  • 2 tablespoons Garam Masala (homemade; see channel link for recipe)
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 cup Frozen Cauliflower Florets (no water added; will steam on trivet)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for cauliflower; can also add extra butter to sauce if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • to taste Ground Black Pepper (for cauliflower seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics and spices

    Mince the ginger and garlic, then measure out salt, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika, and garam masala.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add tomatoes and aromatics

    Pour the undrained canned tomatoes into the Instant Pot. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and all measured spices. Stir gently to combine, making sure the bottom of the pot is fully coated with tomato liquid.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add chicken

    Place the 1 lb of chicken thigh pieces on top of the tomato mixture. Do not stir; let the chicken sit on the surface.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare cauliflower on trivet

    Insert the metal trivet into the pot. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the trivet and spread the frozen cauliflower florets evenly over the foil.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Pressure cook

    Seal the Instant Pot, set to High Pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Once the timer ends, perform a quick release of the pressure.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: High Pressure

  6. Release pressure & remove cauliflower

    Carefully open the lid, lift the trivet with foil and cauliflower using oven mitts, and set the cauliflower aside on a plate.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Remove chicken

    Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a bowl and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Blend sauce

    Using the immersion blender, blend the tomato sauce directly in the pot until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides to incorporate any butter that has melted. Blend slowly to avoid splatter.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Season cauliflower

    Add 2 Tbsp butter, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to the cauliflower. Stir until the butter melts and the florets are lightly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Combine chicken and sauce

    Return the chicken to the pot, stir to coat with the blended sauce, and heat for 1–2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken, serve the butter chicken alongside the buttery cauliflower, and enjoy!

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Mash

Recipe by TwoSleevers

A quick, one‑pot Indian‑style butter chicken made in an Instant Pot, topped with perfectly steamed frozen cauliflower using a trivet and foil. The sauce is blended to a silky, buttery consistency and finished with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or enjoy the cauliflower as a low‑carb side.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.63
Total cost
$2.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Coating the bottom of the pot with undrained tomatoes to avoid burn notice
  • • Using a trivet with frozen cauliflower and foil to control cooking time
  • • Pressure cooking for exactly 10 minutes on high pressure
  • • Blending the sauce with an immersion blender to achieve a silky texture

Safety Warnings

  • • Use oven mitts when releasing pressure and handling the hot trivet
  • • Be cautious when blending hot liquid with an immersion blender – start on low speed and keep the blade partially submerged
  • • Ensure the Instant Pot lid is properly sealed before cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of butter chicken in Indian cuisine?

A

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s when chefs blended leftover tandoori chicken with tomatoes, butter, and cream to create a rich, mildly spiced curry that quickly became a restaurant staple across India and the world.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of butter chicken in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, butter chicken is often richer with more cream and fenugreek; in Delhi, it may be lighter with a brighter tomato base. Some regions add cashew paste for extra thickness, while others keep it simple with just butter and spices.

cultural
Q

How is butter chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice, and accompanied by a side of fresh cucumber raita or salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is butter chicken commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Butter chicken is a popular dish for festivals like Diwali, Eid, and family gatherings because its mild heat appeals to guests of all ages and it can be made in large batches.

cultural
Q

What makes butter chicken special in Indian cuisine compared to other chicken curries?

A

Its signature silky, buttery tomato‑based sauce, mild spice level, and the use of cream or butter set it apart, creating a luxurious texture that pairs well with breads and rice.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for butter chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional butter chicken uses tandoori‑marinated chicken, tomato puree, butter, cream, garam masala, and fenugreek leaves. Substitutes include fire‑roasted canned tomatoes, frozen cauliflower for a low‑carb side, and ghee instead of butter.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with butter chicken from the TwoSleevers channel?

A

From TwoSleevers you can serve butter chicken alongside garlic naan, jeera rice, or a simple cucumber‑mint raita; the channel also recommends a side of spiced lentil dal for a complete meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot butter chicken?

A

Common errors include adding extra water (which thins the sauce), over‑cooking the cauliflower, and blending the sauce without venting steam, which can cause splatter. Follow the pressure time and use frozen cauliflower as shown.

technical
Q

Why does this Instant Pot butter chicken recipe use frozen cauliflower and foil on a trivet instead of adding fresh vegetables directly?

A

Frozen cauliflower defrosts during the pressure‑building phase, slowing its cooking so it stays tender. The foil and trivet keep the cauliflower out of the liquid, preventing it from becoming soggy and keeping the sauce thick.

technical
Q

Can I make the Instant Pot butter chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce and chicken can be prepared up to two days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on sauté mode; add fresh cilantro just before serving. Cauliflower is best added fresh to retain texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TwoSleevers specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TwoSleevers specializes in quick, family‑friendly recipes that use everyday kitchen tools like the Instant Pot, focusing on comfort foods with a modern twist and clear, step‑by‑step instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TwoSleevers' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

TwoSleevers emphasizes time‑saving techniques such as pot‑in‑pot cooking, using frozen vegetables, and minimal cleanup, whereas many traditional Indian channels focus on stovetop methods and longer marination periods.

channel
More like this:Indian RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by TwoSleevers

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

a chicken buttered this.
5

a chicken buttered this.

A rich, creamy Indian‑style butter chicken made with marinated chicken, tomato‑onion sauce, almond butter, heavy cream and butter. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy enough for beginners.

2 hrs 22 minServes 4$11
Indian
I Could Eat This Everyday! Chicken Rice Recipe
11

I Could Eat This Everyday! Chicken Rice Recipe

A colorful, one‑pot meal of sautéed onions, carrots, and peppers mixed with fragrant basmati rice and seasoned chicken breast, finished with fresh tomatoes and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights and loved by kids.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$40
Indian
The BEST One Pot Meal EVER! Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
3

The BEST One Pot Meal EVER! Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

A quick, budget‑friendly one‑pot Cajun jambalaya packed with juicy chicken thighs, smoky Andouille sausage, the classic Cajun trinity of vegetables, and fluffy long‑grain rice. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

1 hrServes 4$17
Cajun
Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya
3

Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya

A quick, kid‑friendly Cajun‑style jambalaya made with Andouille sausage, chicken thighs, and the classic holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, flavorful one‑pan dinner.

40 minServes 4$11
Cajun
How To Make The BEST Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
3

How To Make The BEST Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

A quick, one‑pot Cajun‑style chicken and sausage jambalaya packed with bold flavors, veggies, and fluffy jasmine rice. Ready in under an hour, this crowd‑pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights and kid‑friendly meals.

1 hr 3 minServes 4$14
Cajun
Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Authentic Flavor in a Fraction of the Time
4

Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Authentic Flavor in a Fraction of the Time

A quick and easy Instant Pot butter chicken that captures the rich, creamy tomato sauce and aromatic spices of the classic Indian dish in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses pantry‑friendly ingredients and delivers tender chicken, a silky sauce, and a burst of flavor.

48 minServes 4$8
Indian
This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe is To Die For
4

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe is To Die For

A quick and creamy Indian butter chicken made entirely in the Instant Pot. Marinated chicken thighs are seared, pressure‑cooked with tomato puree, and finished with honey, cardamom, kasuri methi, butter and heavy cream for a restaurant‑style dish in under an hour.

1 hr 3 minServes 4$34
Indian
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
4

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A quick, creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken perfect for toddlers. No shopping required if you keep frozen ginger on hand. Serve with rice, naan, yogurt, and cucumber for a complete, kid‑approved meal.

45 minServes 4$12
Indian
🔥 Trending Recipes← All Recipes