YT Recipe

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Yummy Toddler Food on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 21 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $12.27 total, $3.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup Tomato Puree (canned)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (grated; can be grated from frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Chili Powder (adjust for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (balances acidity)
  • 4 pieces Naan (store‑bought; can be warmed)
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice (prepared ahead or store‑bought)
  • 0.5 cup Plain Yogurt (for serving)
  • 0.5 cup Cucumber (seedless, diced)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Grate the frozen ginger directly into a bowl, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Butter

    Select the Saute function on the Instant Pot, add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Bloom the Spices

    Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and sugar. Stir for 1‑2 minutes until the spices become aromatic.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Chicken and Tomato Puree

    Add the chicken pieces and tomato puree, then season with salt. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Stir in Cream

    Pour in the heavy cream and give the mixture a gentle stir.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Pressure Cook

    Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Release Pressure

    Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Final Taste Check

    Open the pot, give the butter chicken a quick stir, and adjust salt or sugar if needed.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Serve

    Spoon the butter chicken over cooked rice, place a piece of warm naan on the side, and add a dollop of yogurt and diced cucumber for extra texture.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
500
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Kid‑friendly, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free naan

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Recipe by Yummy Toddler Food

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.

EasyIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
15m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.27
Total cost
$3.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Melt butter without burning.
  • • Bloom the spices to release flavor.
  • • Seal the Instant Pot correctly and set the correct pressure time.
  • • Perform a natural followed by quick pressure release to avoid over‑cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • • The Instant Pot builds high pressure; never open the lid until the pressure is fully released.
  • • Hot butter and steam can cause burns; use oven mitts and keep face away from the vent.
  • • Use kitchen scissors carefully; keep fingers clear of the blades.

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, also known as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken, simmered in a tomato‑butter‑cream sauce. It quickly became a beloved restaurant staple and a comfort food across India and the world.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Butter Chicken in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the sauce is richer with more butter and cream, while in Delhi the flavor leans toward a sweeter tomato base. Some regions add cashew paste for extra thickness, and others use ghee instead of butter for a smoky note.

cultural
Q

How is Butter Chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice or fluffy naan, accompanied by a side of fresh cucumber raita or plain yogurt to cool the palate. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is often added for color and aroma.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Butter Chicken traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

Butter Chicken is a popular dish for family gatherings, festivals like Diwali and Eid, and restaurant meals because it appeals to both adults and children. Its mild spice level makes it a safe choice for mixed‑age celebrations.

cultural
Q

How does Butter Chicken fit into the broader Indian cuisine tradition?

A

Butter Chicken exemplifies the Indian love for rich, creamy gravies that balance spice, sweetness, and acidity. It showcases the use of dairy (butter, cream) alongside aromatic spices, a hallmark of North Indian cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Butter Chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken, butter, cream, tomato puree, ginger, garlic, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of sugar. Substitutes can be chicken breast for thighs, Greek yogurt or coconut milk for cream, and margarine for butter if needed.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Butter Chicken?

A

Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice, garlic naan, jeera rice, or a simple cucumber raita. For a full meal, serve alongside a light dal (lentil soup) or a fresh salad of sliced onions and tomatoes.

cultural
Q

How has Butter Chicken evolved over time in Indian cuisine?

A

Originally a restaurant specialty, Butter Chicken has become a home‑cooked staple, with modern variations adding ingredients like cashew paste, almond milk, or using pressure cookers for speed. Global versions often adjust the heat level to suit local tastes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot Butter Chicken?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, not blooming the spices properly, and releasing pressure too quickly which can cause splatter. Also, adding cream before pressure cooking can cause curdling; add it after the pressure cycle.

technical
Q

Why does this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe use butter and cream instead of ghee?

A

Butter provides a milder, creamier flavor that appeals to toddlers, while cream adds richness without the smoky note of ghee. Ghee can be used for a more traditional taste, but butter keeps the dish softer and less intense for young palates.

technical
Q

Can I make Instant Pot Butter Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce freezes well. Cool the butter chicken completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot on Saute mode.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Yummy Toddler Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Yummy Toddler Food specializes in simple, nutritious, and kid‑friendly recipes that parents can prepare quickly for toddlers and young children.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Yummy Toddler Food?

A

Yummy Toddler Food focuses on minimal‑prep, wholesome meals using everyday pantry staples, emphasizing flavor, texture, and nutrition suitable for developing taste buds while keeping cooking steps easy for busy parents.

channel
More like this:Indian RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Yummy Toddler Food

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