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
Prep Ingredients
Grate the frozen ginger directly into a bowl, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
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
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
Add Chicken and Tomato Puree
Add the chicken pieces and tomato puree, then season with salt. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Time: PT1M
Stir in Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and give the mixture a gentle stir.
Time: PT1M
Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Release Pressure
Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Time: PT5M
Final Taste Check
Open the pot, give the butter chicken a quick stir, and adjust salt or sugar if needed.
Time: PT1M
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Tomato Puree: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Greek yogurt, coconut milk
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (½ tsp)
- Instead of Garam Masala: Curry powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Naan: Pita bread
- Instead of Cooked Rice: Quinoa
- Instead of Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or pressure cooker)
- Kitchen Scissors
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Ladle
- Serving Bowl
- Rice Cooker (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Grate ginger straight from the freezer – it shreds easily and stays fresh.
- Use full‑fat heavy cream for the richest, most authentic texture.
- A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato puree, especially for young palates.
- Warm naan briefly in the oven; it softens and absorbs the sauce nicely.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer on Saute mode for a few minutes after pressure release, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Chicken is dry.
Do not overcook; ensure the pressure time is exactly 10 minutes and perform a natural release for 5 minutes before quick release.
Butter chicken is too spicy for toddlers.
Add an extra teaspoon of sugar or a splash of extra cream, and serve with yogurt to mellow the heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the sauce (without naan) for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The butter chicken sauce freezes well; make it ahead and store in freezer‑safe bags.
- Cook rice a day ahead and reheat with a splash of water.
- Grated ginger can be portioned and frozen in zip‑top bags for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Butter Chicken in Indian cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Butter Chicken in North Indian cuisine?
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.
How is Butter Chicken traditionally served in Indian households?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is Butter Chicken traditionally associated with in Indian culture?
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.
How does Butter Chicken fit into the broader Indian cuisine tradition?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Butter Chicken versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other Indian dishes pair well with Butter Chicken?
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.
How has Butter Chicken evolved over time in Indian cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot Butter Chicken?
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.
Why does this Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe use butter and cream instead of ghee?
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.
Can I make Instant Pot Butter Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Yummy Toddler Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel Yummy Toddler Food specializes in simple, nutritious, and kid‑friendly recipes that parents can prepare quickly for toddlers and young children.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Yummy Toddler Food?
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.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
