# Instant Pot Butter Chicken: A Tasty and Saucy Treat
Instant Pot butter chicken is a cherished dish that brings together savory tastes and a creamy consistency, making it an ideal companion with rice and naan to soak up its delightful tomatoey buttery sauce. Known as murgh makhani in India, this dish has become a favorite in numerous households thanks to its rich flavor and straightforward preparation.
## A Personal Link
Butter chicken occupies a special spot in many people’s hearts, often tied to fond memories. For instance, it was a favorite for a couple who loved to cook together when they first settled in. Initially depending on store-bought sauces, they ultimately evolved to create the dish from scratch, demonstrating their developing cooking abilities and passion for Indian cuisine.
## The Charm of Instant Pot Butter Chicken
In today’s fast-paced world, the Instant Pot has transformed home cooking, enabling quick and flavorful meals with minimal effort. Instant Pot butter chicken is especially tempting for those occasions when you desire something comforting yet simple to make.
### How to Prepare Instant Pot Butter Chicken
#### Ingredients
– **Diced Tomatoes**: 14 oz can (undrained)
– **Garlic**: 6 cloves, minced
– **Ginger**: 1 tbsp, minced
– **Spices**:
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp salt
– **Chicken**: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– **Butter**: ½ cup, cubed (unsalted)
– **Heavy Cream**: ½ cup
– **Fresh Cilantro**: ½ cup, chopped (for garnish)
#### Instructions
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In the Instant Pot, mix the diced tomatoes, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, paprika, 1 tsp garam masala, cumin, and salt. Stir thoroughly and nestle the chicken pieces into the blend.
2. **Cook Under Pressure**: Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
3. **Puree Sauce**: Carefully take out the chicken and set it aside. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth, or transfer to a blender. Let it cool briefly before mixing in the butter, cream, and the remaining teaspoon of garam masala.
4. **Heat Through**: Dice the chicken into bite-sized chunks and return it to the sauce. Set the Instant Pot to sauté on low to warm the chicken and let the sauce simmer.
5. **Garnish and Enjoy**: Top with freshly chopped cilantro and savor!
## What If You Don’t Own an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still relish butter chicken by simmering the chicken uncovered in a pot for 25-30 minutes, adding water as needed to keep the liquid level consistent.
## The Essence of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a relatively contemporary dish, crafted by the Moti Mahal restaurant group in India. It features a mild, creamy sauce made from tomatoes, spices, butter, and cream, making it a comforting favorite for many.
## Recipe Authenticity
This recipe is grounded in traditional methods of preparing butter chicken, ensuring that it stays true to its Indian heritage while being approachable for home cooks.
## Flavor Characteristics
The mix of cream and tomatoes offers a lovely balance of umami and acidity, with the cream softening the spices’ heat. This makes butter chicken a comforting dish that appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes.
## Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala
Though both dishes share similarities, butter chicken is creamier and milder, while chicken tikka masala tends to be more tomato-centric and spicier. Each dish possesses its distinct allure and flavor profile.
## Helpful Tips
– **No Need for Extra Water**: The chicken will produce enough moisture, so refrain from adding excess water to avoid a watery sauce.
– **Cool the Sauce First**: Allow the sauce to cool a bit before incorporating the butter and cream for optimal texture.
– **Finish with Garam Masala**: Adding garam masala at the end enriches the flavor profile.
– **Prevent Burn Alerts**: Ensure you use a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes with all the liquid to avert burn warnings in the Instant Pot.
## Ideal Pairings for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken goes beautifully with basmati rice and naan, creating a complete and fulfilling meal.
### Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
– **Calories**: 419
– **Fat**: 31.7g (Saturated Fat: 18.1g)
– **Cholesterol**: 154mg