# Instant Pot Butter Chicken: A Delectable Treat
Instant Pot butter chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort and taste, making it an ideal option for a warm dinner. This rich and flavorful Indian favorite pairs expertly with rice and naan, offering the chance to savor the tasty tomato-based, buttery sauce.
## A Personal Touch
Butter chicken, known as murgh makhani, holds a cherished spot in many hearts, mine included. It was one of the first meals my partner Mike and I prepared together after moving in. At that time, I wasn’t a skilled cook, but our shared passion for Indian food inspired us to buy a jar of butter chicken sauce, cook some chicken, and enjoy a lovely evening in. Fast forward to now, and my culinary skills have improved significantly. Although I still enjoy crafting intricate dishes like 24-hour dal and homemade naan, there are occasions when I long for something swift, simple, and tasty—hence the Instant Pot butter chicken.
## Steps to Prepare Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Creating butter chicken in an Instant Pot is easy and quick. Here’s a detailed procedure:
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In the Instant Pot, mix a can of diced tomatoes, minced garlic, ginger, and spices. Stir thoroughly, then place whole chicken pieces into the mixture.
2. **Pressure Cook**: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully taking out the chicken.
3. **Blend the Sauce**: Employ an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender, blend, and wait 3-5 minutes for it to cool slightly.
4. **Introduce Creaminess**: Mix in butter, heavy cream, and a bit more garam masala. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. **Simmer**: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and put it back in the sauce. Set the pot to sauté on low to warm the chicken and let the sauce simmer.
6. **Serve**: Top with freshly chopped cilantro and enjoy!
## Essential Ingredients
To make the finest Instant Pot butter chicken, gather the following ingredients:
– **Diced Tomatoes**: Forms the foundation of the sauce. Use a canned version for the right texture.
– **Garlic and Ginger**: Freshly minced for optimal flavor.
– **Spices**: Turmeric, cayenne pepper, ground paprika, and cumin infuse depth into the dish.
– **Garam Masala**: A spice blend that imparts butter chicken its iconic flavor.
– **Chicken**: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness.
– **Butter and Heavy Cream**: Crucial for creating that creamy, luxurious texture.
## What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a mild and creamy chicken curry that originated in India. It was created by the Moti Mahal restaurant group and has become a beloved dish around the globe. The mixture of tomatoes, spices, butter, and cream forms a distinctive flavor profile that is both comforting and fulfilling.
## Recipe Authenticity
This recipe takes inspiration from traditional butter chicken methods, especially Urvashi Pitre’s version, which has been refined over years. While it might not follow the most conventional route, using an Instant Pot allows for a quick and delightful meal that still respects the spirit of this classic dish.
## Why is Butter Chicken So Delicious?
The appeal of butter chicken lies in its seamless blend of flavors. The sauce’s creaminess balances the tomatoes’ acidity, while the spices contribute warmth and complexity. This combination results in a comforting dish that attracts a diverse range of taste preferences.
## Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala
While butter chicken and chicken tikka masala have commonalities, they differ in taste and consistency. Butter chicken is creamy and milder, while chicken tikka masala has a stronger tomato flavor and less dairy. Both are tasty in their own right!
## Helpful Tips
– **No Additional Water Needed**: The chicken will emit moisture, so there’s no necessity to add extra liquid to the pot.
– **Cool the Sauce**: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before incorporating butter and cream to avoid curdling.
– **Finish with Garam Masala**: Adding garam masala at the end boosts the freshness of the spices.
– **Prevent Burn Warnings**: If you receive a burn warning, it may be due to insufficient liquid. Adding a splash of chicken stock can help.
## Suggested Pairings for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is best savored with basmati rice or naan, which are ideal for absorbing the flavorful sauce. You might also consider serving it alongside cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
### Conclusion