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Creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Basmati Rice Meal

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A quick and easy creamy butter chicken made in the Instant Pot, paired with fluffy basmati rice. This comforting Indian classic delivers rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) heavy cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1.5 cups long-grain basmati rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Add chopped onion and cook 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional). Cook 30 seconds to toast spices.
  5. Add chicken thigh pieces and stir to coat with spices. Brown slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 tsp salt. Stir well, scraping bottom to prevent burning.
  7. Seal Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  8. While chicken cooks, place rinsed basmati rice in pot with 2 cups water or broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.
  9. Open Instant Pot, switch to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt, heat gently 2-3 minutes. Adjust salt or spice if needed.
  10. Garnish butter chicken with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot alongside basmati rice.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Rinse rice thoroughly to keep it fluffy. Toast spices briefly to avoid bitterness. Let Instant Pot release pressure naturally for tender chicken. Stir cream or yogurt in gently off heat to prevent curdling. Adjust spice levels to taste. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream with coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, instant pot, basmati rice, creamy chicken, Indian recipe, easy dinner, pressure cooker, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-instant-pot-butter-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-basmati-rice-meal/