Instant Pot Chicken Curry

This authentic Indian Instant Pot chicken curry is a delicious family recipe. Made with bone-in chicken, it cooks up tender and has lots of flavor. Flavorful and creamy, it's sure to please any Indian Curry lover.

Instant Pot Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Chicken Curry

This authentic Indian Instant Pot chicken curry is a delicious family recipe. Made with bone-in chicken, it cooks up tender and has lots of flavor. Flavorful and creamy, it's sure to please any Indian Curry lover.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Served Person: 6

Step-by-step

  • In 'Sauté' mode, melt butter. Add cinnamon, cumin seeds and bay leaf and stir till fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  • Add onions, garlic and ginger, and sauté till golden brown, about 7 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste mixed with 2 tablespoons water and stir.
  • Sauté until tomato paste is cooked, about 3 minutes. If it sticks to the bottom, add another tablespoon or two of water.
  • Turn off Instant Pot, otherwise spices can burn when you add them. Add coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, salt and stir till fragrant.
  • In 'Sauté' mode, add chicken pieces and stir to coat with spice mixture.
  • Add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth and cook in 'Poultry' mode for 15 minutes. (Make sure steam release handle is in Sealing position). When time is up, do a Quick Release.
  • Add cubed potatoes and garam masala to chicken and stir gently. Cook in 'Manual' mode for 6 minutes. (Make sure steam release handle is in Sealing position). When time is up, do a Quick Release.
  • To make cashew paste, blend 1/4 to 1/3 cup cashews with water to make a thick (like peanut butter) paste. - Substitute cashew paste with cashew butter or heavy cream or coconut cream. You can also thicken the curry by cooking down the liquid at the end, in 'Sauté' mode. If you prefer a thin curry, you can omit the thickener altogether
  • Add cashew paste, stir the chicken curry and heat through in 'Sauté' mode.
  • Turn off Instant Pot, sprinkle chicken curry with cilantro and serve with Instant Pot basmati rice, bread or naan.

My Go-To Instant Pot Indian Chicken Curry: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. But I've discovered a secret weapon that's changed my weeknight dinners forever: my Instant Pot. This incredible appliance has revolutionized my cooking, allowing me to whip up restaurant-quality meals in a fraction of the time. And my absolute favorite recipe? This Instant Pot Indian Chicken Curry.

This isn't just any curry; it's a flavor explosion that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. The rich, creamy sauce clings beautifully to the tender chicken, and the aromatic spices transport you straight to a bustling Indian marketplace. What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its versatility. I often adjust the spice level depending on my family's preferences – sometimes we go for a milder, more kid-friendly version, and other times we embrace the fiery heat. And the best part? It's virtually foolproof, even for a novice cook like myself.

The convenience factor alone makes this recipe a winner. On hectic weeknights, while juggling work calls and homework help, I can confidently start this curry knowing it will be ready in under 30 minutes. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing me to focus on other priorities. This means less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent with my family – priceless!

I've experimented with variations over time. Sometimes I swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, depending on what's on sale. I've also added other vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrients and vibrant color. Feel free to get creative! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it's a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this curry is incredibly budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are usually more affordable than breasts, and the pantry staples required are readily available and inexpensive. I often make a large batch, enough for leftovers throughout the week, saving me both time and money. This means fewer trips to the grocery store and less meal planning stress – a significant relief for any busy individual.

So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, I highly recommend giving this Instant Pot Indian Chicken Curry a try. It's a fantastic weeknight solution, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the power of simple, delicious home cooking. Trust me, it's going to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Beyond the Recipe: The Joy of Instant Pot Cooking

My Instant Pot isn't just a kitchen appliance; it's a lifesaver. It's become my secret weapon for managing a busy life, providing me with a quick and reliable way to prepare healthy and flavorful meals. It frees up my time so I can concentrate on other important aspects of my life, whether it's spending quality time with loved ones or tackling my to-do list.

The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its versatility. It's not just for curries; I use it to cook everything from rice and quinoa to soups and stews. I've even experimented with making yogurt and desserts in it! The possibilities are endless, making it an invaluable addition to any kitchen, regardless of your culinary skills.

More than just a tool, my Instant Pot represents convenience, efficiency, and the joy of creating delicious meals without the hassle. It's a symbol of my dedication to providing my family with wholesome food, even amidst the chaos of daily life. It allows me to maintain a healthy balance between work, family, and personal time. And for a busy mom like me, that's truly priceless.