Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is one hundred percent made from scratch, super flavorful, tender chicken, delicious curry and always a family favorite!
This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is one hundred percent made from scratch, super flavorful, tender chicken, delicious curry and always a family favorite!
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 2 lb chicken (skinless and boneless i used both chicken breast and thighs)
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (i used greek)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 2 large onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 2 tsp coriander (ground)
- 2 tsp cumin (ground)
- 14 oz fire roasted tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or passata )
- 3 tbsp cilantro (fresh chopped for garnish)
- Carbohydrate 5.93853573170247 g
- Cholesterol 54.9377083625844 mg
- Fat 22.9588502137354 g
- Fiber 0.229716883949363 g
- Protein 3.74215465053079 g
- Saturated Fat 11.4865890297433 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (360g)
- Sodium 443.924097266119 mg
- Sugar 5.70881884775311 g
- Trans Fat 1.07054296382703 g
- Calories 240 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine all the chicken tikka ingredients together in a large bowl and mix thoroughly so that each piece of chicken is fully coated in the yogurt mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 48 hours.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting. Add the vegetable oil, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion softens.
- Add the fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce and stir. Add the chicken to the Instant Pot, including all the yogurt marinade and stir.
- Close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to the Poultry setting and set the timer to 5 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot cycle is complete, wait until the natural release cycle is complete, should take about 10 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release, if in a rush. Carefully unlock and remove the lid from the instant pot.
- Add the half and half, salt and butter and give it a good stir. The butter is added to smooth the sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve warm over cooked rice with naan or roti.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become completely obsessed with my Instant Pot. This incredible appliance has revolutionized my cooking, and this Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a perfect example of why. It's flavorful, comforting, and comes together in a fraction of the time of traditional methods. No more takeout, no more compromises – just a restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes!
I stumbled upon this recipe a few months ago, and it quickly became a family favorite. The creamy, rich sauce coats tender, perfectly spiced chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that everyone loves. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devour this dish, and even my husband, who’s a bit of a culinary snob, raves about it. What's even better is the ease of preparation. The Instant Pot handles the majority of the cooking, freeing me up to tend to other things. I can prep the ingredients while the kids are doing homework or while I'm catching up on emails. Then, I simply throw everything into the pot, set the timer, and walk away. It's that simple!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. I often adapt it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like peas or spinach for a more nutritious twist. Other times, I might swap out the half-and-half for coconut milk for a richer, more exotic flavor. The possibilities are endless! This recipe has become my go-to comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for someone who considers themselves a culinary novice. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy restaurant in India, and the taste...well, the taste is pure magic!
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this dish also ticks all the boxes for a healthy meal. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the abundance of spices adds anti-inflammatory benefits. I often serve it over brown rice or quinoa for an extra nutritional boost, transforming this dish into a complete and balanced meal. I’ve found that even my family’s friends who are serious foodies have fallen in love with the recipe and ask for the recipe. This recipe is more than just a dish, it is a journey and a way of connecting with people who share a love of food. I will be sharing more of my Instant Pot recipes in my future blog posts. It has given me more time for my kids and that is the biggest gift of all.
I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Instant Pot cooking for yourself. It's more than just a meal; it's a way to simplify your life and create delicious memories with your loved ones. And who knows, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner too!
