Homestyle Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Directions

• Sauté Base – Activate the ‘Sauté' function on your Instant Pot. Melt the butter and vegetable oil together. When hot, add your finely chopped onion first, cooking for about 2-3 minutes till they're translucent. Add in the garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes to release their fragrances.
• Integrate Tomato Paste – Add the tomato paste to the sautéed base. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. This process deepens the flavors, creating a rich, robust base for your butter chicken.
• Season and Cook Chicken – Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper for taste. Pour in one cup of water along with the spices: garam masala, sugar, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook' on high for about 5 minutes.
• Natural Release – After the cooking time, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for letting the flavors meld and ensuring the chicken remains tender.
• Add Cream and Serve – Open the lid and adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly and allow it to simmer on ‘Sauté' mode for about 2 minutes. Check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with prepared rice and naan.