Instant Pot Chicken Tikka masala, is a delicious Indian chicken dish that is cooked in an electric pressure cooker. The chicken is marinated with aromatic spices and then simmered in rich tomato curry sauce. Serve this Indian chicken stew with buttery basmati rice and naan bread. Absolutely delicious!
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Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka masala is one of my favorite main dishes to order at any Indian restaurant. Even my daughter who is not a big fan of spicy food loves this chicken dish. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make chicken tikka masala in an Instant Pot.
This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka masala recipe may not be the most authentic way to cook tikka masala, but the results are still pretty amazing!
The Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala
Don't let the long ingredient list scare you away, it doesn't make it a complex process to make.
This combination of spices plays an important part to make the dish taste as good as you'd find at a local Indian restaurant.
You can find most of the ingredients listed below at any grocery store or Amazon.
How to Cook Chicken Tikka Masala in an Instant Pot:
Step 1. Marinate the chicken
First, you need to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
After that, marinate the chicken in the yogurt and spice mixture for at least an hour or up to overnight.
Step 2. Cook the sauce base
Heat oil and butter in an Instant Pot then cook onion and dried spices for 3-4 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
Step 3. Cook at high pressure
Add the remaining ingredients, including the chicken and marinade sauce into the pot. Cook on manual for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is completed, allow the pressure the cool down by itself, releasing steam slowly.
FAQ and Cooking Tips:
You can store the leftover in airtight container. Properly store, it can last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Thaw in refrigerator if frozen. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop for about 4-5 minutes or until heated through over medium heat
Yes, but you need to increase the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
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Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! I'd appreciate it.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, (cut into bite-sized chunks)
Marinade Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon ground Kashmiri pepper, (or use 1½ teaspoon ground paprika)
Other Ingredients:
- 1½ cups diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon garam masala
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, (add more according to your liking)
- 6 cardamon pods
- 14.5 oz (a can of) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, (add more according to your liking)
Instructions
- In a large ziplock or bowl, combine the cubed chicken with marinade sauce ingredients. Stir until well-coated and marinate in the fridge for at least an hour or up to overnight.
- Press the "sauté" setting. Heat oil and butter, cook onion for 3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, cardamom, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and tomato paste. Cook and keep stirring for 1 minute then press "Warm/Off". Don't forget to gently scrape up the burnt bits from the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and chicken (including the marinade sauce). Stir to combine. Select "Manual" and cook for "5 minutes" at high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is completed, let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the lid and add heavy cream. Stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with chili powder, salt, and black pepper if needed.
Jenn says
I love chicken tikka masala but have never made it before. I'm looking forward to try this recipe out in my IP!
Chichi says
This recipe is a winner and a Keeper! Tastes so good. Love how vibrant the colors are.
Rika says
I am glad that you liked it, Chichi!
Kathryn says
So perfect for any weeknight dinner -- easy, delicious, and healthy! Thank you!
Rika says
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Kathryn.
Beth says
Wow! This looks amazing and making my mouth water! My hubby and I are going to love this recipe! Excited to give this a try!
Gail Montero Raines says
Hubby loves curry dishes so he'd love me to make this for him very soon! Love the flavors for sure!