Instant Pot
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Traditional chicken tikka masala calls for marinating and grilling the chicken separately before it goes into the sauce, but the Instant Pot collapses all of that into one pot without sacrificing the warm, layered spice of the classic dish. It's ready in half an hour and tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
Why you'll love this recipe
- No marinating or separate grilling step required
- Rich, restaurant-style sauce in one pot
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Great make-ahead for meal prep
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Melt the butter and cook the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic, ginger and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric and cayenne and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken, crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Cancel the sauté function.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick-release the pressure.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste. Simmer on sauté for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice.
Tips for success
- Toasting the spices briefly in the fat before adding liquid deepens their flavor considerably.
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast in this longer-cooking sauce, but breast works if you prefer it.
- Adjust the cayenne up or down depending on how spicy you like it — the base recipe is mild-to-medium.
- This reheats beautifully, and the flavor often deepens further the next day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely; the garam masala, cumin and coriander still give plenty of warmth without heat.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Coconut milk or plain Greek yogurt (stirred in off the heat to avoid curdling) both work as substitutes.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs hold up better to pressure cooking; if using breast, reduce the pressure cook time to about 6 minutes.
What should I serve with chicken tikka masala?
Basmati rice and warm naan are the classic pairings for soaking up the sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 398 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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