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Homemade Instant-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala photo

Instant-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

This Instant-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavor-packed delight! A creamy, spiced sauce envelops tender chicken for a quick and easy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size chunks
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves minced
  • 4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce no added salt variety
  • 14 ounces light coconut milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt for finishing
  • cooked brown rice for serving
  • naan bread optional
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving dishes

Method
 

  1. Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add the butter. Let it melt, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Next, add the garam masala, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir the spices into the onion mixture, allowing them to toast for about a minute. This step enhances their flavors and aromas.
  3. Add the bite-size chicken pieces to the pot, stirring until the chicken is well coated with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.
  4. Next, add the tomato sauce and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This will prevent the burn notice when cooking under pressure.
  5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  6. Carefully remove the lid and stir in the frozen peas and Greek yogurt. Mix until everything is well combined and the yogurt has melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  7. Serve your Instant-Pot Chicken Tikka Masala over cooked brown rice and, if desired, with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a touch of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Always use fresh spices when possible to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Give your chicken a quick toss in the spices before adding it to the pot for even more flavor.
  • Adjust the level of heat by playing with the cayenne and chili powder to suit your taste.
  • Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.