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Flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

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A quick and easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe that delivers authentic, creamy, and spicy flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Add chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat oil or ghee. Add chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in garam masala, coriander, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Optional: Transfer tomato mixture to a blender and pulse until smooth. Return sauce to Instant Pot.
  6. Add marinated chicken pieces to the pot, stirring gently to coat with sauce. Lock lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ high for 8 minutes.
  7. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release remaining steam manually.
  8. Open lid and stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thin, set to ‘Sauté’ and simmer until desired consistency.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or preferred sides.

Notes

Marinating the chicken is essential for tender, flavorful meat. Bloom spices in oil to unlock full aroma. Use natural pressure release to retain moisture. Blend tomato base for silky sauce. Adjust chili powder to control heat. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian, Curry, Easy Dinner, Pressure Cooker, Spicy, Creamy, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/flavorful-instant-pot-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/