Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to make in your Instant Pot, chicken tikka masala is a great option. This classic Indian dish is full of flavor and can be made in just a few simple steps.

To make chicken tikka masala in your Instant Pot, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and spices. There are many different variations of this recipe, so you can customize it to your liking. Some recipes call for yogurt or cream to add richness, while others use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, making chicken tikka masala in your Instant Pot is a great way to create a delicious meal with minimal effort. With so many different recipes available online, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste preferences. So why not give it a try and see how easy it can be to make this classic Indian dish at home?

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make a delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used for this recipe. You can also use tofu or paneer for a vegetarian option.
• Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is used to marinate the chicken. You can use regular yogurt or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
• Spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder are the main spices used in this recipe. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking for more or less heat.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce are used to make the sauce. You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned if you prefer.
• Onion: One large onion is used to add flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are used to add depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Oil: Any neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil can be used.

Possible substitutes for some of the ingredients include using coconut milk instead of yogurt for a dairy-free option. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more tender and juicy result. If you don’t have garam masala, you can use curry powder instead. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to the sauce before cooking.

Overall, these ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is simple to make. With these ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful and comforting Chicken Tikka Masala in no time.

Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and prepared the chicken tikka marinade, it’s time to start cooking your Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala. Follow these simple instructions to make a delicious and flavorful dish that your family and friends will love.

1. 
   

   First, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to Sauté mode. Add some oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute or two.

   
   
2. 
   

   Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and lightly brown them on each side for about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.

   
   
3. 
   

   After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and cut it into pieces about 2-3 inches in size. Set the chicken aside for now.

   
   
4. 
   

   Next, add some more oil to the Instant Pot and sauté some onions, garlic, and ginger until they are fragrant and softened.

   
   
5. 
   

   Once the onions are soft, add some spices like turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and chili powder to the pot and stir well.

   
   
6. 
   

   Add some fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot and stir everything together.

   
   
7. 
   

   Finally, add the chicken back to the pot along with any remaining yogurt marinade and stir everything together until the chicken is coated in the sauce.

   
   
8. 
   

   Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer for 8 minutes.

   
   
9. 
   

   Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before doing a quick release of any remaining pressure.

   
   
10. 
    

    Open the lid of the Instant Pot and give the chicken tikka masala a good stir. Serve it hot with some rice or naan bread on the side.

    
    

That’s it! Your Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is now ready to be enjoyed.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cooking with an Instant Pot can be a game-changer, but it can also be a bit intimidating if you’re not used to pressure cooking. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala every time.

Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
• Sear the chicken before cooking it in the Instant Pot to get a nice crust and seal in the juices.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• If the sauce is too thin, use the sauté function to reduce it until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve the chicken tikka masala with basmati rice and naan bread for a complete meal.

Storing Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

• Store leftover chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken tikka masala in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
• You can also freeze the chicken tikka masala for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.