Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe - Easy and Quick

Learn how to make delicious and creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken in just a few easy steps. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Learn how to make delicious and creamy Instant Pot Butter Chicken in just a few easy steps. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and is sure to become a family favorite!

Origin of Butter Chicken 

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the mid-20th century in Delhi, India. The dish was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of the Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

According to legend, Kundan Lal Gujral created the dish by mixing leftover tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. He added butter and cream to the sauce, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. The dish became an instant hit with his customers and soon spread in popularity across India and around the world.

Today, Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes in the world and can be found in Indian restaurants and homes around the globe. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is loved for its tender chicken, rich sauce, and fragrant spices.

How to Select Chicken for Butter Chicken

When selecting chicken for Butter Chicken, it is important to choose the right type of chicken to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and tender. Here are some tips on how to select chicken for Butter Chicken:

• Use boneless chicken: For Butter Chicken, it is best to use boneless chicken pieces like chicken breast or chicken thigh. This is because boneless chicken is easier to marinate and cook, and it will also absorb the flavors of the marinade and sauce better.
• Choose fresh chicken: It is important to choose fresh chicken for any dish to ensure that it is safe to eat and to prevent any unpleasant odors or flavors in the finished dish. Look for chicken that has a pink color and firm texture, and avoid any chicken that has a grayish or slimy appearance.
• Check the label: When buying chicken, check the label to ensure that it is free from antibiotics and hormones. You can also choose organic or free-range chicken for a healthier and more sustainable option.
• Trim excess fat: Before marinating the chicken, make sure to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces. This will help to reduce the amount of fat in the finished dish and prevent it from becoming too greasy.

By following these tips, you can select the right type of chicken for Butter Chicken and ensure that your dish is delicious and tender.

How to Clean Chicken

Cleaning chicken is an important step to ensure that it is safe to eat and to remove any bacteria or impurities from the chicken. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning chicken:

• Remove packaging: Take the chicken out of its packaging and discard it immediately. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the packaging.
• Rinse with cold water: Rinse the chicken thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt, blood, or other debris from the surface. Use a clean and sanitized sink or a large bowl to rinse the chicken.
• Pat dry with paper towels: Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. This will remove any excess moisture from the chicken and prevent it from splattering when you cook it.
• Trim excess fat: If the chicken has any excess fat or skin, trim it off with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This will reduce the amount of fat in the finished dish and make it healthier.
• Clean the cutting board and utensils: After handling the raw chicken, be sure to clean the cutting board and any utensils that come into contact with the chicken with hot soapy water. This will prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure that the chicken is safe to eat.

By following these steps, you can clean the chicken properly and ensure that it is safe to eat.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe

Here's a detailed step-by-step recipe for making Instant Pot Butter Chicken

The time and serves for Butter Chicken can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. Here is a general guideline:

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Cooking time: 6 minutes
• Serves: 4
• Total time: approximately 1 hour 16 minutes (including marinating time and natural pressure release)

This recipe typically serves 4-6 people and takes about 1 hour and 30-60 minutes to prepare and cook, including marinating time. However, the serving size and total time may vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. It is always recommended to check the recipe for specific instructions on preparation and serving sizes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Chopped fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Set your Instant Pot to "Saute" mode and heat the ghee or butter. Add the chopped onion and saute until it turns translucent about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are soft and mushy.
5. Add the marinated chicken and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode and set the timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.
7. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes, then carefully turn the pressure valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining pressure.
8. Open the Instant Pot lid and stir in the heavy cream. Switch to "Saute" mode and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Tips:

• For a spicier version of the dish, increase the amount of red chili powder.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the onion and tomato mixture before adding the chicken.
• You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers or peas to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. Simply add them after step 4 and cook for a few minutes before adding the chicken.

Nutritional Value of Butter Chicken

The nutritional value of Butter Chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, here is a general breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on a typical recipe serving size of 1 cup or 240 grams):

• Calories: 450-550
• Total fat: 25-35g
• Saturated fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 90-120mg
• Sodium: 400-700mg
• Total carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Dietary fiber: 1-2g
• Sugars: 4-6g
• Protein: 35-40g

Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that is typically high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the use of butter, cream, and spices. It is also a good source of protein. To make a healthier version, consider using less butter and cream, and adding more vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Additionally, serving it with whole-grain rice or bread can provide more dietary fiber.

Interesting Facts and Stories of Butter Chicken:

Butter Chicken is a dish with a fascinating history and several interesting facts and stories associated with it. Here are some expanded versions of the interesting facts and stories related to Butter Chicken:

The invention of Butter Chicken: Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi, is credited with the invention of Butter Chicken. According to legend, he was trying to find a way to use the leftover tandoori chicken in his restaurant. He decided to mix it with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, which he then flavored with aromatic spices, butter, and cream. The result was a mouth-watering dish that soon became a favorite with his customers. Today, Butter Chicken is considered one of the most iconic dishes of Indian cuisine.

The original name of Butter Chicken: In Hindi, Butter Chicken is known as Murgh Makhani, which literally means "buttery chicken". The dish was given this name because of its rich and creamy sauce that is made with butter and cream. The dish has since become so popular that it is now known as Butter Chicken in English-speaking countries as well.

Bollywood Masala: Butter Chicken gained widespread popularity in India and around the world after it was featured in the 1973 Bollywood film "Bobby". In the film, the characters played by Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia visit a restaurant where they are served Butter Chicken. The scene became an instant hit and helped to popularize the dish among the masses. Since then, Butter Chicken has become an integral part of the Indian culinary landscape.

The royal connection: Butter Chicken is said to be a favorite dish of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. The couple reportedly enjoyed the dish at an Indian restaurant in London during their courtship. The dish has also been served at several royal banquets and receptions, cementing its status as a dish fit for royalty.

Variations of Butter Chicken: Butter Chicken has inspired several variations and adaptations over the years. Some popular versions of the dish include Murgh Makhani, Chicken Makhani, and Murg Makhanwala. Vegetarian and vegan versions of the dish have also been created, using substitutes such as tofu and paneer instead of chicken. In recent years, Butter Chicken has even been used as a topping for pizzas and a filling for tacos, showcasing its versatility as a dish.