Unlock Restaurant-Quality Keto Instant Pot Butter Chicken in Minutes!

Craving authentic Indian butter chicken but short on time? This Instant Pot keto butter chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It's super easy, keto-friendly, and loved by many. This recipe is not only delicious but also caters to various dietary needs, being keto, low-carb, and easily adaptable for dairy-free and paleo diets.

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe stands out for several reasons:

Speed and Convenience: Forget long hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time without compromising on flavor.
Authentic Taste: The recipe uses a blend of aromatic spices, including garam masala, to create a truly authentic Indian flavor profile.
Creamy and Rich: The combination of butter and cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
Keto-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs, this butter chicken recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Versatile: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and easily customize the spice level to your preference.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to create this flavorful dish:

Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces.
Aromatics: 5-6 cloves garlic (minced), 1-2 teaspoons minced ginger, 1 small onion (chopped).
Tomato Base: 1 14-ounce can of crushed or tomato sauce.
Spices: 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garam masala (homemade recommended), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, chili powder, ground black pepper.
Fats: 2-4 tablespoons butter or ghee (for dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter), 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk.
Liquid: A little chicken broth thins out the sauce.
Garnish: Fresh cilantro (chopped).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode.
Add butter or ghee to the pot.
Once melted and hot, add minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped onion.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the Instant Pot.
Stir in the spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Add a little chicken broth.
Stir everything well to combine.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.
Pressure cook on high pressure for 7-10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Open the Instant Pot lid.
Remove the chicken from the sauce using a slotted spoon and set aside.
If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth (optional, but recommended for a smoother texture).
Stir in the butter or ghee and heavy cream (or coconut milk).
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Turn off the sauté mode.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the chicken back to the sauce and stir to combine.
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto meal.

Tips for Success

Garam Masala is Key: Don't skip the garam masala! It's essential for the authentic flavor of butter chicken. If you can't find it at your local grocery store, consider making your own or ordering it online.
Adjust the Spice Level: Cayenne pepper allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after pressure cooking, simmer it on sauté mode until it reaches your desired consistency.
Prevent the Burn Warning: Ensure there is enough liquid in the pot.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and coconut oil or vegan butter for butter or ghee.
Don't Overcook: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking times for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Keto Butter Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Cauliflower Rice: A classic low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
Zucchini Noodles: Another great low-carb option.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes.
Keto Bread or Naan: For soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover keto butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a little extra cream or butter to revive the sauce's creamy texture.

Variations

Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu for the chicken.
Spicy Butter Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Combine all ingredients (except butter and cream) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in butter and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is Butter Chicken Keto-Friendly?

Traditional butter chicken can be high in carbs due to added sugars and the typical rice accompaniment. However, this Instant Pot version is naturally low in carbs, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet. By serving it with cauliflower rice or other low-carb sides, you can enjoy a satisfying and guilt-free meal.

Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala

While both are popular Indian dishes, there are some key differences:

Origin: Butter chicken originated in India, while chicken tikka masala is believed to be a British invention.
Flavor: Butter chicken is generally milder and creamier, with a buttery and slightly sweet flavor. Chicken tikka masala tends to be bolder and spicier.
Sauce: Butter chicken sauce is typically tomato-based and enriched with butter and cream. Chicken tikka masala sauce often includes yogurt and a wider range of spices.

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