Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan (GF Option)

There’s something magical about a bowl of butter chicken — tender pieces of chicken simmered in a velvety spiced tomato sauce, paired with fluffy rice and warm naan. This Instant Pot version delivers all that deep flavor in a fraction of the time, making it a weeknight favorite.

Katie

Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan (GF option)

Creamy, spiced Instant Pot Butter Chicken served with fluffy rice and garlic naan — a cozy dinner idea with a gluten-free option.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 tbsp butter or ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooked rice and garlic naan for serving
• fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Instant Pot for pressure cooking
• wooden spoon for stirring
• knife for chopping ingredients
• cutting board
• measuring spoons and cups

Method

 

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter and cook onions until soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and cubed chicken. Lock the lid, set to Manual/High Pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure. Stir in cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it thicken for 2–3 minutes.
5. Serve hot over rice with warm garlic naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 27gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1150IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free naan or over rice/cauliflower rice and ensure all spices are certified GF.

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The base of this dish is a blend of onions, garlic, ginger, and warming spices like garam masala, cumin, and paprika. Sautéing these aromatics in the Instant Pot brings out their richness before adding tomato sauce, cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist), and marinated chicken pieces. In just minutes under pressure, the chicken becomes tender and infused with flavor.

Serve it with steamed brown rice for a wholesome base and warm garlic naan on the side for scooping up every drop of the buttery sauce. For a gluten-free option, swap in GF naan or simply enjoy with rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

This meal is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or impressing guests with minimal effort. It freezes well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Whether you’re new to Instant Pot cooking or looking for your next favorite recipe, this butter chicken will become a go-to comfort dish.