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Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Toast up fresh naan and dip it in creamy chicken tikka masala—made easy thanks to your Instant Pot.
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Craving Indian food, but don't have any Indian take out places near you? Don't worry, you can make your own version of chicken tikka masala—thanks to your handy Instant Pot—right at home! Letting the meat marinate in a yogurt sauce before cooking it will soften the chicken, which pairs well with the creamy tikka masala. Toast up naan to go with it, or for a low-carb version, simply serve this Instant Pot chicken tikka masala with cauliflower rice.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

For the marinade

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 cup plain yogurt (not Greek)

For the tikka masala

1 tsp olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 Tbsp. Tomato paste
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup chicken stock
1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream

Basmati rice, or cauliflower rice
Naan, if desired

How to Make It

  1. Dice the chicken thighs. Mix together the rest of the chicken marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the diced chicken thighs and marinate the chicken in the fridge for 4 hours.
  2. Turn on the Saute feature for the Instant Pot. Once heated, add the olive oil and cook the marinated chicken in the Instant Pot for 5 minutes.
  3. Add in the rest of the tikka masala ingredients except for the heavy cream, stir to combine. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and cook on high pressure (Manual or Pressure Cook) for 10 minutes. Release the pressure.
  4. Switch the Instant Pot back to the Saute feature and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
  5. Once heated through, serve the chicken tikka masala with basmati rice (or cauliflower rice) and toasted naan bread.

Easy, healthy, 350-calorie recipe ideas you can make at home.

2.8/5 (171 Reviews)
Kiersten Hickman
Kiersten Hickman is a freelance health and nutrition journalist. Read more about Kiersten