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Easy Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala photo

Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

A pressure-cooker method for chicken tikka masala: yogurt-marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-butter sauce, finished with cream and cilantro.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • about 1.25 to 1.50 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 ouncesplain Greek yogurt I use 0% fat
  • 2 to 3 clovesgarlic minced or finely pressed
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 2 tablespoonslemon juice
  • 2 teaspoonsgaram masala
  • 2 teaspoonsground cumin
  • 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoonkosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoonground ginger
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • one small sweet Vidalia onion diced small
  • 1/4 cupunsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 clovesgarlic minced or finely pressed
  • one 15-ounce can tomato sauce or tomato puree
  • 2 teaspoonsgaram masala
  • 2 teaspoonsground coriander
  • 1 teaspooncumin
  • 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoonkosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoonground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoonkosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspooncayenne pepper optional an to taste
  • 1/2 cupcream or half-and-half use a dairy-free milk if desired
  • about 1/4 cup finely minced fresh cilantro divided for garnishing
  • naan basmati rice, etc. for serving, if desired

Instructions

Instructions

  • In a gallon-sized zip-top bag combine the chicken (about 1.25–1.50 lb) with 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt, 2–3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Seal the bag, squish to coat the chicken evenly, and refrigerate at least 1–2 hours (overnight is ideal).
  • When ready to cook, set your pressure cooker to the Sauté/Brown mode. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the diced small sweet Vidalia onion. Sauté, stirring intermittently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 4–5 cloves garlic (minced). Cook, stirring nearly constantly, until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade bag and discard the bag and leftover marinade. Add the chicken to the pressure cooker along with one 15-ounce can tomato sauce (or tomato puree). Add the remaining spices: 2 teaspoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).
  • Secure the lid, set the steam valve to sealed, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes. Note that the cooker may take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cook time starts.
  • When the 10-minute pressure cook time ends, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully move the steam valve to vent to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.
  • Set the cooker back to Sauté/Brown mode. Reserve some of the finely minced fresh cilantro for garnish and stir the remaining cilantro plus 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half into the sauce. Cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer on Sauté mode 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or cayenne if desired.
  • Portion the chicken and sauce into bowls (a slotted spoon can be used if you prefer less sauce). Evenly garnish with the reserved cilantro and serve with naan, basmati rice, or your choice of sides.
  • (Optional slow-cooker method) Instead of pressure cooking, after step 4 transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook about 4 hours on Low or about 2 hours on High, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Then continue from step 7.

Equipment

  • 1multi-cooker(you can use a multi-cooker OR a traditional Instant Pot OR a traditional slow cooker)
  • 1Instant Pot (or pressure cooker)
  • 17-quart slow cooker

Notes

Step 5 in the directions discusses using either pressure cookingorslow cooking.
This is a very saucy dish which we love. However, if you prefer less sauce, you can halve the amount of butter and/or cream and use 1.50 pounds of chicken.