Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

  |  
Mar 3, 2025
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Tender marinated chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic Indian spices. A quick and foolproof version of the classic dish made easy in the Instant Pot.

Nutrition

Calories: 420cal
Carbohydrate: 14g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 890mg

Difficulty Level: moderate

15 min Prep
25 min Cook
40 min Total
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5″ cubes)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1.5 tsp ground cumin (divided)
  • 1.5 tsp ground coriander (divided)
  • 1 tsp turmeric (divided)
  • 2 tsp garam masala (divided)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1.5 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and cayenne (if using). Add chicken and toss to coat. Let sit while you prep other ingredients (at least 10 minutes).
  2. Set Instant Pot to Sauté (Normal mode). Add oil. When hot, add onions and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add remaining 0.5 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp coriander, 0.5 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp garam masala. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes until darkened. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Scrape bottom thoroughly to prevent burning.
  4. Add marinated chicken with all juices. Stir gently. Close lid, set valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Let natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  5. Stir in heavy cream. For thicker sauce, set to Sauté and simmer 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. Garnish with cilantro. Tip: If sauce separates, whisk vigorously or blend briefly with immersion blender.