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Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This easy recipe folds tender marinated chicken into a rich, aromatic, creamy curry sauce made with garam masala, diced tomatoes, fresh ginger and more.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Keyword gluten-free, dairy optional
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Marinating time 2 hours
Servings 12
Calories 293kcal
Author Heather Dessinger

Ingredients

Chicken Tikka (Marinated Chicken)

Curry Sauce

Instructions

Marinating The Chicken

  • Add chicken tikka ingredients to a medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover with a moist towel and place in the fridge to marinate. I usually marinate mine for 2 hours, but 30 minutes to 24 hours will work. Tip: If you have time, measure out the spices you’ll need for the curry sauce and set them aside. I put all mine in the same container since they all go in together.

Making The Tikka Masala

  • When you’re ready to prepare your meal, turn on your Instant Pot, set it to sauté, and add in the avocado oil.
  • When the Instant Pot has warmed up, it’s time to start the curry sauce. Add the onions, ginger, garlic, garam masala, coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric and salt. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Turn off the sauté setting. Pour 3/4 cup of water into the pot (with the onion mixture) and use a wooden spoon or spatula to deglaze the bottom. In other words, scrape up any browned bits. If you don’t, there’s a good chance your Instant Pot will give you a “burn notice” error during pressure cooking.
  • After you’ve deglazed the pot, add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken including all of the yogurt marinade. Stir until everything is well combined.
  • Lock the lid in place and set the valve to the "sealing" position. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
  • After the cooking time has been reached, allow the pressure to naturally release. If you’re in a rush, you can use the quick release method, too. I use a long-handled spoon to move the release valve so that I’m able keep my hand far away from the steam. When the float valve drops, carefully unlock and remove the lid.
  • Set the Instant Pot to sauté and stir in cream. The sauté setting will help with the next step, which is thickening the sauce.
  • Make a slurry of 5 tablespoons arrowroot powder mixed in 4-5 tablespoons of water and pour the mixture into the pot. Stir well and then continue stirring frequently until it thickens - the process should take a couple of minutes. Serve with gluten-free flatbread or over basmati rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes

Time estimate does not include the time needed for the Instant Pot to pressurize and depressurize. 
Nutrition facts are estimates. Calculations included chicken breast and heavy cream. 
 
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Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 739mg | Potassium: 683mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 644IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg