This Pressure Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish inspired by the classic Indian restaurant favorite — but made fast and effortless thanks to your pressure cooker. Tender chicken simmers in a spiced tomato sauce enhanced with butter, cream, and aromatic spices that come together beautifully under pressure. Whether you're new to Indian-style cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers reliable, delicious results that taste like takeout in a fraction of the time. With minimal prep and a quick cook cycle, this dish is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving warm, comforting flavors.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Additional Time: 5 mins (natural release)
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings of butter chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1–2 teaspoons chili powder, to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
- ½ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
For Finishing
- ½ to 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, to balance the tomatoes)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Turn your pressure cooker to Sauté mode. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Tip: Don’t skip sautéing — this step builds foundational flavor.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom in the fat.
Warning: Keep the spices moving so they don’t burn — burnt spices taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Sauce Base
Add chicken pieces and stir to coat. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the tomato paste, salt, and water or broth. Stir well to combine and ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot (this prevents burn warnings).
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the cooker to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cycle is complete, allow a 5-minute natural release, then switch to a quick release.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Switch back to Sauté mode. Stir in heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee. Add sugar or honey if you'd like to balance the acidity. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick, creamy, and silky smooth.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your butter chicken over warm basmati rice or with fresh naan. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Best Practice: Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving — it deepens the flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
(Nutrition values will vary based on ingredients used, especially dairy vs. coconut milk.)
Pro-Tip:
If you don’t already own a pressure cooker — or if yours is due for an upgrade — this recipe is the perfect reason to invest in one. A quality pressure cooker delivers consistently tender chicken, deeper spice infusion, and that rich, silky sauce in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. It’s one of the most reliable tools for busy home cooks who still want big, bold flavor without the all-day effort. For the best results with recipes like this Pressure Cooker Butter Chicken, consider upgrading to a modern model with better heat control and safety features. Ready to level up your kitchen? Click the button below to explore top-rated pressure cookers on Amazon.
Conclusion
This Pressure Cooker Butter Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum payoff. Thanks to the pressure cooker, you get tender chicken, bold spices, and a luxuriously creamy sauce in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy nights, entertaining, or simply treating yourself to a comforting, flavorful dinner. Pair it with rice, naan, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal your family will love. Enjoy every creamy, satisfying bite — and don’t be surprised if this becomes a regular favorite on your weekly menu!
