Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy comfort of homemade instant pot chicken tikka masala warming your kitchen with aromatic spices. This beloved Indian dish has captured hearts worldwide, and now you can master this instant pot chicken tikka masala recipe right in your own home without spending hours at the stove. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or someone craving authentic Indian flavors, this pressure cooker method delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.

What makes this instant pot chicken tikka masala so special is how it transforms simple ingredients into a complex, deeply satisfying meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. The magic happens when tender chicken pieces swim in a velvety tomato-based sauce that's perfectly spiced and incredibly creamy, making this instant pot chicken tikka masala recipe your new go-to comfort food.

Background & Why This Instant Pot Version Changes Everything

Traditional chicken tikka masala requires multiple pans, hours of simmering, and careful attention to prevent burning - but this instant pot chicken tikka masala method revolutionizes the entire process. The pressure cooking technique allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together quickly while keeping the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. Unlike stovetop versions that can be unpredictable, this instant pot chicken tikka masala delivers consistent results every time you make it.

The beauty of using an Instant Pot for this classic dish lies in how the sealed environment intensifies flavors while dramatically reducing cooking time. Traditional recipes often call for marinating chicken overnight and slow-simmering sauces, but this instant pot chicken tikka masala achieves the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy this incredible instant pot chicken tikka masala with your family.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Instant Pot Version Changes Everything
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Related
• Savor More Instant Pot Magic
• Pairing
• Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream or coconut milk
• Plain Greek yogurt

Spice Blend

• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Ground coriander
• Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt

Additional Ingredients

• Ghee or vegetable oil
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Cooked basmati rice for serving

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the ghee or oil
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant
4. Add tomato paste and all the spices, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the flavors

Step 2: Build the Base

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom
2. Add the chicken pieces and bay leaves, stirring to coat everything evenly
3. Make sure all chicken is submerged in the liquid mixture
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

1. Select high pressure and set timer for 8 minutes for chicken thighs or 6 minutes for breasts
2. When cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes
3. Carefully perform quick pressure release for any remaining pressure
4. Remove bay leaves and stir in Greek yogurt and heavy cream until smooth

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature and Timing

The key to perfect instant pot chicken tikka masala lies in precise timing and temperature control. Chicken thighs work best because they stay tender and don't dry out during pressure cooking, while chicken breasts require slightly less time to prevent overcooking.

Essential timing guidelines:

• Chicken thighs: 8 minutes high pressure
• Chicken breasts: 6 minutes high pressure
• Always use natural release for 10 minutes minimum
• Stir in dairy products after cooking to prevent curdling

Spice Preparation

Blooming your spices in hot oil before adding liquids creates deeper, more complex flavors in your instant pot chicken tikka masala. This technique releases essential oils and prevents the raw, powdery taste that can occur when spices aren't properly activated.

Pro spice tips:

• Toast whole spices for 30 seconds before grinding
• Never skip the sautéing step for aromatics
• Adjust cayenne pepper based on heat preference
• Fresh ginger makes a noticeable difference over dried

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

Transform this instant pot chicken tikka masala to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. These substitutions maintain the authentic taste while accommodating different preferences and restrictions.

Dairy-free options:

• Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk
• Substitute Greek yogurt with cashew cream
• Use coconut yogurt for tangy flavor
• Coconut milk creates extra richness

Protein alternatives:

• Swap chicken for firm tofu or paneer
• Use chickpeas for vegetarian version
• Turkey or lamb work excellently
• Adjust cooking times for different proteins

Flavor Variations

Create exciting twists on traditional instant pot chicken tikka masala by incorporating different ingredients and flavor profiles while maintaining the core essence of this beloved dish.

Creative flavor additions:

• Add roasted red peppers for smokiness
• Include spinach for extra nutrition
• Try different curry powder blends
• Experiment with coconut curry variations

Equipment Recommendations

The right equipment makes preparing instant pot chicken tikka masala much easier and ensures consistent results every time you cook this delicious recipe.

• 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot - Perfect size for family meals
• Wooden spoon - Won't scratch the inner pot during sautéing
• Fine mesh strainer - For smooth sauce if desired
• Sharp chef's knife - Essential for efficient prep work
• Cutting board - Preferably one designated for raw meat
• Measuring cups and spoons - Accurate measurements matter
• Immersion blender - Optional for ultra-smooth sauce

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover instant pot chicken tikka masala in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this dish perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.

Storage best practices:

• Cool completely before refrigerating
• Store sauce and chicken together
• Use glass containers to prevent staining
• Label with date for easy tracking

Freezer Guidelines

This instant pot chicken tikka masala freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying.

Freezing tips:

• Freeze in portion-sized containers
• Leave space for expansion
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Reheat gently to prevent separation

FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Savor More Instant Pot Magic

This instant pot chicken tikka masala proves that incredible Indian flavors are achievable in your own kitchen without compromising on taste or authenticity. The creamy, spiced perfection of this dish makes it an instant family favorite that you'll find yourself craving again and again. Once you master this instant pot chicken tikka masala recipe, you'll wonder why you ever ordered takeout when homemade tastes this amazing.

Ready to expand your Instant Pot repertoire? Try our Chicken Tacos Instant Pot Recipe for a Mexican-inspired weeknight dinner, or explore the smoky flavors of our BBQ Pulled Chicken Instant Pot Recipe. Both recipes use similar time-saving techniques that make this instant pot chicken tikka masala so successful, proving that your pressure cooker is truly the key to effortless, flavorful meals that bring families together around the dinner table.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this instant pot chicken tikka masala recipe: