Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India! If you're craving a rich and creamy dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Instant Pot Tikka Masala. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. With tender chicken simmered in a delightful blend of spices and coconut milk, this dish is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. Ready to elevate your weeknight meals? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and finely chopping onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of oil. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the pot, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle tikka masala spice blend over the onion mixture and stir to coat evenly, releasing the spices' aromatics.
- Add cubed chicken to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to ensure even coating with spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open lid, stir sauce, and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving over basmati rice.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and cube the chicken in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything into the Instant Pot when you’re ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Cooking the onions, garlic, and ginger first enhances the flavors and creates a fragrant base for your tikka masala.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less tikka masala spice blend and adjust according to your taste. You can always add more but can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes helps the chicken stay tender and juicy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Serve with Style: For an authentic touch, serve your tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. A side of naan bread is also a great addition to soak up the delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 93mg
