Are you ready to enjoy a warm and rich meal in under an hour? My Savory Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is perfect for busy days. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create an irresistible dish that bursts with flavor. I promise, you won’t want to miss this quick and easy recipe! Let’s dive into the world of spices and see how you can impress your family tonight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons garam masala
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
Spices and Seasonings
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon turmeric
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion
– 4 cloves garlic
– Fresh ginger
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great Chicken Tikka Masala. You will want to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook well and stay juicy. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and helps with marination. Garam masala is the star spice here, bringing warmth and depth. Crushed tomatoes and coconut milk create a rich sauce.
For spices, ground cumin adds earthiness while turmeric gives color. Paprika adds a subtle heat. Don’t forget salt and black pepper; they enhance all the flavors.
You’ll also need vegetable oil for sautéing. Onions, garlic, and fresh ginger add aromatic notes. Finally, cilantro brightens the dish when you garnish it.
For the full recipe, check out the linked section. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
– Start with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
– In a large bowl, mix the chicken with 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
– Add 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of turmeric, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
– Make sure each piece is coated well.
– Let this sit for at least 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor.
Sautéing Aromatics
– Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
– Once it heats up, pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
– Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Stir until it’s soft.
– Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Cook for another minute. You’ll notice a nice aroma.
Cooking the Chicken Tikka Masala
– Now, carefully add the marinated chicken with all the marinade into the pot.
– Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of coconut milk. Stir the mixture well.
– Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent is sealed.
– Set to Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes.
– After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
– When you open the lid, stir the Chicken Tikka Masala to blend the flavors.
– Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a thicker sauce, switch back to Sauté mode for 5-10 minutes.
– Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
For the complete instructions, check the full recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Marination Techniques
– For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
– You can let it sit at room temperature or refrigerate it overnight.
– Refrigeration yields stronger flavors over time.
Instant Pot Settings
– Use the sauté feature to cook onions, garlic, and ginger first.
– Then switch to pressure cook mode for the chicken.
– I recommend letting the pressure release naturally for five minutes.
– After that, you can do a quick release for the rest.
Tasting and Adjusting
– Always taste your dish before serving.
– Adjust seasoning with salt or spices as needed.
– If the sauce is too thin, switch back to sauté mode.
– Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken it up.
Variations
Vegan Alternative
You can easily make a vegan version of Chicken Tikka Masala. First, substitute the chicken with tofu. Use firm tofu, press it to remove excess water, and cut it into cubes. This gives a nice texture that absorbs flavors well. Next, replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt. Coconut yogurt works great here, adding a creamy feel.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want to change the spice level? You can make it milder or spicier. To reduce heat, skip the black pepper and use less garam masala. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers. A great tip is to taste as you cook. This way, you can find the right balance for your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Tikka Masala pairs well with many sides. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a classic touch. You can also add a side of cucumber salad or pickled onions for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, try serving it with roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. These sides add color and flavor to your plate.
Storage Info
Refrigerating
To store leftovers, let the Chicken Tikka Masala cool first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. The expected shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Tikka Masala for later use. To do this, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top as it expands when frozen. For best results, consume it within 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the taste and texture nice.
Reheating Methods
For the best texture and flavor, reheat in a pot on low heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave; just cover your dish to keep moisture in. Avoid overcooking by heating in short bursts. Check and stir every minute until it’s warm. Enjoy your meal without losing its yummy taste!
FAQs
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish. It features marinated chicken pieces cooked in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. The dish has roots in Indian and British cuisine. It blends flavors from both cultures, making it unique and delicious.
How to make Chicken Tikka Masala in an Instant Pot?
To make Chicken Tikka Masala in an Instant Pot, follow these steps:
1. Marinate the chicken: Mix chicken with yogurt and spices. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in the Instant Pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft.
3. Add chicken: Stir in marinated chicken with the marinade.
4. Add sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and coconut milk. Mix well.
5. Pressure cook: Seal the lid and set to cook on high for 10 minutes.
6. Release pressure: Let it release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
7. Adjust consistency: If needed, simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Serve hot: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy with rice or naan.
These steps ensure a tasty and quick meal. You can find the full recipe for more details on measurements and cooking times.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken thighs are juicier and more tender. They also hold up better in the cooking process. Breast meat can dry out faster, so be cautious with cooking time. If you choose to use breasts, consider reducing the cooking time slightly.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Tikka Masala?
It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook Chicken Tikka Masala. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– Preparation time: 30 minutes for marinating.
– Cooking time: 10 minutes in the Instant Pot.
– Pressure release time: About 5 minutes.
What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala pairs well with several sides:
– Basmati rice: Fluffy rice complements the rich sauce.
– Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
– Raita: A cooling yogurt dip balances the spices.
– Vegetable curry: Adds variety and flavor to your meal.
These sides enhance your dining experience and make it more authentic.
In this blog post, we covered how to make Chicken Tikka Masala step-by-step. From marinating the chicken to using an Instant Pot, each step helps you create a delicious dish. We also explored variations, storage tips, and FAQs to guide you.
Now, it’s your turn to try this recipe. Enjoy the rich flavors and make it your own. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so don’t hesitate to experiment! Your taste buds will thank you.
