What is a one put butter chicken?

One Pot Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food made easy. It’s a creamy, mildly spiced Indian curry where tender chicken thighs are simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce — all in one Instant Pot. That means minimal cleanup, max flavor, and dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.

This isn’t your typical takeout butter chicken. We’re using fresh tomatoes, real garlic and ginger, and juicy boneless chicken thighs for an authentic, homemade twist that tastes like it simmered all day — but didn’t.

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Its one of my favorite meals beaucase of the taste and ease!

There’s something about butter chicken that just hits the spot. And this version? It’s been my go-to dish on lazy days when I didn’t feel like cooking but still wanted something absolutely delicious.
I remember once coming home after a long shoot day, tired and starving. I dumped everything into the Instant Pot, kicked my feet up, and by the time I was back — magic.
This one-pot wonder has saved me countless Uber Eats orders, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it tastes better than takeout. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell like a cozy Indian restaurant.

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Key Flavor Components

Fresh ripe tomatoes: brings natural acidity and sweetness

Aromatic base: onion, garlic, ginger, green chili for depth

Spices: garam masala, cumin, paprika, Kashmiri chili for warmth

Cream + butter: the luxurious combo that gives butter chicken its name

Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek): the finishing touch that adds restaurant-style magic

Jump to Recipe

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Ingredients List (4 Servings)

Pressure Cook:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 black cardamom pods
• 3 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1.5 inch ginger, peeled
• 1 green chili (optional)
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• 1/2 cup water

Finish:

1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed

2 tbsp butter

Extra salt to adjust to your liking

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)

Step-by-Step Method for One Pot Butter Chicken

Start by turning your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 2 tbsp of butter or oil and add the whole spices then toss in your chopped onions. Cook them until they’re soft and just a little golden — about 3 minutes.
Next, add your garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook until your kitchen smells like heaven (about a minute).

Now throw in the tomatoes, all the spices excluding the garam masala which we add when finishing the curry, salt, and your chicken pieces. Pour in ½ cup water and give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling.

Cancel Sauté, lock the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 8 minutes. After cooking, let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.

Open the lid, break up the chicken with a spatula, turn Sauté back on (low), stir in cream, butter, fenugreek, garam masala, and sugar. Give it a taste and adjust salt to your liking. Simmer until creamy and rich.

Optionally for a smooth sauce (remove the chicken temporarily and remove the bay leaf and black cardamom and blend the sauce using an immersion blender until it’s silky smooth)

Serve with garlic naan, basmati rice, a side of pickled onions at you have the perfect meal!

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FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving under pressure. If using breast, cut into larger chunks to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have fenugreek leaves?
You can skip it, but it’s the secret to that restaurant-style flavor. If possible, get some — it lasts forever in your pantry.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use plant-based butter. Still rich and delicious!

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 37g
• Carbs: 13g
• Servings: 4

Link to watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/amateurprochef/

To check out my other recipes, click here!