Experience the rich flavors of Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala with this easy, step-by-step recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken thighs with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Enjoy a delicious meal in just 40 minutes that pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan. Don’t wait any longer—click through to discover how to make this flavorful dish and elevate your dinner game!
1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (or a non-dairy alternative)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
![- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice tolerance) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices - 1 cup coconut milk - 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (or a non-dairy alternative) - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) The main star of this dish is the boneless chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy in the Instant Pot. You will also need some aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger. These three add depth to the flavor. The spices are the heartbeat of this recipe. Garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder give it that rich taste. - 1 cup coconut milk - 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (or a non-dairy alternative) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Basmati rice or naan (for serving) Coconut milk makes the dish creamy and rich. If you want a tangy twist, add yogurt. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness when you serve. Don't forget some fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. They soak up the tasty sauce. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To make your Chicken Tikka Masala, start by sautéing the aromatics. Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated ginger. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Now, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Mix these spices for about 30 seconds to bring out their flavors. Now, incorporate 1.5 pounds of bite-sized chicken thighs. Stir well to coat each piece with that tasty spice mix. Now it’s time to add the tomatoes and coconut milk. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of coconut milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste your mixture. If you want, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your flavor. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Make sure the steam release valve is set to 'sealing.' Select the 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Once that time is up, carefully switch the valve to 'venting' to release any remaining pressure. Now, gently stir in 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt until it blends well with the sauce. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this savory dish! To get the best taste, you must sauté your spices. This process wakes up the flavors. Start by heating oil and adding the spices. Let them cook for a bit. This step is key to a rich, deep flavor. Balancing spice levels is also vital. If you like heat, add more chili powder. If you prefer mild, use less. Tasting as you go helps you find the right level for you. For tender chicken, use boneless thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. When adding yogurt, do it at the end. This keeps the sauce creamy. Stir it in gently to avoid curdling. This step gives the dish a nice, velvety texture. To make your meal pop, serve it in vibrant bowls. Fresh cilantro on top adds color. You can also drizzle a bit of yogurt for a creamy touch. Pair your Chicken Tikka Masala with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. These sides soak up the sauce perfectly. You can even add a simple salad on the side for a fresh crunch. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe] section. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. If you prefer a meat-free meal, try paneer. Paneer adds a nice creaminess and absorbs the spices well. For a plant-based option, use chickpeas or lentils. These choices provide great texture and flavor. Feel free to play with the spices. Add cumin seeds for a crunch or cardamom for warmth. You can also toss in extra ingredients like bell peppers or peas. These add color and nutrition. Add spinach for a healthy boost too. Mixing flavors keeps the dish exciting. If you need dairy-free options, use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. For low-carb modifications, skip the coconut milk and use broth instead. This will lighten the dish and cut the carbs. You can adjust the recipe to fit your needs while keeping it delicious. To keep your Chicken Tikka Masala fresh, use good storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Let the dish cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. - For freezing Chicken Tikka Masala, use airtight containers. - Divide it into single-serving portions. This way, you can thaw only what you need. - Label the containers with the date. It helps you track how long it has been frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are some great ways to reheat them. The best methods include using the microwave or stovetop. - For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. - On the stovetop, place the Tikka Masala in a pan over low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. To keep the dish flavorful, add a splash of coconut milk or yogurt while reheating. This helps revive the creaminess. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and enjoy your tasty meal again! How long does it take to cook Chicken Tikka Masala in the Instant Pot? It takes about 10 minutes to cook Chicken Tikka Masala in the Instant Pot. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for another 10 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak in all the delicious flavors. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to cut the chicken into smaller pieces after it cooks. This way, the spices will stick better to the chicken. What can I substitute for coconut milk? If you don't have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or plain yogurt. These options will keep the dish rich and creamy. If you want a lighter choice, try using low-fat milk. Just remember that each option may change the taste slightly. How spicy is this Chicken Tikka Masala? The spice level can vary. I usually use 1 teaspoon of chili powder. If you like it mild, start with less. If you love heat, feel free to add more! You can always taste as you cook to find your perfect balance. What are the best sides to serve with Chicken Tikka Masala? The best sides are fluffy basmati rice and warm naan. Rice soaks up the tasty sauce, while naan is great for dipping. You might also serve a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a nice balance. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make Chicken Tikka Masala a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, heat it up on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even better! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is a tasty dish made with simple steps. We explored key and optional ingredients, like chicken, spices, and coconut milk. I shared tips to enhance flavor and texture. You can use different proteins or modify ingredients to fit your diet. Proper storage and reheating help keep leftovers fresh. Enjoying this dish is easy with the ideas shared. Now, try making it yourself and delight in the rich flavors of Tikka Masala. It's a delicious journey worth taking!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/a810c2f2-a600-41fd-b4a8-8a7480df26cd-250x250.webp)