If you’re a fan of the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken, but don’t have hours to spend simmering it on the stove, then this article is for you. We’re going to show you how to make a mouthwatering butter chicken recipe in a pressure cooker. With this method, you’ll achieve the same delicious results in a fraction of the time. Get ready to indulge in tender chicken cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices. Whether you’re a pressure cooking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Butter Chicken in a Pressure Cooker recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken
Chicken is the star ingredient of this recipe. It is important to use fresh and tender chicken pieces for the best results.
Yogurt
Yogurt acts as a tenderizer for the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Make sure to use thick and creamy yogurt for the marinade.
Ginger-garlic paste
Ginger-garlic paste is a key ingredient that adds a fragrant and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can either use store-bought paste or prepare it at home by grinding fresh ginger and garlic.
Turmeric powder
Turmeric powder is used to add a beautiful yellow color to the butter chicken. It also has various health benefits and adds a mild earthy flavor.
Red chili powder
Red chili powder adds a spicy kick to the dish. Adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.
Garam masala
Garam masala is a blend of various spices and adds a warm and robust flavor to the butter chicken.
Butter
Butter is what gives this dish its rich and creamy texture. Make sure to use unsalted butter for the best results.
Onion
Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. They are sautéed until golden brown to add depth to the sauce.
Tomato
Tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the butter chicken. They are cooked until soft and later blended into a smooth paste.
Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts are added to the tomato-onion mixture to give the butter chicken a rich and creamy texture. They add a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
Cream
Cream is the key ingredient that adds a velvety smoothness to the butter chicken. It makes the sauce rich and indulgent.
Kasuri methi
Kasuri methi, also known as dried fenugreek leaves, adds a unique flavor and aroma to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce of the butter chicken.
Salt
Salt is used to enhance the flavors of the dish. Make sure to season the marinade and sauce with salt to taste.
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in preparing this mouthwatering butter chicken is marinating the chicken. Here’s how you can do it:
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Cut the chicken into pieces: Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken according to your preference.
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Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
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Coat the chicken with the marinade: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that each piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
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Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes: Cover the bowl with the marinated chicken and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it tender and juicy.
Preparing the Pressure Cooker
Now that the chicken is marinated, it’s time to prepare the pressure cooker for cooking the butter chicken. Follow these steps:
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Heat butter in the pressure cooker: Start by heating butter in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and become hot.
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Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown: Add the chopped onion to the hot butter and sauté until it turns golden brown. This caramelization adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Add tomato and cashew nuts: Once the onion is cooked, add the chopped tomato and cashew nuts to the pressure cooker. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the cashews turn slightly golden.
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Blend the mixture into a smooth paste: Once the tomato-onion mixture is cooked, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a smooth paste. This paste will form the base of the rich and creamy sauce for the butter chicken.
Cooking the Butter Chicken
Now that the pressure cooker is ready, it’s time to cook the marinated chicken in the flavorful sauce. Here’s how:
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Heat butter in the pressure cooker: Once again, heat butter in the pressure cooker over medium heat. This butter will add a rich and indulgent taste to the dish.
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Add the marinated chicken: Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot butter in the pressure cooker. Cook until the chicken changes color and becomes slightly browned.
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Add the blended tomato-onion paste: Pour the blended tomato-onion paste into the pressure cooker with the chicken. Mix well to ensure that the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
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Cook for a few minutes: Allow the chicken and sauce to cook together for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a deliciously rich and creamy sauce.
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Add water and salt: Add water to the pressure cooker to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Season with salt to taste. The amount of water and salt may vary depending on your preference, so adjust accordingly.
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Close the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles: Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook the butter chicken under pressure for 3-4 whistles, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The pressure cooking method helps to infuse the flavors of the spices into the chicken, resulting in a burst of deliciousness.
Finishing Touches
Now that the butter chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will take the dish to the next level. Follow these steps:
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Open the pressure cooker after the pressure subsides: Once the pressure in the cooker has subsided, carefully open the lid. Be cautious of the hot steam that may escape.
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Add cream and kasuri methi: Stir in the cream and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) into the butter chicken. These ingredients add a delightful creaminess and a unique flavor to the dish.
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Mix well and cook for a few minutes: Stir the butter chicken to ensure that the cream and kasuri methi are well incorporated. Cook for a few more minutes to bring all the flavors together.
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Garnish with fresh coriander leaves: Before serving, garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This adds a refreshing and aromatic touch to the dish.
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Serve hot with naan or rice: The homemade butter chicken is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with butter naan, rice, or any bread of your choice. The creamy and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the soft and tender chicken.
Variations
If you’re looking to explore different variations of the classic butter chicken recipe, here are a few ideas:
Vegetarian Butter Paneer
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The rest of the recipe remains the same, but instead of marinating and cooking chicken, you marinate and cook paneer cubes in the buttery tomato-onion sauce.
Butter Chicken Biryani
For a delightful fusion dish, you can use the butter chicken as a filling for a flavorful biryani. Layer the cooked butter chicken along with partially cooked rice in a biryani pot and cook it on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors infuse together.
Butter Chicken Pizza
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not turn the butter chicken into a delicious pizza topping? Spread the butter chicken sauce on a pizza base, top it with cooked chicken, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, and you have a unique and tasty butter chicken pizza.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your butter chicken even more delicious:
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder
If you prefer your butter chicken to have a spicy kick, feel free to increase the amount of red chili powder in the marinade and sauce. You can adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder.
For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter at the end
If you want to enhance the richness and indulgence of the butter chicken, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end of the cooking process. This will give the dish a velvety smoothness and a luxurious flavor.
You can use boneless or bone-in chicken for this recipe
Whether you prefer boneless chicken for convenience or bone-in chicken for added flavor, this butter chicken recipe can be made with both. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and tender.
If you don’t have kasuri methi, you can substitute with dried fenugreek leaves
If you don’t have kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) on hand, you can substitute it with regular dried fenugreek leaves. They add a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same amount as mentioned in the recipe.
Now that you have all the information, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and make this delicious butter chicken in a pressure cooker. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!