Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is quick, easy, nourishing, and so tasty! With anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, garlic, and ginger, this healthy Indian-inspired dish paleo, Whole30, THM, and keto-friendly comfort food! Serve over rice or cauli-rice!

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My sister-in-law nudged us for years…

“You have GOT to try it! You’d love it!” she’d say.

We’d smile and nod outwardly, while inwardly going, “Yeah, right. Not happening. Weird flavors aren’t us.”

Holy moly! We missed out on Tikka Masala for years. And I’m so sad about that!

Believe me, we’re making up for it now. I’ve been making Instant Pot Tikka Masala about once a month.

Then, I had an idea: what if I could shorten my cooking time and use fewer pots and pans by cooking Tikka Masala in the Instant Pot???

It worked! (And if you’ve never had Tikka Masala [a.k.a. Butter Chicken in some circles], you’re missing out!)

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala — UPDATE!

Since I originally published this recipe in April of 2016, it has quickly taken me by surprise and has become the #1 post on my site!

People are LOVING this Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala!!!

I highly recommend that you take the time to scroll through the (over 50!) comments and see for yourself that IP newbies, picky kids, and even people who think they don’t like ethnic food are a little obsessed with this super healthy and nourishing recipe!

So, if you’re getting bored with the same ‘ol roast, stew, and boiled eggs in your Instant Pot… 😉

If it’s time to step a bit outside your comfort zone…

Then, make this recipe! I just know you’re going to love it, too!

And if you’re looking for delicious Paleo or Whole 30 recipes, you can serve this Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala over my Smokey Turmeric Cauli-Rice or plain cauli-rice for a lovely Paleo, Whole30, or keto meal.

4.77 from 17 votes

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Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is quick, easy, nourishing, and so tasty! With anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, garlic, and ginger, this healthy Indian-inspired dish paleo, Whole30, THM, and keto-friendly comfort food! Serve over rice or cauli-rice!

CourseMain Dish

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 378 kcal

Author Rebecca Hansen

Ingredients

• 1tablespoonbutterghee for dairy-free or Whole30
• 2tablespoonscoconut oil
• 1large oniondiced
• 1tablespoongaram masala
• 2teaspoonssaltmore to taste if needed
• 1teaspooncumin
• 1teaspoonturmeric
• 1teaspoonground coriander
• 1teaspoonchili powder
• 1/2teaspoonground pepper
• 6-7clovesgarlicdiced
• 2" knob of gingerpeeled and diced
• 124 oz can organic crushed tomatoes
• 2-1/2poundsboneless, skinless chicken breastscut into 2" cubes
• 3tablespoonsyogurtcoconut milk yogurt for dairy-free
• 2tablespoonsalmond or cashew butter
• 1/2cupbone broth or water

Instructions

1. Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot and add the butter or ghee and coconut oil to melt.
2. Add the diced onion and saute 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Add the spices and stir, cooking about 1 minute, until fragrant. 

4. Then add garlic, ginger, crushed tomatoes, and 1/2 cup broth.

5. Place the cubed chicken breast into the Instant Pot, submerging it under the tomato-spice mixture.

6. Lock the lid, make sure the vent is sealed, and press the Manual button. Adjust the time to 10 minutes.

7. When the Instant Pot beeps, release the pressure immediately.

8. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken pieces from the sauce, place into a bowl, and set aside.

9. Stir in the almond or cashew butter and yogurt.

10. Using an immersion blender, blend the tomato sauce until smooth and thick.

11. Return the chicken to the blended sauce and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Amount Per Serving (6 servings)

Calories 378Calories from Fat 122

% Daily Value*

Fat 13.6g21%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Monounsaturated Fat 0.4g

Cholesterol 5mg2%

Sodium 1114mg48%

Potassium 98.5mg3%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 1.7g7%

Sugar 6.5g7%

Protein 47g94%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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More Paleo, Keto, Whole30-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes & Tips You’ll Love…

• Learn how to use your Instant Pot!
• How to Get Your Instant Pot Out of the Box & Start Using It TODAY!
• An Honest Review Of My Instant Pot
• Dairy-Free Instant Pot Queso
• Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Stew (potato-free, low-carb)
• Low-Carb Instant Pot Clam Chowder
• How To Make Any Blended Soup In The Instant Pot
• 35+ Best & Healthiest Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
• Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew
• 35+ Dairy-Free Keto Instant Pot Soup Recipes
• Keto Instant Pot Sesame Orange Chicken (includes cooking chicken from frozen!)

Do you love Tikka Masala and other Indian dishes? Have you ever made Tikka Masala in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Originally published April 4, 2016. Updated October 9, 2017 and May 2, 2018.