Keto Butter Chicken In An Instant Pot

Keto Butter Chicken is one of our favorite savory Indian dishes when we order out. Now we make this at home in an Instant Pot. This dish is often served with rice and naan soaking up the delicious rich sauce. Not only flavorful and family-friendly but equally appropriate for serving guests.

Of course, you can buy jars of creamy butter chicken sauce at the supermarket, but it is so easy to make and so much tastier using this homemade recipe.

Butter chicken in a white bowl made in an Instant Pot.

INSTANT POT BUTTER CHICKEN

I love my Instant Pot! Figuring out how to use it for butter chicken was a no-brainer for me. Cooking in the IP makes everything easier. I love that I can walk away and come back in 20 to 25 minutes later and find our food pretty much ready to eat.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is a form of curry or sauce. Curry means a blend of spices turned into a sauce. Butter Chicken is an Indian dish with tomato-based gravy, lots of butter or ghee, and spices. It is also called murgh makhani.

By no means is my recipe authentic, but I can guarantee that my version is DELICIOUS!

Butter chicken in a white bowl with rice.

INGREDIENTS FOR KETO BUTTER CHICKEN

You’ll need some common ingredients to make Instant Pot Butter Chicken, nothing fancy. Here’s your shopping list: Chicken (breast or thighs), Onion, Butter, Minced Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, and Heavy Whipping Cream.

For spices, you’ll need Paprika, Chili Powder, Curry, Cumin, Salt, and Cilantro.

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE KETO BUTTER CHICKEN

Chicken is our go-to meat. It’s inexpensive and always available. For this recipe you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Use what you have on hand, what is on sale at the grocery store or use both chicken breasts and thighs.

Although, I am the only person in our family that follows a low carb, keto diet, this recipe is perfect for everyone! Regular rice for the family and cauliflower rice for me.

I love to make a huge variety of dishes from all different cultures with chicken because we get so bored if we eat the same old thing over and over.

There is so much you can do with chicken! Instant Pot Butter Chicken is so delicious and easy. It’s the perfect week night meal.

Top view of keto butter chicken in a white serving bowl.

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT BUTTER CHICKEN

Start by setting your Instant Pot on sauté and melt the ghee or butter. Use this to sauté the onions. Add the garlic and wait a couple of minutes. Add the chicken, and brown it on the outside. This helps prevent the loss of moisture. Except for the heavy whipping cream, add the remaining ingredients and stir.

Cook on high pressure for ten minutes and then release the pressure. Stir in the heavy cream for several minutes to form a smooth sauce. So Easy!

Cream added to the Instant Pot to make butter chicken.

SERVING KETO BUTTER CHICKEN

When I make this chicken, we serve it over basmati or sticky rice. Garlic naan is also the perfect addition to our meal. For a low-carb meal serve it on cauliflower rice

If you are looking for more side dishes, roasted cauliflower would be tasty. You can also extend the theme by serving dal or cucumber salad.

One of my favorite things to serve with naan is hummus and that would also be a nice addition or starter to a meal starring butter chicken.

STORING LEFTOVERS

My keto butter chicken can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a couple of days. I like to separate it into individual servings, place butter chicken on the bottom of the container and rice on top. As it reheats in the microwave, the rice gets steamed and everything reheats perfectly.

You can freeze individual portions of butter chicken in a similar way, and take it to work to reheat. It will keep in the freezer for about three months.

Close view of chicken in butter sauce.

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES TO ENJOY

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe – quick and easy one pot meal.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl – make your own Chipotle bowls at home. This is a great lunch idea to prepare in advance.

Healthier Chicken Pot Pie Recipe – comfort food without pie crust. Creamy chicken and vegetables over homemade popovers.

Enchilada Skillet Recipe With Chicken – use leftover chicken or pick up a pre-coked chicken for this one pan skillet meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! You can use pre-cooked diced chicken for this recipe. You’ll be able to skip the step of searing the chicken but will keep the same length of time at high pressure so that the spices have a chance to fully flavor the sauce.

You say this is a keto recipe, but then suggest serving it with rice and naan. What gives?

Did you know you can purchase and make keto naan? I love naan and am happy there is a keto version! As mentioned in our section about how to serve butter chicken, you can use a cauliflower rice or any other rice substitute for your butter chicken dish. This dish is naturally filled with healthy fats and protein.

What kind of chicken can I use?

Boneless breast or thigh meat is best. Thigh meat retains moisture really well but has a different taste. When cooking in the Instant Pot, boneless is easy to prepare, which is why it is preferred.

Do I have to use regular butter?

Dairy-free butter in this recipe would be a moot point since butter and heavy cream are the star of the dish. However, you can try substituting dairy-free butter and coconut milk for an interesting variation. Your sauce may not be as thick.

What is the difference between ghee and butter?

Ghee is similar to clarified butter. In both cases solid butter is simmered to remove the water, but ghee is simmered until it reaches a browned butter consistency giving it a rich nutty flavor.

What can I use for garnish?

Fresh cilantro is a lovely addition both for color contrast and flavor.

Keto butter chicken made in an instant pot.
Butter chicken in a white bowl with rice.

Keto Butter Chicken In An Instant Pot

Instant Pot recipe with diced chicken in a rich butter sauce with cream, tomato sauce and spices common in Indian cooking.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Uncategorized
Keyword: chicken, dinner, instant pot, Pressure cooker
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 714kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

Ingredients

  • 2-3 chicken breast or thighs cut into 2” bites
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 4 ounces of butter unsalted or ghee
  • 5 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1 15oz can of tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons of curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  • Set the instant pot to sauté mode and melt the
    butter. Add the onion and sauté until onion is golden.
  • Toss in the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Add the chicken and brown the outside. Once chicken is browned, add the spices, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and cilantro. Sauté for 1 minute.
  • Seal the lid and pressure valve and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the instant pot naturally release pressure when done.
  • Remove the lid and stir in the cream for 4 minutes.
  • Enjoy best with basmati rice and fresh garlic naan. For a low carb meal top on cauliflower rice.

Notes

Add up to 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Start with 1 teaspoon then taste before adding more. 
Make homemade curry powder

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 714kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 254mg | Sodium: 886mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

Quick and easy butter chicken in an Instant Pot. Serve with cauliflower rice for a low carb keto meal. #keto #InstantPot #ChickenDinner #EasyRecipe
Hugs Sandra Signature

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