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Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice Made Easy

Experience the rich flavors of Instant Pot Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice, a quick and easy dish perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Instant Pot
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Oven
  • saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 1 cup plain yogurt substitute with lactose-free yogurt for dairy-free
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger avoid using powdered ginger for best flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic use fresh garlic
  • 1 tsp cumin powder no direct substitute
  • 1 tsp paprika consider using smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garam masala blend your own for personalization
  • 2 tbsp lime juice lemon juice can work
  • 1 tsp kosher salt taste and adjust as preferred

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs tofu makes a great vegetarian option
  • 4 tbsp salted butter replace with coconut oil for dairy-free

For the Sauce

  • 1 can diced tomatoes choose low-sodium options
  • 1 cup heavy cream replace with coconut cream for dairy-free

For the Rice and Cauliflower

  • 1 cup basmati rice rinse well before cooking; jasmine is suitable substitute
  • 2 pods cardamom infuse aromatic depth
  • 4 cloves cloves pre-ground spices can work
  • 2 cups chicken broth consider vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 head cauliflower broccoli can also work
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil olive oil is a good substitute
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for cauliflower) needed for seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (for cauliflower) lemon juice can be used

Instructions
 

Marinating and Cooking

  • In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, garam masala, lime juice, and kosher salt. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, mixing them into the marinade. Let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Turn on your Instant Pot and melt half of the salted butter using the sauté function. Add the finely chopped Vidalia onion and cook until it’s nicely browned—about 5 minutes. Mix in the grated garlic and ginger, followed by the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and marinated chicken. Seal the pot and set to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then manually release the pressure.
  • Open the pot gently and switch back to sauté mode. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 8 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Preparing Rice and Roasting Cauliflower

  • Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with chicken broth, cardamom pods, and cloves. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and toss them with avocado oil, lime juice, and kosher salt. Spread the florets out on a baking dish and roast for about 45 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and tender.

Notes

Marinate overnight for the best flavor and use fresh ingredients for maximum potency.
Keyword Butter Chicken, Cauliflower Rice, Easy Recipe, Instant Pot Butter Chicken, quick dinner