Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

If you’ve ever craved the rich, creamy, deeply spiced flavors of restaurant-style tikka masala but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to. This Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala delivers everything you love about the classic dish — tender chicken, velvety tomato-cream sauce, and that signature warm spice blend — in a fraction of the time. The secret is a quick homemade masala paste made from scratch with fresh ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices that gives this dish its bold, authentic flavor. Whether you’re an Instant Pot devotee or just looking for an easy way to get a satisfying dinner on the table fast, this one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The full recipe can be found here. Let’s walk through how to make it:

First, make the masala paste by adding all ingredients to a food processor and pulsing until smooth. Set aside.

Add the chicken, yogurt, and 1 Tbsp masala paste to a bowl. Mix to combine and coat the chicken. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

Next, add oil to the Instant Pot and heat on the sauté setting. When hot, add the chicken and cook on both sides until it starts to brown but is not cooked through. Turn off the sauté setting.

Then, add a few Tbsp of water to deglaze the bottom of the pot and scrape off any bits stuck to the bottom. Add the tomato sauce, remaining Tbsp of masala paste, and salt, and stir to combine.

Next, close the lid and make sure the valve is in the sealed position. Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release until the pin drops.

Lastly, remove the lid and turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce slightly then turn off the Instant Pot. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, combine 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp water and stir into the sauce to thicken it.

Serve warm over a bed of rice and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

The recipe can be found here.

And there you have it — a bowl of cozy, restaurant-worthy Chicken Tikka Masala made right in your Instant Pot! The combination of the homemade masala paste, a quick pressure cook, and a splash of heavy cream at the end creates a sauce so good you’ll want to scoop up every last drop. Serve it over fluffy rice with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and dinner is officially done.

Happy Cooking!