Lactose Free Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Total time55 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time30 min

Tender chicken thighs simmer under a warm blend of garam masala, cumin, and turmeric until they're perfectly cooked through and infused with flavor. The sauce builds on sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger, deepened with coriander, sweet paprika, and a touch of cayenne before crushed tomatoes and broth turn it into a rich, silky base under pressure. A quick blend leaves everything velvety smooth, and the finishing touches bring it to that classic deep-orange color and glossy texture you want from a great butter chicken. Ladled over basmati rice or scooped up with naan, this one delivers all the cozy, restaurant-style comfort of the original dish. It's a reliable pick to add to your lactose free dinner lineup, especially on nights when you're craving something warmly spiced and satisfying.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp garam masala
McCormick Gourmet Garam Masala Blend - 1.7 Oz Simply Organic Garam Masala Spicely Organic Garam Masala, 1 each Frontier Co-Op Organic Garam Masala - 1 lb Laxmi Garam Masala - 200 Gm (7 Oz)
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½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground turmeric

For the sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 ½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp sugar

To finish

½ cup heavy cream
Chef's tip
Use unsweetened dairy-free heavy cream in cooked sauces, soups, and ganache. For whipped uses, choose a product labeled whippable.
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

For serving

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp turmeric until evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce base.
2
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (Normal). Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

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