Paleo Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Total time55 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time30 min

Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, then simmered in a deeply spiced tomato sauce built on softened onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting here, pressure-cooking everything together so the chicken turns out fork-tender while the sauce develops that signature warmth from coriander, paprika, and a hit of cayenne. Once blended smooth, the sauce turns glossy and richly colored, coating every piece of chicken in bold, restaurant-style flavor without much hands-on effort. A scatter of fresh cilantro at the end brightens the whole dish and makes it feel finished. This one's a genuinely satisfying weeknight option for a Paleo table, delivering all the comfort of classic butter chicken with ingredients that fit the way you're eating. Keep it on repeat for busy nights when you still want something that tastes like a takeout favorite.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
Kroger Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Simple Truth Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs Signature Farms Bone-In Chicken Thigh Value Pack - 4.5 Lb Simple Truth Organic® Air-Chilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Tyson All Natural Fresh Chicken Thighs
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1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground turmeric

For the sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
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
Chef's tip
Use the same amount. Coconut sugar has a mild caramel flavor, and baked goods come out a little darker and slightly less sweet.

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
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

For serving

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving (optional)
Omit this
This ingredient likely doesn’t work for the diet.

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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