Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Confession, this was my first time using the instant pot so I’m still getting the hang of it.

It definitely cuts down on cooking time for legumes or large pieces of meat. I think it helps the flavors come through too. Even though the Chicken Tikka Masala was only cooking for a short time, it tasted like it had been slow cooked all day. Does that make sense? Anyway, this recipe came out delicious and everyone was happy. It wasn’t too spicy for the kids and the hubby was happy to add a chili to his, but so much yummy flavor!! Chicken Tikka Masala usually has cream in it but that’s a no go for us, so I sub it with cashew cream.

Chicken Tikka Masala

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed

• 3 Tbs plain yogurt

• 1 tsp salt

• 3Tbs tomato paste

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup cashew cream or whipping cream

• Masala Paste (recipe below)

• Cilantro for garnish if you want to get fancy!
  

Masala Paste

• 1 onion chopped

• 4 cloves garlic minced

• 1 Tbs fresh grated ginger

• 1 1/2 Tbs garam masala

• 1tsp ground cumin

• 1tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  

Cashew Cream

• 1/3 cup cashews

• 1 cup water

Method

In a blender or food processor, blend all of the ingredients for the masala paste. For the cashew cream, blend the cashews and water until the cashews are completely blended.
Take half of the paste and add it to the yogurt, mix well. Use this to marinate the chicken. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or more. I marinated the chicken in the morning so it was good to go in the afternoon when I wanted to cook.
Set your Instant pot to Sauté mode on high. Place the chicken in the pot and slightly brown on each side and remove them from the pot. You don’t need to completely cook the chicken. I did this in a couple batches.
Pour a couple teaspoons water in to deglaze. Add the rest of the masala paste, the cashew cream, the tomato paste, water, and salt to the instant pot. Set it to pressure cooker mode on high for 4 minutes. It takes about 10 minutes for it to heat up so it’s really 15 minutes or so total. Release steam after cooking time is up. Once steam is released serve and enjoy!!