Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (Print View)

A rich, spiced chicken dish with creamy coconut and vibrant Indian flavors, ready in under an hour.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 - 1/2 cup plain dairy-free yogurt (coconut or almond-based)
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
05 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
06 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
14 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
15 - 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
16 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
18 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
19 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
20 - 1 teaspoon salt
21 - 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

→ To Finish

22 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Cooked basmati rice or naan, to serve

# Method:

01 - Combine dairy-free yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Select Sauté mode on the Instant Pot. Heat coconut oil and cook onions for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, garam masala, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Place the marinated chicken along with its marinade into the pot. Stir to combine evenly with the sauce base.
05 - Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode on high for 8 minutes.
06 - Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to vent any remaining pressure.
07 - Open the lid and stir in the coconut milk. Resume Sauté mode and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
08 - Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve hot accompanied by basmati rice or naan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Dairy-free creamy coconut twist
  • Perfectly spiced and deeply flavorful
02 -
  • Substitute chicken breasts if preferred but thighs yield juicier results
  • Adjust cayenne for your preferred spice level
03 -
  • Broil chicken for a smoky flavor before pressure cooking
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for creamier sauce
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