Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (2024)

Published: | Updated: | Author: Neena Panicker

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This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is a restaurant-quality Instant Pot Indian recipe that has succulent pieces of boneless chicken in a flavorful creamy sauce. Ginger, garlic and Indian spices combine to give the curry a heavenly aroma and taste! [Instant Pot and stovetop instructions included.]

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (1)

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Table of Contents

  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. TIPS
  3. FAQS
  4. INGREDIENTS
  5. INSTANT POT STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
  6. STOVETOP DIRECTIONS
  7. RECIPE CARD – PRINTABLE
  8. RELATED RECIPES AND GUIDES

Introduction

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is the recipe most requested by my readers, but it’s taken me a while to get the recipe just right.I know that one of the main reasons most of us use the Instant Pot is to make quick and easy recipes that also taste great!

For most Instant Pot users (myself included) it’s all about minimal mess and quick and easy recipes.

My original stovetop recipe uses grilled Tandoori chicken which gets mixed into a cream sauce, but I wanted to create an Instant Pot recipe without the extra step of barbecuing the chicken separately.

I wanted a pressure cooker recipe that is not only easy but also tastes as good as the stovetop version.I think this recipe accomplishes all that, and I think you’ll agree!

People often wonder what the difference is between the two most popular dishes at Indian restaurants: Butter Chicken vs. Tikka Masala. They’re very similar. And ever-evolving. Every Indian restaurant probably has its own take, and opinions vary on what constitutes an ‘authentic’ version of this curry.

But this much is true: Butter Chicken (Murgh or Chicken Makhani) originated in North India, whereas Chicken Tikka Masala is a British adaptation of Butter Chicken. Both dishes are popular because they are relatively mild dishes and are a great introduction to Indian food.

If you like the flavor of chicken tikka masala, give this one-pot curry pasta recipe a shot!

Here are some other Instant Pot Indian recipes:
Instant Pot Lamb Biryani

Instant Pot Aloo Gobi (Cauliflower and Potatoes)
Instant Pot Vindaloo
Instant Pot Kerala Egg Curry
Instant Pot Lamb Curry (Rogan Josh)

Tips and Substitutions

Ghee

You can substitutegheefor the butter. And if you want to add an additional tablespoon of ghee or butter to the finished dish, feel free to do that.

Kashmiri Chili Powder

Kashmiri chili powderis a special kind of Indian chili powder that has a bright red color without being too spicy. I actually use more than is called for in the recipe, so if you like your curries on the spicy side, you can add more.

It can be found at Indian grocery stores or on amazon. If you can’t find Kashmiri chili powder, go ahead and substitute a smaller quantity ofcayenne pepper.

The great thing about Indian dishes is that you can make them as mild as you like by adjusting the quantity of chili powder or substituting paprikafor the chili powder. The recipe, as written, is not very spicy (by my Indian standards!)

Honey

I really like how the honey balance out the tartness of the tomato sauce and paste. And here’s a secret: although my recipe states that I use 1 tablespoon ofhoney, I do frequently add an extra teaspoon or two of honey, to taste, at the end.

Tomato sauce

Tomato sauceis a canned tomato concentrate similar to tomato puree with minimal spices, used to make tomato-based sauces like pasta sauce. In the UK, for example, it’s called tomato passata.

Garam Masala

If possible, use a homemade garam masala, preferably ground fresh. You can also use store-boughtgaram masala. If you don’t have your own garam masala recipe, try my homemade garam masala recipe.

If you want a quick and easy substitute for garam masala powder, mix together equal quantities of black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg powders.

Grind in a coffee grinder and store in a cool dry place. The aroma is heavenly!!

Fenugreek

Fenugreekis an herb that’s commonly used in Indian cooking. In Hindi, it’s referred to as ‘methi’. We use the leaves and the seeds in various Indian dishes. For this Instant Pot Indian chicken recipe, you can buydried fenugreek leaveswhich you should be able to find at an Indian or South Asian store. It adds a very special taste to this curry, and its absence is noticeable.

Lemon Juice

The lemon juiceis an optional ingredient if you don’t like tart flavors. The tomato sauce and tomato paste add enough tartness that you can omit the lemon juice if you wish.

Cream

To make the dish healthy, reduce the quantity of heavy cream or substitute half and half. There will be a taste difference! If you’d like a richer curry, add some extra cream.

Tomato paste

If you’ve made myInstant Pot Indian Chicken Currybefore with no sealing/pressurizing issues, feel free to saute the tomato paste in this recipe (mixed with some water) after sauteing the ginger and garlic, and then add the spices. Deglaze really well with water or broth after sauteing and before proceeding with the recipe.

Burn message

I have no problem bringing my Instant Pot to pressure with the recipe, as written. If you regularly encounter the Burn message, you can add the tomato sauce and tomato paste together on top of the other ingredients, without stirring. If you still have issues, add some more liquid, e.g. a few tablespoons of chicken broth, with the yogurt.

[Read more:Instant Pot Burn Message]

FAQS

What is chicken tikka masala?

Chicken tikka masala originated as a British adaptation of an Indian chicken curry called butter chicken. It’s a creamy, tomato-ey, saucy, flavorful chicken recipe that’s generally eaten with rice or naan (bread).

What is the difference between chicken tikka masala and butter chicken?

I think of chicken tikka masala as being a tomato-ey cousin of butter chicken. The flavors are more intense, while butter chicken is slightly milder.

Is this recipe an authentic version of chicken tikka masala?

It is not exactly authentic because I’ve streamlined the recipe to eliminate the grilling of the chicken which gives this easy tikka masala recipe an added layer of flavor. However, it’s still so delicious with much less work! I make this version much more often because it’s so convenient on busy weeknights.

Can I add vegetables to the pressure cooker tikka masala?

You definitely may add vegetables to the chicken tikka masala. Since vegetables cook quite fast, add them after pressure cooking but before you add the cream. Some good choices are peas or spinach.

Can this recipe be made with paneer (Indian cheese)?

Paneer tikka masala is also a great option with this recipe. Pressure cook the paneer for two minutes instead of four minutes.

Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for the tomato sauce?

You can use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. Blend the crushed tomatoes in a blender if you want to make the sauce smooth.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Instant Pot tikka masala is not too spicy. To make it spicier, add more chili powder or chop up some jalapeno pepper or serrano pepper and saute with the garlic and ginger.

Can I use fenugreek seeds instead of fenugreek leaves?

No, fenugreek seeds are completely different from fenugreek leaves, even though they come from the same plant. Omit the fenugreek leaves if you can’t find them.

Why is the garam masala added at the end?

Since garam masala is made from toasted and ground ingredients, it adds a special flavor and aroma to a dish. Adding it at the end adds to the freshness of the recipe.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make a healthy chicken tikka masala, you can reduce the quantity of cream, but there will be a difference in flavor. You can also substitute vegetable oil for ghee. You might also want to try my healthy cashew butter chicken recipe – it’s delicious too!

What models of Instant Pot can be used to make this pressure cooker chicken tikka masala recipe?

All Instant Pot models and other brands of pressure cookers such as Ninja Foodi can be used to make this recipe.

Can I make pressure cooker tikka masala in an Instant Pot Mini (3 quart)?

Yes, you can make this chicken tikka masala in the Instant Pot mini. Use the same cooking time.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot 8 quart?

Yes, there’s enough liquid in the recipe that you should be able to make the recipe in an 8-quart Instant Pot.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, the recipe can be doubled without changing the cooking time.

Can this recipe be reduced?

As long as you have the minimum quantity of liquid to get your pressure cooker to pressurize, you can reduce the recipe e.g. halve it, but keep the same cooking time.

Can this Instant Pot chicken tikka masala recipe be made ahead?

You can make the tikka masala ahead of time – it actually tastes better the next day! – but don’t add the cream and garam masala until you’re ready to heat it up before serving.

How long can the tikka masala be stored in the refrigerator?

The chicken tikka masala can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can chicken tikka masala be frozen?

Yes, freeze the curry in an airtight container and it should last 2 to 3 months in the freezer. There may be a slight change in consistency due to the dairy products. If you can, avoid adding the cream until you reheat the chicken tikka masala.

If you’re new to theInstant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, you might find it helpful to first read one of the following guides and then come back here to learn how to make this recipe.

  • Instant PotDUO Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot DUO NOVA Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot DUO GOURMET Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot DUO CRISP Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot PRO Beginner’s Manual
  • Instant Pot PRO CRISP Beginner’s Manual

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (2)
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Fenugreek (methi)
  • Chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Black pepper
  • Butter
  • Turmeric
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Coriander
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (3)
  • Tomato sauce
  • Yogurt
  • Tomato Paste
  • Cream
  • Chicken
  • Cilantro
  • Honey
  • Lemon juice

More details in therecipe cardat the bottom of this post

How to Make Tikka Masala in the Instant Pot (Step by Step Instructions)

  1. Turn on Saute mode
  2. Saute garlic and ginger
  3. Saute the spices and add chicken
  4. Add the remaining ingredients
  5. Pressure cook
  6. Release pressure
  7. Add fenugreek and cream and heat through

How to Turn on Saute Mode

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (4)
  • Instant Pot DUO: Select the Saute function.
  • Instant Pot ULTRA: Select the Saute function and press Start.

Saute garlic and ginger

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (5)
  • Add butter or ghee to pre-heated Instant Pot inner pot.
  • Once butter has melted, stir in garlic and ginger.
  • Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Saute the spices and add chicken

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (6)
  • Stir in coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and Kashmiri chili powder.
  • Cook until spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn! *
  • Press Cancel.
  • Add chicken to the pot and stir to coat.

* If necessary, deglaze with a couple of tablespoons of broth. Stir to remove any brown bits.

Add remaining ingredients

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (7)
  • Add yogurt, tomato sauce, salt, lemon juice and honey. Stir well.
  • Add tomato paste to the top and DON’T stir.

Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cook 4 minutes

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (8)
  • Close the lid and make sure steam release handle is in Sealing position
  • Press Manual (or Pressure Cook) and + or until the display reads 4 (4 minutes).

Instant Pot Ultra Pressure Cook 4 minutes

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (9)
  • Close the lid.
  • Select Pressure Cook mode and adjust the time to 4 minutes (00:04).
  • Press ‘Start’.

Pressure Cooking Process (Duo and Ultra)

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (10)
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (11)
  • Instant Pot display will change to On.
  • Once the Instant Pot is pressurized, the float valve will go up.
  • The display will count down to 0; it will then switch to Keep Warm mode and display L0:00 or 00 00 and begin to count up the number of minutes since pressure cooking completed.

How to Quick Release Pressure (QR) on the DUO

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (12)
  • Move the steam release handle to Venting. Steam will come out of the steam release handle.
  • When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
  • Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot.

How to Quick Release Pressure (QR) on the ULTRA

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (13)
  • Press down on the Steam Release Button until it locks into place, and steam begins to come out of the Steam Release Valve.
  • When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
  • Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot.

[Find out more about the pressure release methods and how and when to use them. ]

Add fenugreek and cream and heat through

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (14)
  • Add garam masala, dried fenugreek leaves, and heavy cream to the Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala.
  • Select Saute function.
  • Allow the curry to cook for another 2 minutes, or until heated through. Press Cancel.
  • Garnish with cilantro leaves.
  • Serve withriceor naan.

Stovetop Instructions for Chicken Tikka Masala

  • Saute garlic and ginger in ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Saute spices till fragrant.
  • Saute chicken until lightly browned.
  • Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, lemon juice, honey, and fenugreek leaves.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
  • Add the yogurt, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition.
  • Simmer the chicken on medium low heat until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Stir in garam masala and cream.
  • Heat through, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

See therecipe cardbelow for detailed instructions.

More Chicken Favorites

Here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot chicken recipes that are easy, delicious, and fast to make. If you love cooking chicken in the Instant Pot and are looking for something new, check out these recipes:

  • Instant Pot Chicken Korma
  • Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

For more chicken recipes, be sure to head over to my list of amazing Instant Pot Chicken Recipes you need to try!

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (15)

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

This Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe makes a restaurant-quality Indian curry that has succulent pieces of boneless chicken in a flavorful creamy sauce. Ginger, garlic and Indian spices combine to give the curry a heavenly aroma and taste! [Instant Pot and Stovetop Instructions]

4.92 from 34 votes

PRINT PIN RATE

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 330

Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

Ingredients

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

  • Select the Saute function and pre-heat the Instant Pot inner pot.

  • Melt butter orgheein the inner pot.

  • Stir in garlic and ginger and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  • Add coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and chili powder and cook until spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  • Press Cancel.

  • Add chicken to the spices and stir to coat.

  • Add yogurt, tomato sauce, salt, lemon juiceand honey. Mix well.

  • Add tomato paste on top and don't stir.

  • Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes on High Pressure.

  • Do a quick release of pressure (QR). [Read More:The Different Pressure Release Methods]

  • Open the Instant Pot and stir in garam masala, dried fenugreek leaves, and cream.

  • Select Saute mode and cook for 2 minutes, or until heated through and desired consistency.

  • Garnish with cilantro leaves.

  • Serve with rice or naan.

Stovetop Instructions

  • Heat butter or ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

  • Add garlic and ginger to the pot. Saute for about 30 seconds to one minute.

  • Add coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and chili powder and cook until spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  • Add the chicken and stir to coat, letting the chicken brown slightly, about 2 minutes. Deglaze with some broth or water, if necessary.

  • Reduce heat to medium. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, lemon juice, honey, and fenugreek leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth if needed, to deglaze.

  • Add the yogurt, a couple of tablespoons at a time, stirring well after each addition.

  • Simmer the chicken on medium low heat until cooked through, about 20 minutes.

  • Stir in garam masala and cream.

  • Heat through, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

  • Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.

  • Serve over rice or with naan.

Notes

  • Prep time does not include steps that are already accounted for in the ingredient list, e.g. minced garlic, cut up chicken, etc.
  • * American tomato sauce (called tomato passata in the UK), not tomato ketchup.
  • ** Feel free to add more cream to make the dish richer and creamier!
  • I make the recipe as written with no sealing problems. If you regularly encounter the ‘burn’ message, you can add the tomato sauce and tomato paste together on top of the other ingredients, without stirring. If you still have issues, add some more liquid, e.g. a few tablespoons of chicken broth, with the yogurt.[Read more:Instant Pot Burn Message]
  • See the blog post for more detailed recipetips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 330 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 156 mg | Sodium: 752 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 10 g

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine Indian

Main Ingredient chicken

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Thank you for visiting Paint the Kitchen Red. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please don’t use any content without prior written permission. If you’ve made this recipe and would like to share it with your friends, please link back to this recipe. Thank you!

I am not a certified nutritionist. I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers. If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons, I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actualingredients that you use.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robin

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (23)
    This is…..

    SOOOOOO good.

    Not one thing wrong with it. Perfect texture, taste, & consistency. We gobbled it up.

    Neena is someone who’s recipes I TRUST.

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Wow, what a nice comment. Thank you, Robin!

      Reply

  2. Danesovic

    Hi, are you using the whole can of crushed tomatoes which would be 15oz? In the recipe says 8oz, so I’m not sure. Trying to get it right.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Hi there, it’s actually tomato sauce and that normally comes in 8 oz cans (where I live). If you do crushed tomatoes, blend them so you have a smooth sauce. I don’t think you’d need the whole 15 oz. You can also use tomato paste mixed with water (1:1) to make up 8 oz.

      Reply

  3. Allison

    Yes! So easy although finding some of the ingredients was hard for me. Also had to cut back on the kashmiri chili powder. A bit too much for me in the recipe. Especially the next day when everything has combined nicely!

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Thanks, Allison, for your comment! I’m so glad you like the recipe.

      Reply

  4. Tara

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (24)
    This was the first recipe I tried in my Instant Pot. I was immediately sold- so fast, so easy and soooo delicious. It’s now a family standby.

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Tara, I’m glad you liked the recipe. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick and will feed a lot of people – you can easily double it 🙂

      Reply

  5. Kathleen

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (25)
    Fabulous recipe!

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Thanks for commenting, Kathleen!

      Reply

  6. Chris Munson

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (26)
    Neena, You hit it out of the park again! This is as good as, if not better than any restaurant’s The chicken is moist and the sauce is SO GOOD! I even had to work with some of the substitutes you recommend and the recipe seemed foolproof. It was delicious and my family was impressed.😊

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Wow, so awesome to hear that Chris – I’m thrilled that the whole family enjoyed it. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

      Reply

  7. Natalia

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (27)
    My husband loves Chicken Tikka Masala (I’m more of a Saag Paneer kinda person lol) but we both absolutely loved this and it is our new favorite dinner. Would it be possible to make a big batch and freeze it? Probably without the chicken. We are meal planing for when our baby arrives and it would be AMAZING to have this for dinner often!!

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Hi Natalia! Thanks for your question. I’ve not frozen this recipe but I think you could – without the cream. Add cream after thawing and reheating. If you try it out, please do let me know how it goes. By the way, you could use this same recipe to make paneer. Reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes and add either fresh spinach or thawed/squeezed dry spinach at the end and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. And congratulations on the baby!

      Reply

  8. sandra

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (28)
    Delicious! I made this is written (but no fenugreek) and it was perfect. Such yummy flavors and texture! Next time, I’ll be sure to have mehti on hand!

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Hi Sandra, thanks for commenting and I’m so happy you liked it. I love the ease of the recipe and yes, the methi is a worthwhile addition.

      Reply

    • Allison

      I love this recipe! I make it probably once a month. It’s one of my absolute favorites! I make a batch and it’s my dinner for about 4 or 5 days throughout the week! I keep recommending it to others too! 💖

      Reply

      • Paint the Kitchen Red

        Thank you Allison! I love this one because of how easy it is!

        Reply

  9. Amanda

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (29)
    If I want to double the recipe do I keep the cook time the same?
    I have made this as written a few times and my husband and I love it. We want to make some to feed 8+ people and still have some leftovers.

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Amanda, yes, you keep the cook time the same. Just make sure the contents don’t go over the Max Fill line before pressure cooking.

      Reply

  10. Natasha

    Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for tomato sauce?

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Natasha, yes you should be able to. If you want to give the crushed tomatoes a whirl in the blender, that’ll make it smoother.

      Reply

  11. Lillian

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (30)
    Neena,
    I made this tonight, and OH MY GOSH!!! This is seriously THE BEST ever!!! My family loves chicken masala and I have tried making it at home several times since COVID started, but this one is actually yummier than our local restaurant!!! Thank you so so much for sharing this amazing recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Hi Lillian, aww thank you so much for your comment. I’m thrilled to hear this. You might also like the chicken korma and the cashew butter chicken.

      Reply

  12. Lindsey Adams

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (31)
    LOVED this recipe! It was simple with very flavorful results. I ended up using a garam masala mix from a local spice shop in town though one of these days I’ll try blending my own mix. The only adjustment I made was adding an additional 1/2 tsp of chili powder because I love my food spicy.

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Lindsey, I’m so thrilled that you liked the recipe. It’s almost as easy as opening a jar of Tikka Masala sauce 🙂

      Reply

  13. Sucharita Iyer

    Hi, can I use this recipe to make paneer tikka Masala? I’m vegetarian, so if I replace the chicken with paneer when should I add the paneer and how long should I cook it?

    Reply

  14. Sucharita Iyer

    Hi, if I make this recipe with Paneer instead of chicken (I’m vegetarian), what modifications do I need – when to add paneer, how much pressure cook time? I searched your site and couldn’t find a paneer tikka Masala recipe, hence this question! 😀

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Sucharita, if you’re making it with paneer or tofu, pressure cook it for 2 minutes. Hope you like the recipe.

      Reply

      • Sucharita Iyer

        Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (32)
        Hi Neena,
        I made this recipe yesterday with Paneer and reduced the cook time to 2 minutes. It was fantastic! Family loved it and want this as the go to Paneer dish! Thanks!

        Reply

        • Paint the Kitchen Red

          Sucharita, that’s awesome. I’m so glad that you liked the recipe and were able to adapt it for your family! <3

          Reply

  15. Theresa

    Question , can I use fenugreek seeds instead of fenugreek leaves . And how much Should I use ???

    Thanks !

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Theresa, thanks for your question. No don’t use the seeds, completely different flavor. Just omit the fenugreek leaves.

      Reply

  16. Sarah Empey

    I recently found your blog and have LOVED the recipes I’ve tried. Thank you! I’d like to make this recipe soon and I have two questions.

    1. My family loves the flavor of grilled chicken- what spice/cooking modifications should I make to allow for this? Should I marinate or spice the chicken before grilling and if so, do I modify the spices in the sauce? Thanks in advance for your answer 🙂

    2. I’ve seen 2 different recipes for garam masala on your blog. One with mace (and a few other ingredients) and a simpler one, without mace. Do you recommend one over the other? I just bought a slice grinder and am building my supply of whole spices. 🙂

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Hi Sarah, thanks for your questions.
      1. is a tricky question. I’ve combined two recipes to make a one-step recipe for the Instant Pot. But if you want to add grilled chicken, I wouldn’t pressure cook the chicken – it will overcook. How about take half the quantity of spices including ginger and garlic, 1/4 cup yogurt, marinate 12 hours and grill. Then follow the recipe, pressure cook or just saute just the sauce, add in the chicken and heat through. Add cream at the end.
      2. It may be harder for people to get the ingredients for the garam masala recipe with mace, so the other recipe is also fine. I need to post a consistent recipe, thanks for bringing it to my attention.
      Let me know if I can clarify anything!

      Reply

      • Ruben R

        Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (33)
        I had the same question about your garam masala recipes. Thanks for answering. Just made this recipe and it turned out excellent. Even though I was missing the chili powder(used cayenne) and fenugreek. Ive already added those ingredients as well as mace to my list for next time! Thanks for sharing! I’ve already bookmarked more recipes¡

        Reply

        • Paint the Kitchen Red

          You’re most welcome, Ruben – glad to hear you liked the recipe.

          Reply

  17. Liz

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (34)
    delicious flavor! made it 2x and for some reason my sauce is always a little lumpy 🙁 but very tasty

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Hi Liz – thanks for the comment. Do you use whole milk yogurt? It’s probably lumpy due to the yogurt curdling…. Not sure why though.

      Reply

      • Tasha

        I cant have yogurt. Any sub for that or may I oomit the yogurt and still get a good chicken tikka masala taste. Also is whipping cream needed??
        Thanks cant wait to try looks yum and love chick tilla masala

        Reply

        • Paint the Kitchen Red

          Tasha – this recipe is traditionally known for its creaminess. You probably could replace the yogurt with coconut milk, and omit the cream. Of course, the flavors will be different. I think you might like another recipe of mine: Cashew Butter Chicken – it’s delicious too, and quite healthy.

          Reply

  18. Samiya

    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (35)
    Wow, I love that you have directions for the instant pot DUO AND the instant pot Ultra. I have the Ultra and I was struggling with the pressure cooker settings and the seal options on the lid so I really appreciate how you added pictures and wrote instructions on how to use this recipe with the instant pot ultra. Thank you so much, love it and greatly appreciate it! Your recipe and steps were detailed and easy for a beginner like me, great job! Thank you and keep up the good work 🙂

    Reply

    • Paint the Kitchen Red

      Samiya, wow thanks for the lovely comment. Glad you find the details helpful.

      Reply

      • Claire

        I’d love to try this recipe but I don’t have an istapot just a crock pot. Is it possible to make this in a crockpot? What modifications would I have to make if so ?

        Reply

        • Paint the Kitchen Red

          Hi Claire, I’ve not tried this recipe in the Crockpot so I don’t know how it’ll turn out 🙂 I would saute the tomato paste and stir up the ingredients since there’s no worry about burn messages. You might want to reduce the spice quantity by about 1/3 since I increase the spices when I pressure cook. Add the cream at the end and simmer on high till thickened.

          Reply

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Questions, Comments? I love hearing from my readers and I reply to all comments!

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe - so flavorful! (2024)

FAQs

How to add more flavor to tikka masala? ›

Add red chilli powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, oil, ginger garlic paste, yogurt and kasuri methi. Skip the lemon juice if your yogurt is sour.

What makes tikka masala spicier? ›

Any ground red chili powder or Cayenne powder will do! You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or leave it out all together for a non spicy Tikka.

How do they make tikka masala so red? ›

It's red food coloring. That's what they use in the Indian restaurants. They use it for the makhani, the tikka masala and the tandoori chicken. You can buy the kind they use at Indian grocery stores.

How to make tikka masala less tangy? ›

Add Cream

Since cream has a high fat content, it tones down the sourness in the curry and adds volume to it. Its smooth and creamy texture further helps in eliminating the tangy flavour. If you do not have cream, you could also use yogurt or milk as they would give you similar results.

What makes tikka masala taste good? ›

Tikka Masala is a tomato and cream-based sauce that's smoky from the chargrilled chicken, rich and creamy, with a slight sweetness and tanginess with mild heat (although we like it hot!) punctuated by earthy spices, ginger and garlic.

How to make Indian curry more flavorful? ›

Fixing cooked curries and gravies is no less than a challenge, but a simple way to do so is by adding freshly chopped herbs like coriander, basil, fenugreek leaves, spinach, mint leaves. The fresh flavour of these herbs can instantly elevate the taste and texture and give them a health twist.

Why is chicken tikka masala unhealthy? ›

Skip: Chicken Tikka Masala

But like many Indian dishes that were originally low fat, the modern recipe for chicken tikka masala is anything but. An average portion has whopping 1,249 calories and 90.8 grams of fat. A lot of that comes from the ghee and heavy cream.

What is the main flavor in tikka masala? ›

In very general terms, tikka masala is a tomato and cream based sauce with a slew of spices added. It's very hard to describe to someone who has never had it but it's a flavor that you will for sure remember once you have had it. It's kind of spicy and earthy and warm.

What can I add to my tikka masala? ›

Vegetables – there are so many vegetables that go well with tikka masala. Use 2 cups of your favourite fresh or frozen vegetables. I use a mix of knobby cauliflower florets, diced carrot or sweet potato and frozen peas. Spinach leaves are a great addition too, or even a can of lentils or chickpeas for added protein.

What spice makes tikka red? ›

Tikka masala is a blend of aromatic and warm spices. The sweet paprika powder and chili give it a signature red colour.

What is the difference between tikka and tikka masala? ›

Tikka refers to grilled or roasted pieces of meat that are either marinated in yogurt or spiced water before being cooked on skewers. Masala refers to a sauce made with cream, yogurt, or tomatoes; or a mixture of spices used to flavor food.

What spice makes Indian food red? ›

Indian Red Chili (Lal Mirch)

Indian red chili is a ground spice with a heat similar to cayenne pepper, though it may be hotter or milder depending on where the chilies come from and how they're grown. Typically its flavour is more floral than cayenne, and it is a brighter red.

Can I use yogurt instead of cream in Chicken Tikka Masala? ›

So, instead of cream, I use yogurt and butter (cream's close cousin) to get that rich and velvety tomato gravy for my Chicken Tikka Masala.

How to fix a tasteless curry? ›

Solution: Combine a teaspoon of corn flour with two tablespoons of water to form a paste. Pour this paste into the food and allow to simmer on low to medium heat. Voila!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream in tikka masala? ›

Yogurt is ideal for Indian curries and can be used as a cream substitute (which also thickens sauces). This is another common thickening agent used in Indian cuisine.

How do you spice up tikka masala? ›

Pro-Tip – How to make a hotter version of Chicken Tikka Masala. Add in 1-2 tsp of hot chilli powder with the spice ingredients when you're making the sauce. Alternatively, you can add in 1-2 fresh red chillies (finely chopped) when you add in the red bell peppers. Or you could do both if you like it really spicy!

How to add flavor to Indian food? ›

For spices, I usually do a mix of garam masala, coriander, tumeric, cumin, and salt. Some recipes will call for different spices, like the saag paneer called for allspice as well. I adjust salt to taste just before serving.

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