Imagine bringing the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine right to your dinner table in less time than it takes to order takeout. This pressure cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is about to revolutionize your home cooking, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of tender chicken, rich spices, and creamy sauce, this recipe proves that gourmet cooking can be both quick and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp tikka masala spice mix
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, finely dicing onion, mincing garlic and ginger.
- Set pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil and sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle tikka masala spice mix over the onion mixture, stirring to coat evenly and release the spices' aromatics.
- Add cubed chicken to the pressure cooker, stirring to coat with spices and onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Add salt to taste.
- Close the pressure cooker lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
- Carefully release remaining pressure, open lid, and stir the chicken tikka masala to ensure even consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Recommended to pair with basmati rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Spice Selection: Use a high-quality tikka masala spice mix for the most authentic flavor. If possible, toast the spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatics.
- Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Sautéing Technique: Take your time when sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger. The caramelization builds a deep flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Coconut Milk Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Pressure Cooking Precision: Don't be tempted to overcook. The 10-minute high-pressure cook time is perfect for keeping chicken tender and juicy.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow a 5-minute natural release to let the flavors meld and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm basmati rice or fresh naan bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
