This dairy-free chicken Tikka Masala recipe cooks super fast in the Instant Pot!
I have to say, most of our Indian and Thai food we order out because it is not in my wheelhouse. But this chicken tikka masala recipe is so easy I make it often and the whole family loves it! It has all the traditional warm Indian flavors and by using coconut milk, it is dairy free and Whole30 approved.
Begin by cutting your chicken of choice -either boneless chicken breasts or thighs- into large bite sized pieces.
To make the marinade, shake the can of coconut milk well so it emulsifies. Add half of the can to a mixing bowl or a large ziploc bag, reserving the other half of the can for later. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and stir.
Toss the marinade with the chicken and mix well, coating the chicken. Refrigerate for at least an hour, the longer it soaks the more flavor it absorbs!
Garam masala can be found at any grocery store or online here. It is a delicious blend of warm spices including cardamom, cloves and coriander. It smells so amazing while it cooks!
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After marinating, begin to cook the chicken pieces in the Instant Pot. Pour all the chicken and the marinade into the pot and cook on sauté mode. Cook the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes total.
Turn off of sauté mode and add all the remaining ingredients to the pot except for the coconut milk. Stir, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once the Instant Pot is done, quickly release the pressure and open the lid. Give it a stir and turn the sauté mode back on to low heat. Add the rest of the coconut milk can and cook until the sauce thickens, just a few more minutes.
While the sauce thickens, you can easily cook white Jasmine rice in this rice cooker to serve on the side. Or if you are on a Whole30, cauliflower cilantro lime rice is a great choice! Either way, I’m sure you’ll love this comforting and simple recipe.
How to make the Instant Pot Tikka Masala ahead of time
This dish can easily be prepared ahead of time to enjoy later in the week, or to freeze and take camping as an easy meal. After marinating chicken and sautéing in the Instant Pot, place chicken into a sealable container. Add all remaining ingredients except for the second half of the coconut milk and cilantro. When you are ready to prepare the tikka masala, return all of the chicken and sauce into the Instant Pot (or any large sauté pan) and follow remaining recipe instructions. Defrost overnight if stored in the freezer prior to sautéing. Easy peasy!
Other Instant Pot favorites
Other favorite Instant Pot recipes that are quick and easy, great for busy weeknights or camping meals:
Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ can full fat coconut milk, shaken well
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ginger paste
Tikka Masala
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 tsp chopped garlic
- 1½ tbsp garam masala
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ can coconut milk
- freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
Chicken Marinade
- Add all marinade ingredients into Ziploc bag or large bowl and mix well.
- Chop chicken into large bite-sized pieces and add to marinade ingredients, coating well. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
Tikka Masala
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode at medium and add chicken along with any marinade left in the bowl.Sauté until chicken is cooked on all sides, about 5 minutes. Turn off sauté mode.
- Add all remaining ingredients except coconut milk into pressure cooker and stir to coat the chicken. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure when finished and open lid.
- Turn the sauté mode back on to low heat. Add the other half of the coconut milk and stir well.
- Simmer until sauce thickens, just a few minutes. Serve with fresh cilantro and white rice or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Cheers!
Looks delicious! Will try this out
I think you’ll love it!
I love how simple this is and that it can be made in an instant pot. Will be bookmarking. Thank you!
This is one of my favorite dishes when I order out! But now I’m definitely going to try making this at home, thanks!
OOOO YUM. I have always wondered how to make this. Must. try. now.
Let me know if you love it!