Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Introduction

For lovers of Indian cuisine seeking bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss, Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is an unbeatable weeknight dinner. This recipe condenses the complex layering of spices and creamy tomato sauce into a fast, achievable meal—without sacrificing authenticity or taste. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week, a pressure cooker ensures juicy chicken and a richly spiced sauce in under an hour.

Why Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Is a Must-Try

Using a pressure cooker not only saves time but also infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and tenderness. Classic tikka masala’s bright, aromatic sauce combines tomatoes, warm spices, garlic, and cream, enveloping each bite of marinated chicken. With no need to marinate overnight, this recipe delivers the same complexity and satisfaction, making it a perennial family favorite and ideal for casual entertaining.

Quick & Flavorful Tikka Masala—Your Prep Guide

To streamline meal prep, invest in a quality electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart. It will save you time and help cook tender chicken every single time. Begin by using the sauté function to bloom your spices—this step amplifies their aroma, ensuring a deeply flavored sauce.

Chop onions, garlic, and ginger quickly and safely with a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper; it guarantees uniform pieces for even cooking and melded flavors.

Cooking & Finishing Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala

Once all ingredients are in the pot, pressure cooking melds everything together in a fraction of the usual time. For easy sauce blending and a smooth finish, pulse the sauce with a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender before adding the cooked chicken back into the pot. After cooking, stir in cream or coconut milk to create a luscious final texture that coats rice or naan perfectly.

If you plan to store leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day, transfer the tikka masala into leak-proof Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for airtight freshness and easy reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Crowd-Pleasing Results

Serve your Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan for a classic touch. For a lighter alternative, pair with cauliflower rice or a crisp salad packed in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green; this makes transport and portioning simple for work lunches.

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon on the side brighten the rich flavors—making this dish ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings. If hosting, a disposable tablecloth like the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White keeps cleanup quick and easy.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves approximately 6 portions. A typical serving of chicken tikka masala (without rice or naan) provides about 350–400 calories, 30g protein, 14g (primarily healthy) fats, and 13g carbohydrates. Opting for light cream or using coconut milk can reduce calories and increase dietary fiber.

Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala (Recap)

With the magic of pressure cooking, this Chicken Tikka Masala emerges deeply flavorful, ultra-tender, and satisfyingly creamy—delivering all the taste and comfort of restaurant fare in a fraction of the time.

Instructions

1. With your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, prep the onion, garlic, and ginger for fast, even dicing.
2. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and onions, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and (if desired) cayenne. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chicken, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and season liberally with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and ensure chicken is coated with spices and sauce.
4. Seal the lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) for 9 minutes. Once finished, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Using tongs, remove chicken pieces and set aside. For a silky sauce, blend the tomato base with a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, then return the sauce to the pot.
6. Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Greek yogurt, whisking until fully incorporated and sauce is creamy.
7. Return chicken to the pressure cooker and simmer (using the Sauté setting) for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
8. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately over basmati rice or with naan. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes (including pressure building and release)

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy the deeply satisfying, restaurant-worthy taste of Chicken Tikka Masala from your own kitchen—with effortless cleanup and unbeatable convenience!