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September 16, 2025
Instant Pot Butter Chicken from Frozen Recipe
Instant Pot butter chicken from frozen solves the dinner dilemma when you want delicious curry but forgot to thaw your chicken. This convenient recipe transforms frozen chicken directly into tender, flavorful butter chicken without any advance planning. The pressure cooking method breaks down the frozen chicken while infusing it with rich, creamy sauce flavors. This time-saving approach delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the usual cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but need something quick and easy.
This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe fit the bill when I wanted butter chicken, but my chicken was frozen. I simply turned to my favorite butter chicken recipe (easy Indian butter chicken) from this site, with some slight changes, and I pressure-cooked it. I like serving this with naan or cooked rice.
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
3
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Ingredients
6 tablespoons salted butter
⅓ cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
9 ounces frozen cubed chicken
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon tandoori seasoning
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 pinch cayenne pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
Directions
Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select the Sauté function. Add butter, onion, and garlic; sauté until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes.
Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions. Set timer for 30 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure using the quick-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
Stir in cream, tandoori seasoning, garam masala, and cayenne pepper to combine. Garnish servings with cilantro.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 400 | Calories |
| 33g | Fat |
| 10g | Carbs |
| 19g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 3 | |
| Calories 400 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 33g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat 20g | 100% |
| Cholesterol 132mg | 44% |
| Sodium 610mg | 27% |
| Total Carbohydrate 10g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 10% |
| Total Sugars 4g | |
| Protein 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin C 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium 72mg | 6% |
| Iron 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium 474mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
