Effortless Elegance: Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala Made Simple

Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala is like a warm hug from your favorite Indian restaurant right in your own kitchen. Picture tender chicken swimming in a creamy tomato sauce, infused with an enticing blend of spices that make your taste buds do a happy dance.

And the best part? With the Instant Pot®, you're just minutes away from this delightful culinary journey. It's the ultimate weeknight comfort food that's as easy to make as it is to devour.

Tiki Masala It's a dish that tells a story through its aromatic spices and creamy, tomato-y goodness

Whether you're a busy weeknight warrior or simply looking to impress your taste buds, this Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala is a game-changer. It's a dish that tells a story through its aromatic spices and creamy, tomato-y goodness. And the versatility is a win-win – serve it over a bed of steamed rice, scoop it up with warm naan bread, or even pair it with some fresh veggies for a wholesome twist. So, dust off that Instant Pot®, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure that'll make your kitchen feel like an exotic spice bazaar!

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Active cook time: 10 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Jump to:

• Tiki Masala It's a dish that tells a story through its aromatic spices and creamy, tomato-y goodness
• Ingredients needed to make Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala
• How to make the Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala recipe
• Variations on the Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala recipe
• Equipment used in making Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala
• Storage
• Top tips to know when making the Chicken Tiki Masala recipe
• Related
• Pairing
• Effortless Elegance: Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala Made Simple

Ingredients needed to make Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala

1 c. Greek yogurt
1 T. fresh ginger, grated
1 t. garlic powder
½ t. ground cumin
½ t. ground coriander
¼ t. cayenne pepper
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. fresh ginger, grated
1 medium jalapeño, finely diced
1 T. tomato paste
1 28-oz container crushed tomatoes
1 T. garam masala
2 t. honey, preferably local
½ c. heavy cream, room temperature
3 T. fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
3 c. cooked basmati rice, to serve

How to make the Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala recipe

1. Combine the Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
   
2. Add chicken to yogurt mixture and stir until coated. Marinate at room temperature for up to one hour or cover and refrigerate overnight. (If refrigerating, set on counter for 30 minutes to one hour before adding to the Instant Pot®).
   
3. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot® inner cooking pot and select the “Sauté’ function. Use the “Adjust” button to select the “Normal” (medium) setting.
   
4. Once hot, add onion, garlic, ginger, and jalapeño. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and the onions are soft.
   
5. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, garam masala, and honey. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Push the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button to turn off the Sauté function.
   
6. Add the marinated chicken to the Instant Pot® and add the lid. Lock the lid into place and set the vent to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” button and adjust to the “High” setting, if necessary. Set cook time to 10 minutes.
   
7. When cook time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release on any remaining pressure. 

8. To prevent curdling, temper the heavy cream by add 2-3 tablespoons of the hot liquid from the Instant Pot® to warm it up a bit before adding it to the soup. Stir to combine.
   
9. Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed. Serve immediately topped with chopped cilantro and with some basmati rice on the side. Enjoy! 

Variations on the Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala recipe

here are 10 fun variations you can apply to your Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala recipe:

1. Veggie Lover's Delight: Swap out the chicken for an assortment of your favorite veggies like cauliflower, bell peppers, and peas for a hearty vegetarian version.
   
2. Paneer Paradise: Replace the chicken with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a rich and creamy Paneer Tikka Masala.
   
3. Coconut Twist: Add a can of coconut milk for a Coconut Chicken Tiki Masala with a hint of tropical flair.
   
4. Spice It Up: Adjust the heat level to your liking by adding extra chili powder or fresh green chilies for an extra kick.
   
5. Creamy Cashews: Blend cashews into the sauce for a luxurious and nutty Chicken Tiki Masala.
   
6. Citrus Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
   
7. Yogurt Magic: Stir in some Greek yogurt or heavy cream at the end for an even creamier and tangy twist.
   
8. Healthy Greens: Mix in a handful of spinach or kale for a boost of green goodness.
   
9. Sweet and Sour: Toss in a handful of raisins or dried apricots for a touch of sweetness and contrast.
   
10. Quinoa or Couscous: Serve your Chicken Tiki Masala over quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a change in texture and flavor.

Feel free to get creative and mix and match these variations to make your Chicken Tiki Masala uniquely yours!

Equipment used in making Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala

Instant Pot®

Storage

You can store leftover Instant Pot® Chicken Tiki Masala in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To ensure it stays fresh, place it in an airtight container as soon as it has cooled to room temperature. When reheating, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent any foodborne illnesses. If you have any doubt about the freshness or safety of the leftovers, it's best to discard them.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

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