Hey guys! Craving a delicious, comforting, and super easy meal? Look no further! This Instant Pot Chicken Curry recipe is your answer. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses it with all the amazing curry spices. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavor-packed recipe.

Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Curry

This Instant Pot Chicken Curry is a game-changer for a number of reasons. First off, let's talk about convenience. We all have those days when the thought of cooking a complicated meal feels like climbing Mount Everest. That's where the Instant Pot swoops in to save the day. With its one-pot cooking magic, you can have a delicious, aromatic curry ready in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do its thing. No more babysitting the stove or stirring constantly – you're free to relax or tackle other tasks while your dinner cooks itself.

Then there's the flavor factor. The Instant Pot excels at intensifying flavors, and this chicken curry is no exception. The high-pressure cooking helps the spices meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex taste that will leave you craving more. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork, and it soaks up all that delicious curry sauce. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring that your chicken stays juicy and succulent.

And let's not forget about versatility. This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can easily customize the spice level to suit your palate – add more chili powder for a fiery kick or tone it down for a milder flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for other proteins like tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly. And feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach, to create a heartier and more nutritious meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Curry:

• Chicken: About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but chicken breasts work just as well.
• Onion and Garlic: One medium onion, chopped, and 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. These aromatics form the base of our curry and add depth of flavor.
• Ginger: A 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or minced. Ginger adds a warm, spicy note to the curry.
• Curry Powder: 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite curry powder. The amount will depend on the strength of your curry powder and your personal preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste.
• Turmeric: 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric. Turmeric adds a beautiful golden color to the curry and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the curry.
• Coriander: 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Coriander adds a citrusy, floral note to the curry.
• Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (optional). Add more or less depending on your desired spice level.
• Diced Tomatoes: A 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes add acidity and texture to the curry.
• Coconut Milk: A 13.5-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk. Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the curry.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Chicken broth helps to deglaze the pot and provides moisture for cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season the curry generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish (optional). Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the curry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Here’s how to make this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Curry:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Spices: Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This will help to bloom the spices and release their flavors.
3. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. This step is optional but it adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
6. Shred Chicken (Optional): Open the lid and check the chicken. If you want it shredded you can do so now. Then, stir to combine it all again.
7. Season and Serve: Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot over rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Curry

To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Curry turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the more flavorful your curry will be. Opt for fresh, aromatic spices and good-quality chicken.
• Don't Skip the Sauté Step: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding the other ingredients helps to build a flavorful base for the curry. It also helps to soften the onions and release their sweetness.
• Bloom the Spices: Cooking the spices in oil for a short period of time helps to bloom them and release their aroma. This will result in a more flavorful and complex curry.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking: If you prefer a milder curry, use less chili powder or omit it altogether. If you like a spicier curry, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk will give your curry a richer and creamier texture. If you're watching your fat intake, you can use light coconut milk, but the curry may not be as rich.
• Allow for Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes after cooking helps the chicken to stay tender and moist. If you're in a hurry, you can manually release the pressure, but the chicken may be slightly tougher.
• Serve with Your Favorite Sides: Chicken curry is delicious served with a variety of sides, such as rice, naan bread, roti, or vegetables. Choose your favorite sides and enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Curry recipe is that it's incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or lentils. You can also add more vegetables, such as potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach.
• Spicy: Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level. You can also add a chopped chili pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
• Creamy: Add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to the curry before serving to make it even creamier.
• Sweet: Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to balance the spiciness and acidity of the curry.
• Different Vegetables: Add other vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers, to make the curry more nutritious and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Chicken Curry is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Rice: Serve the curry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or brown rice.
• Naan Bread: Serve the curry with warm naan bread for dipping and scooping.
• Roti: Serve the curry with roti, an Indian flatbread made from whole wheat flour.
• Vegetables: Serve the curry with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans.
• Salad: Serve the curry with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a super easy and delicious Instant Pot Chicken Curry recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or any time you're craving a flavorful and comforting meal. With its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce, this curry is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!