Looking for a quick and easy chicken curry recipe that will leave your taste buds wanting more? Look no further! We’ve got the perfect solution for you – a delicious Instant Pot Chicken Curry that is bursting with flavor and can be made in no time at all. With aromatic spices and tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of mouthwatering curry that will transport you to the streets of India. Get your Instant Pot ready, because we’re about to embark on a culinary journey like no other!
Ingredients
To make a delicious instant pot chicken curry, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken
Chicken is the star of the dish, providing protein and a flavorful base for the curry. Opt for boneless chicken thighs for a tender and juicy result.
Curry paste
A homemade curry paste is the key to a rich and authentic-tasting curry. You can find various recipes online to make your own curry paste with ingredients like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and dried chili.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk adds a creamy and luscious texture to the curry. It also brings a hint of sweetness and balances out the spices. Ensure you use good-quality coconut milk for the best outcome.
Onion
Onions provide a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the curry. They also add a nice texture. Dice the onion finely to blend seamlessly into the curry.
Garlic
Garlic adds a robust and aromatic taste to the curry. Mince the garlic to release its flavors and distribute them evenly throughout the dish.
Ginger
Ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy note to the curry. Grate or mince the ginger for the best flavor infusion.
Spices
Spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala are essential to achieve a well-rounded and flavorful curry. These spices give the dish its distinctive aroma and depth of flavor.
Vegetables
Add your preferred vegetables to the curry to make it more nutritious and vibrant. Popular choices include bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, and peas.
Lime
Lime juice provides a tangy and refreshing element to the curry. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the finished dish to enhance its flavors.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, adds a fresh and herbaceous taste to the curry. Use it as a garnish to brighten up the presentation and add a burst of flavor.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all the ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Preparing the chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the curry.
Making the curry paste
If you’re using store-bought curry paste, you can skip this step. However, making your own curry paste allows you to customize the flavors according to your preference. Blend together coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili, garlic, ginger, and a splash of oil to create a fragrant and potent curry paste.
Sautéing the onion
Heat some oil in the instant pot and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. This step adds depth and sweetness to the curry.
Adding the chicken and curry paste
Add the chicken pieces and curry paste to the pot and stir everything together. Ensure that the chicken is coated evenly with the curry paste, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
Pressure cooking the chicken
Lock the lid of the instant pot and set it to pressure cook for the recommended time. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked through and becomes tender and juicy.
Adding coconut milk and vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, add coconut milk and your chosen vegetables to the instant pot. The coconut milk will add creaminess and balance out the flavors, while the vegetables will provide freshness and nutritional value.
Simmering the curry
Let the curry simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will result in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
Adjusting the seasoning
Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. You can add more salt, spices, or even a bit of sugar to balance the flavors to your liking.
Garnishing with lime and cilantro
Before serving, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the curry to brighten up the flavors. Sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves on top to add a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Serving the curry
Serve the instant pot chicken curry hot with steamed rice or naan bread. The fragrant curry will pair perfectly with the fluffy rice or the warm and pillowy naan.
Tips
To make the most of your instant pot chicken curry, follow these tips:
Choose boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe as they remain tender and moist during the cooking process. The thigh meat’s higher fat content also contributes to a more flavorful curry.
Use homemade curry paste for maximum flavor
While store-bought curry paste is convenient, making your own will give you more control over the flavors and ensure a more authentic taste. The freshly ground spices and aromatic ingredients will make a remarkable difference in the final dish.
Sauté the onion for added depth of flavor
Taking the time to sauté the onion before adding other ingredients deepens the flavor profile. The caramelization of the onion adds complexity and sweetness to the curry.
Add vegetables of your choice
Customize your instant pot chicken curry by adding your preferred vegetables. Choose colorful options like bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, or peas to add texture, color, and nutrients to the dish.
Adjust the spice level according to your preference
Curry can range from mild to spicy, depending on personal preference. Adjust the amount of curry paste or additional spices to tailor the spice level to your liking.
Let the curry simmer for at least 10 minutes
Simmering the curry allows the flavors to blend together and develop further. Give it at least 10 minutes of simmering time to allow the ingredients to marry and intensify the taste.
Serve the curry with rice or naan bread
Instant pot chicken curry pairs exceptionally well with either steamed rice or naan bread. The rice’s neutrality compliments the flavors of the curry, while the naan provides a soft and fluffy accompaniment.
Refrigerate the leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day
This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy a delicious lunch the next day.
Freeze any excess curry for future meals
If you have more curry than you can consume within a few days, freeze it for later use. Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and thaw them when you’re ready for a quick and flavorful meal.
Experiment with different herbs and spices
While this recipe is delicious as is, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Consider adding fresh basil, lemongrass, or even a touch of cinnamon to give your curry a unique twist.
Conclusion
With this easy and flavorful instant pot chicken curry recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal that will impress your friends and family. Follow the steps and tips provided, and you’ll be able to create a curry that is tailored to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with variations and make it your own signature dish. The aromatic flavors and creamy texture of the curry, paired with rice or naan bread, will make every mealtime a feast. So go ahead, grab your instant pot, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of this chicken curry.
