700gramsChicken Thighs skinless and boneless, cut into 2-inch pieces (or use bone-in Chicken pieces)
For the Marinade
½cupHung Curd or Greek Yogurt
1tablespoonKashmiri Chilli Powder can be substituted with ½ tablespoon paprika + ½ tablespoon cayenne
1tablespoonCoriander Powder
½teaspoonTurmeric
1 ½tablespoonsGinger Garlic Paste
1teaspoonGaram Masala Powder
1teaspoonSalt
1tablespoonOil
For the Gravy
2tablespoonsOil
1tablespoonButter
6Garlic Clovesgrated
1Onion finely chopped - as fine as possible
2tablespoonsCashew pasteTo make approximately 2.5 tablespoons of cashew paste, start by soaking 2 tablespoons of cashews in 1.5 tablespoons of hot water. Once the cashews are softened, grind them until smooth.
400gTomato Puree
½teaspoonKashmiri Red Chilli Powder
2tablespoonsKetchup
¾teaspoonSalttaste and adjust
1tablespoonKasuri Methidried fenugreek leaves, roasted and crushed
Marinate the chicken in a mixture of mustard oil, kashmiri red chilli powder, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, kasuri methi, salt, and hung curd. Use your hands to combine the ingredients and ensure that the chicken is well coated.
Cover the chicken with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and let it marinade for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, marinate it overnight in the fridge.
For the Gravy
Turn on the SAUTE mode on the Instant Pot and heat two tablespoons of oil to sear the chicken pieces. Be careful not to overcrowd or overlap the chicken, and cook it on high heat for 2 minutes on each side.
Once all the chicken pieces are cooked, remove them from the Instant Pot and set them aside.
Turn off the Instant Pot and add butter. The residual heat is enough to melt it.
Add the grated garlic and onions, turn on the SAUTE mode again, and saute the onions for 3-4 minutes till translucent.
Add cashew paste, tomato puree, Kashmiri chilli powder, ketchup, and salt. Mix well and let this simmer for 5 minutes. Use a hand blender to grind the gravy further to make it smooth. This step is optional.
Add the chicken pieces along with all the juices and mix well.
Pour in ¾ cup of water, put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on MANUAL for 8 minutes. After 10 minutes, release the pressure manually.
Turn on the SAUTE mode, add crushed kasuri methi and garam masala and mix well. Simmer for a minute or two and mix in the cream. Top with some chopped coriander and serve hot.
Video
Notes
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before sauteing them. But if you have the time, try marinating and refrigerating the chicken overnight or up to 12 hours for the best flavour.
Sauté the chicken in batches as overcrowding the pan could prevent the chicken pieces from being cooked properly and evenly.
Before pressure cooking the chicken tikka masala, add a splash of water only if you need it. This is because the tomatoes and chicken will both release water when cooked, so adding more water might make the gravy runny and not creamy enough.
This recipe stays good in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Simply add a splash of water before reheating it to prevent the gravy from becoming too thick.