Marinate the Chicken-the Secret Ingredient

You'll notice, first of all, that this recipe marinades the chicken. This is an important step because it makes the chicken super tender and juicy but also gives it great flavor. I love yogurt and spices with a little lemon juice added in. Of course, you can get as creative as you want with spices! Some other popular examples would be garam masala, turmeric, cumin, ginger, and chili powder. The various mixes are pretty endless.

Pro tip: marinate the chicken for a minimum of one hour, but if you can, let it be marinaded overnight. It truly makes a difference.

Let's Talk About the Sauce

The sauce is what truly makes or breaks a Chicken Tikka Masala. It needs to be creamy and full of flavor and just a smidge spicy. It's an art, really. I've tried lots of recipes over the years, but this one has become my standard. It's a simple blend of tomato sauce, cream, and a handful of aromatic spices.

Quick tip: If you want your sauce extra creamy, try adding a tablespoon of butter at the end. It gives it that one luxe richness out of this world.

Cooking in the Instant Pot

Okay, here's where things get real easy. You just toss the marinated chicken into the Instant Pot, add the sauce, and then set to cook! Let the Instant Pot do the rest for you as you chill away doing whatever catches your fancy.

Remember: Always make sure to cook the chicken well to avoid food poisoning. You should always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer, and it should read 165°F or 74°C when it is safe to eat.

Time to Serve Up Some Goodness

Once the chicken is cooked through, you can serve it up. I love to pair mine with fluffy basmati rice and a side of naan. You can find naan at most grocery stores, or you can even make your own! It's a bit more time-consuming, but totally worth it.

If you are feeling extra fancy, top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain yogurt for added flavor. **Go ahead and indulge in this delicious, yet easy meal!

Takeaway: Easy, Delicious, and Stress-Free

There you have it-my secret to the most amazing Chicken Tikka Masala without having to order takeout. This recipe is simple, delicious, and you can adjust it accordingly to your taste. I just can't wait for you all to make this and see what all the fuss is about. You may just end up making it over and over again.

Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!