Chicken Tikka Masala Coconut (Printer View)

Rich, creamy chicken tikka with coconut milk and aromatic spices, perfect with rice or naan.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 - 1/2 cup plain dairy-free yogurt (coconut or almond-based)
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
05 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
06 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
14 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
15 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
16 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
18 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
19 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
20 - 1 teaspoon salt
21 - 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk

→ To Finish

22 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Cooked basmati rice or naan, to serve

# Method Steps:

01 - Combine dairy-free yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Activate the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Add coconut oil and cook onions for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Incorporate garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garam masala, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Mix well.
04 - Introduce the marinated chicken and all accompanying marinade to the pot. Combine thoroughly to integrate ingredients.
05 - Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual or Pressure Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
06 - Upon completion, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to vent remaining pressure.
07 - Open the lid and stir in the full-fat coconut milk. Switch back to Sauté mode and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
08 - Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately alongside cooked basmati rice or naan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Dairy-free creamy coconut finish
  • Quick Instant Pot preparation
02 -
  • This recipe is dairy-free using coconut milk and yogurt
  • Adjust cayenne to control spice level
03 -
  • Broil marinated chicken pieces briefly for extra char
  • Simmer longer after adding coconut milk for thicker sauce
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