Chicken Tikka Masala Coconut (Printable Version)

A flavorful blend of spiced chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce for a dairy-free delight.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Combine dairy-free yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss well to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add coconut oil and sauté finely chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Add tomato paste to the pot and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garam masala, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors.
04 - Place the marinated chicken along with its marinade into the pot. Stir gently to blend with the sauce ingredients.
05 - Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual or Pressure Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
06 - Upon completion, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to vent remaining steam.
07 - Open the lid carefully and stir in the full-fat coconut milk. Return to Sauté mode and simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
08 - Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve warm accompanied by basmati rice or naan bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Dairy-free and gluten-free friendly
  • Quick preparation with Instant Pot convenience
02 -
  • Use thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level
03 -
  • Marinate chicken for up to 2 hours to deepen flavor
  • Simmer sauce longer for richer thickness
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