
Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry is made with and boneless chicken thighs, curry powder, and coconut milk.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Original yield
- Serves 6
- Ingredients
- 14 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Primary protein
- Chicken
- Cuisine
- Asian · Indian
- Preparation & total time
- Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
A few quick notes
1. Follow the pressure release
Complete the pressure-release sequence before opening the cooker.
2. Prepare the first additions
Set out the ingredients needed for the first cooking step.
3. Prepare the finishing addition
Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.
Get to know the ingredients
onion (yellow or white) (finely chopped 1 small)
In the method: When hot, add oil and chopped onions.
ginger paste (½-inch piece finely grated or ground)
In the method: Stir in ginger and garlic paste and saute for 30 seconds.
minced garlic (2 cloves)
In the method: Stir in ginger and garlic paste and saute for 30 seconds.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 6. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Source: 1 tablespoon olive oilIngredient note
Source: 1 cup onion (yellow or white) (finely chopped 1 small)Ingredient note
Source: 2 teaspoons ginger paste (½-inch piece finely grated or ground)Ingredient note
Source: 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)Ingredient note
Source: 2 pounds skinless and boneless chicken thighs (or breast) (cut into bite-size pieces)Ingredient note
Source: ½ teaspoon salt or to taste (adjust to taste after cooking)Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons curry powder (mild or hot) (see 'Recipe Notes' for substitutions)Ingredient note
Source: 1 cup tomato puree (or puree 2 Roma tomatoes or ½-can diced tomatoes)Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons tomato pasteIngredient note
Source: ½ cup waterIngredient note
Source: 14 ounces coconut milk (1 can)Ingredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon coconut palm sugar (or honey) (adjust to taste or skip)Ingredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon lime juiceIngredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
How to make it
0 of 8 steps completeMake room for Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Finish as directed
Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro (or parsley) and serve over rice.
A few questions you might have
What should I prepare first?
Set out the instant pot and pot. Start with this step: Saute aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot on Saute mode.
Which preparation step should I plan for?
Complete the pressure-release sequence before opening the cooker.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Saute onions for 3 minutes until they soften and start turning brown.
How do I plan the ingredient amounts?
This version serves 6. Use the ingredient amounts listed for that yield. If you change the number of portions, check equipment and the full method as well as the shopping quantities.
Additional recipe notes
Coconut Milk: For a creamy texture and flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. If using low-fat version, please keep in mind that the curry will be runny and less creamy. Curry Powder Substitute: To replace curry powder, mix together 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1½ teaspoons ground cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Low Pressure: Cook on low pressure to prevent coconut milk from curdling. If it does curdle, it's not spoiled, the fat simply separated from the milk. To fix this, turn on saute and whisk it back together until smooth. Prevent 'Burn' Message: To prevent the unwanted 'burn' message, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding the water. Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you follow any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: spicecravings.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.



