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Tandoori chicken in bowl with rice.

Instant Pot Coconut Tandoori-Inspired Chicken


  • Author: Lindsay
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Coconut Tandoori-Inspired Chicken made with rich spices and creamy coconut milk. EXTREMELY EASY and so, so yummy.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 14-ounce can coconut milk
  • 2 cups rice, uncooked

Instructions

  1. Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions.
  2. Freezer Version: Mix everything together in a freezer-friendly bag or container. Place in the freezer and store up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, follow the directions below!
  3. Instant Pot: Add everything to the Instant Pot. If it’s thawed, cook for 5 minutes manual high pressure + 10 minutes for natural release. If it’s frozen, cook for 15 minutes manual high pressure + 10 minutes natural release. Shred and serve over rice!
  4. Slow Cooker: Add everything to the slow cooker. If it’s thawed, cook for 4 hours on high, or 6 hours on low. If it’s frozen, cook for 6 hours on high. Shred and serve over rice!
  5. Stovetop: Combine the garam masala, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper in a small dish. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chicken thighs. Season the chicken with the spice mixture. Cook for a minute or two on each side. Add in the honey and coconut milk. Cover the skillet and simmer on low for 45 minutes until the chicken is fork tender and can be easily shredded.

Notes

If you let the sauce stand for about 15 minutes before serving, it should thicken up slightly and take on the texture of a light gravy or curry sauce. I find chicken thighs are pretty small and usually cook quickly, but make sure you check to make sure they’re fully cooked if you are working with larger chicken thighs. I like to add a side of greens with this recipe to round out the meal – something like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a green salad.

Freezer Meal Version

  1. Freeze Together:
    2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
    2 tablespoons garam masala
    2 tablespoons honey
    1 tablespoons chili powder
    1 tablespoon garlic powder
    1 tablespoon ground cumin
    2 teaspoons salt
    2 teaspoons turmeric
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    1 14-ounce can coconut milk
  2. Instant Pot Instructions: High pressure 15 mins + 20 mins natural release
  3. Slow Cooker Instructions: High setting 4 hours (thaw first)
  4. Final Step: Serve in rice bowls, with roasted vegetables, with cauliflower rice, or in fusion-style tacos or burritos.
  5. Check out our full freezer meal posts with all recipes and instructions here!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes (varies by method)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pressure Cooker
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Keywords: coconut tandoori chicken, instant pot coconut tandoori chicken, instant pot tandoori chicken