This Paleo Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Curry is so fast and flavorful! It is so easy to make and only has 7 ingredients. Using the Instant Pot saves time and the result is moist chicken, creamy sauce, and rich flavor. You will love it! Gluten free, dairy free, and low fodmap.
My brother went to Nepal a few years ago and came back requesting curry. I had never made curry so I researched it a little and made a super easy version. He loved it! I have since made it for him and also my husband more times than I can count. The thing is, if I'm not cooking for the blog, I don't measure. So I had to actually measure, and time, and pay attention and it came out great. And hey, I can remake it again exactly the same now. My brother will usually tell me THIS IS THE BEST EVER and I'm like, great, I have no idea what I did 😉
Yes, there is rice in some of the pictures. If you are doing a Whole30 (like I am), use cauliflower rice or fried potatoes, or whatever works for you. Don't get hung up by the rice in the picture. (Updated September 2018 to add some pictures without rice. It's still just as delicious!)
I made this twice in one day to make sure I had it perfect. One important thing to do is not add the coconut cream before cooking. It makes the final product not as smooth and the taste wasn't as good. If you take the can of full fat milk, make a tiny hole in the thick top part and let all the coconut water dump into the pot with the chicken. Then save the thick cream for after the pressure is released.
Next time I make it, which will be soon, I know I'll make a double batch because even my 2 year old loved it.
Here are more Instant Pot recipe to try that you will love: Paleo Whole30 Beef Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat), Paleo Whole30 Instant Pot Pot Roast, Paleo Whole30 Stuffed Pepper Soup.
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Paleo Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Curry
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 1.2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon curry powder*
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 13.5oz can full fat coconut milk, divided
- 1 tablespoon garlic oil
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and add in the curry powder, ginger, tomatoes, salt, and milk from the coconut milk. The cream will be at the top, make a small hole and let all the thin milk pour into the pot and save the cream for after the cooking.
- Stir together and place the lid on. Hit "manual" and reduce the time to 8 minutes.
- Once done cooking, quick release by hitting "cancel" and releasing the pressure valve. Once the pin drops, open the lid. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and add in the coconut cream that was saved and the garlic oil.
- Hit "saute" and cook for 10 minutes to reduce and thicken. While that is cooking, chop up the chicken into bite size pieces.
- Add the chicken back in and stir to fully coat. Hit the "cancel" button and serve.
Renee says
I sat in the parking lot of the grocery store tonight and had no idea what to make for dinner. I just knew I wanted something hot and comforting and EASY. I just typed in “easy instant pot paleo chicken recipe” into my phone, and I came across this recipe. I had everything in my house except for the chicken and the garlic oil. I got the chicken but decided to forgo the oil to save some money. Let me just say that I loved this! It was so easy to make and so very good. I decided to add in about 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon along with the curry and ginger, and I have to say that this is a keeper! I will definitely make this again. I just ate it tonight with nothing else, and it was awesome. Next time I will splurge and put it over rice as an extra special treat. Thanks Jessica! Excellent recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Renee! Thanks for trying it and I'm so glad you like it! Thanks for the great review 🙂
Susan says
Simple, yummy recipe for new instant pot user. Double batch is great for leftovers. We will definitely add this to our dinner rotation!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Susan! So glad you like it!
Ashley Odle says
Making this tonight! Can I use frozen chicken thighs or should I defrost first? I assume I will want to add additional time past the 8 minutes? Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Ashley- sorry it's a little late to reply. Just so you know, I usually respond quicker on Instagram since I'm not always by my computer. Frozen chicken will work, but I'd say add at least 5 minutes. I've done partially frozen and only added like 3 minutes. I hope you love it!
Elizabeth says
Making this for the third time; my two toddlers devour it and always ask for “yellow chicken”!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm so glad to hear that!
Paola says
Can you make it in crockpot!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Paola- yes, that should work. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low 6-8 hours. Shred chicken at the end.
Ruth says
Made this tonight. Winner, winner, Curry Chicken Dinner! I made an error and cut up the chicken first thing, but I was still able to scoop them out for the sauté stage. It turned out great. I think I might add some golden raisins next time just to give it a little counterpoint to the curry and ginger. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying it, Ruth! I'm so glad you like it and love the idea of raisins!
Crista Thomas says
Could I replace the powder with curry paste? If so, how much do you think?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Crista- yes, that should work. Just double check ingredients if you're trying to keep it paleo. I don't use the paste so I don't know for sure, but I'd start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed. Enjoy!
Tara says
Dying to try this, but we don't have fire roasted tomatoes in a can in Ireland ☹️. Can you recommend anything else? Thanks so much!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tara- any diced tomatoes will work. Hope you enjoy!
Erin says
Great quick recipe- much easier than a few other recipes I’d tried in my IP and just as great. I topped with cilantro because that’s my fave!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Erin! So glad you like it!
farzaneh says
This was a great recipe, chicken came out tender flavorful.
I added some gram masala seasoning, I will try making it a little more spicy next time.
This is now one of my go to chicken recipes, thank you.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome! Thanks for trying it and I'm so glad you like it!