Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instant Pot Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy and flavorful, combining all those fragrant spices into a quick and convenient Instant Pot meal that’s perfect for my busy lifestyle. Plus, serving the tender, juicy chicken in butter lettuce wraps makes it both fresh and fun, perfect for impressing my friends or just treating myself to a deliciously healthy dinner.

Savor the bold and bright flavors of my Instant Pot Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They are perfectly spiced with an aromatic blend of garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, and paprika, fresh ginger, and garlic.

The chicken is marinated in yogurt and then cooked until tender and succulent in the Instant Pot, yielding an almost effortless way to make these healthy, protein-packed wraps. Nestled in crisp butter lettuce and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime for a zesty finish, these wraps are a healthful and flavorful dinner option.

Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instant Pot Recipe Ingredients

• Plain Yogurt: A creamy base; rich in protein and probiotics.
• Garam Masala: A warming blend; adds depth and complexity.
• Ginger: Fresh spice; aids digestion and adds zest.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances tanginess; rich in Vitamin C.
• Turmeric: Bright yellow; anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Chicken Thighs: Lean protein; tender and juicy when cooked.
• Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and vibrant color.
• Butter Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing; low in calories.
• Cayenne Pepper: Heat and spice; boosts metabolism.

Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instant Pot Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Butter lettuce leaves, for serving
• Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make this Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instant Pot Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

plain yogurt
lemon juice
ginger (minced)
garlic (minced)
garam masala
ground coriander
cumin
paprika
turmeric
cayenne pepper
salt

Mix very well to form a marinade.

2. Include the chicken thighs in the marinade and make certain they are thoroughly covered. Enclose the bowl and place it in the fridge for no shorter than 1 hour, and for longer, if possible, as a way to achieve the best result.

3. Put the Instant Pot on sauté mode and pour in the vegetable oil. When hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re not quite brown but definitely not raw.

4. To cancel the sauté mode. To close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to sealing. To set the pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.

5. When the cooking duration is complete, allow the pressure to unscrew itself for 10 minutes, then unscrew any remaining pressure manually.

6. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Cut or tear the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. It is recommended to use 2 forks to shred the chicken.

7. Gently rinse the butter lettuce leaves under cold water and pat them dry.

8. To serve, put a portion of the shredded chicken on each lettuce leaf, creating a wrap.

9. Chop cilantro as desired for garnish on wraps.

10. To serve, add lime wedges on the side so you can squirt them over the wraps just before eating. Enjoy!

Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instant Pot Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Instant Pot
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Forks
7. Small bowl (for rinsing lettuce)
8. Paper towels or kitchen towel (for drying lettuce)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?A: Yes, thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts, but the time they take to cook might need adjusting. That’s because breasts tend to cook faster.
• Q: Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?A: Yes, the slow cooker or stovetop can be used to cook the chicken, but the time taken will be different than when using an oven.
• Q: Is there a dairy-free option for the marinade?A: This recipe can be adapted to a dairy-free diet with the use of a yogurt alternative that contains no dairy.
• Q: How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?A: To reduce the spiciness, you can lower or leave out the cayenne pepper. For a little more kick, increase the amount you use slightly.
• Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?A: Yes, if you let the chicken set in the marinade overnight, it will enhance the flavors, making the chicken even more flavorful.
• Q: How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot?A: The chicken must take approximately 15 minutes under high pressure with natural release for 10 minutes.
• Q: What other garnishes can I use?A: You can also add sliced onions or cucumber for extra freshness, along with cilantro and lime wedges.

Tandoori Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instant Pot Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use yogurt from Greece for a thickness that presents and holds better than plain, old American yogurt.
Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a somewhat altered and different citrus flavor.
Substitute ground ginger for fresh ginger and use half as much.
Substitute red chili powder for cayenne pepper, maintaining an identical heat level.
In the event that butter lettuce cannot be found, use romaine lettuce leaves as a substitute for serving.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Time For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This extended marination will infuse the chicken with deeper spices and tenderness.

2. Spice Adjustment Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and feel free to adjust the spices to suit your preference. If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper, or reduce it for a milder dish.

3. Sauté Technique When sautéing the marinated chicken in the Instant Pot, ensure each side gets a slight caramelization. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish.

4. Letting Pressure Release Be sure to allow for the natural pressure release for the full 10 minutes after cooking. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender, as abrupt pressure release can sometimes make it dry.

5. Serving Tip For an extra burst of flavor, lightly warm the butter lettuce leaves before serving. This can enhance the overall eating experience by providing a slight contrast to the cold toppings and sauce.