Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Curry

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of curry. The warmth, the spices, the creamy texture—it’s a full sensory experience that transports you with every bite. This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Curry combines everything we love about curry with the ease and speed of pressure cooking. It’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to weeknight dinner or a meal prep superstar.

Curry has a long and rich culinary history, with regional variations spanning continents. From Thai red curry to Indian butter chicken, the possibilities are endless. This particular recipe leans into mild spices and creamy coconut milk while incorporating sweet potatoes and tender chicken for a wholesome, filling meal.

Using the Instant Pot makes this curry both fast and hands-off. Traditional curries can simmer for hours to develop deep flavors, but this version achieves those same rich layers in a fraction of the time. It’s a dream for busy weeknights when you want something warm and flavorful but don’t want to be tied to the stove.

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic addition to curry. They add natural sweetness, a soft bite, and a nutritional boost. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they round out this dish as both comfort food and clean eating. Plus, their vibrant orange hue adds beautiful color to your plate.

Chicken breast or thighs work beautifully in this dish. We’ve used boneless, skinless chicken breast here for a leaner option, but thighs will offer a richer, juicier bite. Either way, the Instant Pot locks in moisture and ensures the chicken comes out tender and flavorful.

Another highlight? This curry is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. The creaminess comes from coconut milk, which adds a tropical, silky smoothness that complements the spices perfectly. It also makes the dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

The spice level in this recipe is totally customizable. If you prefer a bit of heat, add more red chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha. For a milder flavor, keep it simple with curry powder and ginger. Either way, the result is a comforting curry with layers of warm, savory flavor.

It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but you can also serve it with naan, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s a meal that’s easy to adapt to whatever you have in the pantry.

Meal prep fans will love this recipe. It stores well in the fridge and actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. You can portion it out into containers for lunch throughout the week or freeze it for later use.

Don’t be afraid to load it with veggies. You can easily add in spinach, kale, bell peppers, or green beans toward the end of cooking for a nutritional boost. It’s a great clean-out-the-fridge kind of meal.

Despite its bold flavors, this curry uses everyday ingredients you probably already have. Curry powder, garlic, onion, and canned coconut milk are pantry staples, and the rest can be picked up in a quick grocery run. No specialty items required.

This curry is family-friendly, too. Kids tend to love the slightly sweet notes from the sweet potato and coconut milk, and adults will appreciate the depth of flavor. Serve with warm bread and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy.

We’ve also kept it alcohol-free, pork-free, and made it adaptable for all kinds of dietary preferences. It’s one of those rare recipes that fits a wide variety of needs while still tasting like comfort in a bowl.

Whether you’re new to Instant Pot cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a cozy, homemade curry that rivals takeout in taste, and beats it in nutrition and convenience.

So if you’re looking for a nourishing meal that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table, this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Curry is ready to become your new favorite.

Servings: 4 servings

Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Pressure Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk (full fat)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat olive oil and add chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt. Toast the spices for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken pieces and stir to coat with spices.
5. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, then add diced sweet potatoes.
6. Cancel Sauté mode. Secure the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
7. Once cooking is complete, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Open the lid, stir gently, and squeeze in fresh lime juice.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips

• Dice sweet potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for creamier texture.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers after pressure cooking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day—great for meal prep.
• Serve with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice depending on your diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Curry is a one-pot wonder. It’s quick, flavorful, and nourishing, with sweet potato adding a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy coconut milk and bold spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting homemade meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients your family will love.

Summary

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Curry is the ultimate weeknight dinner. With bold spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chunks of chicken and sweet potato, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for any season.