Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the tomatoes. Set everything aside to make the cooking process smoother.
Sauté Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil (or ghee) to the pot. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
Spices and Chicken: Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices. Add the chicken thighs, and stir to coat them in the spice mixture.
Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth (or water), and coconut milk. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 10 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”
Release Pressure: After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam.
Finish the Dish: Open the Instant Pot and check the seasoning. If necessary, add a bit more salt or pepper to taste. Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and let them heat through.
Serve: Ladle the dish into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or with warm bread to enjoy the full experience.