Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Combining tender chicken thighs with a rich, spiced butternut squash sauce, it’s comforting and full of flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a side of rice or naan.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds (675g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup butternut squash puree (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides, around 8-10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are well-coated on the chicken.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, then add the butternut squash puree, coconut milk, and tomato puree. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Step 6: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the sauce has thickened.
7. Step 7: In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the butter to create a creamy texture.
8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
9. Step 9: Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, brown the chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
• Use homemade butternut squash puree for a fresher taste, simply roasting and blending the squash.
• Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
• Add a splash of cream instead of butter for an even creamier sauce.
• Garnish with toasted nuts like cashews for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the coconut milk may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may cook faster and be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly and keep an eye to avoid dryness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides if needed.

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful twist on traditional butter chicken, featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce made with butternut squash puree, coconut milk, and aromatic Indian spices. Perfectly paired with basmati rice or naan, this dish offers a comforting and healthy alternative with a creamy texture and vibrant taste.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Spices

• 1 1/2 pounds (675g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup butternut squash puree (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat oil and cook onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides, around 8-10 minutes.
4. Season the chicken: Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are well-coated on the chicken.
5. Add liquids and butternut squash puree: Reduce the heat to low, then add the butternut squash puree, coconut milk, and tomato puree. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Simmer the curry: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the sauce has thickened.
7. Finish with butter: In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the butter to create a creamy texture.
8. Adjust seasoning and garnish: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
9. Serve: Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Notes

• Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred, but thighs provide more flavor and tenderness.
• Butternut squash puree can be homemade by roasting and blending butternut squash or store-bought for convenience.
• Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
• For a dairy-free option, omit butter or use a plant-based alternative.
• Serve with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice to complete the meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Keywords: butternut squash butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, Indian butter chicken recipe, healthy butter chicken, chicken curry with squash, gluten free butter chicken