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Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Cozy Up with Pumpkin Butter Chicken for Fall Flavor Bliss

Pumpkin Butter Chicken is a comforting dish blending tender chicken with spiced pumpkin sauce, perfect for fall.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup Plain yogurt Greek yogurt can be a good alternative
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste Can substitute with minced garlic and grated ginger
For the Sauce
  • 2 tsp Garam masala Adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil or ghee Use ghee for added richness
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Freshly grated
For the Main Dish
  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pie filling
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes Do not drain
  • ½ cup Heavy cream Substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option
  • 2 tbsp Butter Optional
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar Enhances pumpkin flavor
  • 1 tsp Spices (paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg) For cozy warmth
For Serving
  • 4 cups Cooked basmati rice Perfect base for the dish
  • ½ cup Fresh cilantro For garnish
  • Naan bread Excellent for dipping

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Cooking utensils

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Add chicken thighs, coat well, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Incorporate pumpkin and tomatoes: Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree and the can of diced tomatoes. Season with salt and let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
  4. Add cream and spices: Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream, and mix in spices like paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
  5. Cook the chicken: Heat a separate pan over medium-high and cook marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until browned, or bake at 400°F or grill.
  6. Combine chicken with sauce: Transfer cooked chicken into the pumpkin sauce, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes while stirring gently.
  7. Serve and garnish: Serve warm Pumpkin Butter Chicken over basmati rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for better flavor; use 100% pumpkin puree and adjust spice levels to taste.

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