This creamy butternut squash butter chicken is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken in a rich, spiced sauce with a hint of sweetness from the squash. Perfect for chilly nights!
I love how the squash makes the sauce velvety and adds a touch of fall flavor. Serve it over rice or with naan, and you’ll be going back for seconds—just don’t blame me if you get carried away! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This is the star of the dish, adding creaminess and sweetness. If you can’t find it, pumpkin or sweet potatoes can work as substitutes, but the flavor will change slightly.
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. However, chicken breasts are a leaner option if you want less fat. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Spices: Fresh spices really enhance the flavor. Cumin, coriander, and garam masala are must-haves. If you lack some, try using curry powder as a substitute, though the taste will differ somewhat.
Cream: Heavy cream provides richness. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk is also a great option for added sweetness.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Getting juicy chicken in this creamy butternut squash butter chicken is simple! Start with evenly sized pieces to cook them evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the pan on medium-high before adding the chicken, ensuring a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove promptly to keep it tender! You’ll return it to the sauce later for flavor.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 to 3 cups cubed)
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
For the Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup plain yogurt (optional, for tanginess)
- Salt to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes for cooking, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. With about 50 minutes in total, you’ll have a comforting, creamy butter chicken on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
Start by peeling the butternut squash, removing the seeds, and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the squash and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken pieces and cook them until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Next, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until golden and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies (if using), and let them cook together for another 2 minutes until aromatic.
4. Add Spices:
Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their wonderful flavors—your kitchen should start smelling beautiful by now!
5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Pour in the tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes) and cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oil starts to separate from the sauce.
6. Blend Butternut Squash:
Transfer the cooked butternut squash to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. Once blended, mix the squash puree into the tomato sauce until everything is well combined.
7. Add Cream and Yogurt:
Now, stir in the heavy cream (and plain yogurt, if you’re using it). Mix everything well and let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. This is where the dish becomes wonderfully creamy!
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Let it cook on low heat for another 5 minutes to meld all the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget to adjust the salt to taste!
9. Serve:
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy butternut squash butter chicken hot over basmati rice or with warm naan bread, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Now you’re all set to delight your family and friends with this rich and creamy dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, just add it to the sauce after blending the butternut squash. Heat gently until warmed through, so you save time and add even more flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try full-fat coconut milk, which will give a wonderful sweet flavor that complements the dish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a little splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for chickpeas or paneer. You can also add a mix of your favorite vegetables for extra nutrients and flavor while following the same cooking method!
Feel free to experiment with this creamy butternut squash butter chicken recipe, and enjoy the delightful results!
