Description
A delightful twist on the traditional butter chicken, combining the comforting flavors of chicken with the sweetness of butternut squash.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds 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
- 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
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides, around 8-10 minutes.
- 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.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the butternut squash puree, coconut milk, and tomato puree. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the butter to create a creamy texture.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the spices cook longer before adding the liquids. Adding more chili powder or diced green chilies can enhance the spiciness. For a vegan option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: butternut squash, butter chicken, Indian food, creamy chicken, comfort food