Ingredients
Editor’s Pick
Tefal Taste Twin Frying Pan Set, 20 cm & 28 cm
Non-Stick • Thermo-Spot • Lightweight • All hobs (except induction)
- Thermo-Spot shows the right searing temperature.
- 20 cm for eggs & crêpes • 28 cm for family meals.
- Easy-clean non-stick interior; comfy handles.
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Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Aromatics
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut them into medium chunks.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, turmeric, and cumin. Set aside to marinate while you prep the other ingredients.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
🍗 Marinating the chicken even briefly allows the spices to begin working their magic before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, until lightly golden.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. (It will finish cooking later in the sauce.)
🌟 This quick sear adds depth and locks in juices, keeping the chicken tender.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and the butter.
- Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Spices
- Sprinkle in the garam masala, chili powder, coriander, cumin, and salt.
- Stir well for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices — this releases their full flavor and aroma.
🌶️ You’ll know it’s perfect when the kitchen smells warm, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add the tomato puree to the pan and stir to combine with the spices.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the butternut squash puree and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and golden-orange.
- Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring constantly to blend everything together.
🍛 The butternut squash thickens the sauce naturally, adding creaminess without heavy cream.
Step 6: Simmer with Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, coating each piece in the sauce.
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 7: Finish with Butter and Cilantro
- Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to give the sauce a glossy, velvety finish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt or a pinch of chili powder if desired.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread.
- Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra cilantro for color and freshness.
🍽️ Each bite delivers creamy, savory perfection balanced by the gentle sweetness of butternut squash.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave: Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each until hot. 💡 This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and mingle. 🥄 Variations
1. Vegetarian Version Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a hearty, meat-free option. 2. Spicy Butternut Curry Add a diced green chili or extra red chili powder for a fiery kick. 3. Creamy Cashew Butter Chicken Blend ¼ cup of soaked cashews into the sauce for a rich, nutty twist. 4. Lightened-Up Version Use low-fat coconut milk and skip the butter for a lighter but still creamy sauce. 5. Pumpkin Butter Chicken Swap butternut squash puree for pumpkin puree when it’s in season — equally delicious! 6. Slow Cooker Version Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker (except butter and cilantro) and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in butter and cilantro before serving. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful in creamy sauces. 2. Can I use homemade butternut squash puree?
Absolutely — just roast, mash, and blend until smooth before adding. 3. Is coconut milk necessary?
It gives the dish its creamy texture and subtle sweetness; you can substitute with cream if preferred. 4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — replace the butter with coconut oil for a fully dairy-free version. 5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. 6. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, peas, or bell peppers work wonderfully. 7. How spicy is this recipe?
Mild to medium — you can adjust the chili powder to your liking. 8. Can I use curry powder instead of garam masala?
Yes, but garam masala gives a more traditional, balanced flavor. 9. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. 10. What should I serve it with?
Basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted vegetables make perfect companions. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is the definition of cozy, flavorful comfort food — a dish that warms your soul with every bite. The butternut squash adds a velvety richness and a hint of sweetness, blending beautifully with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. The sauce clings perfectly to tender chicken pieces, creating a balance of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet that’s truly irresistible. Whether served over steaming basmati rice or scooped up with naan, it’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. And the best part? It’s wholesome, vibrant, and full of flavor — a golden bowl of happiness. So next time you crave something comforting but exciting, skip takeout and make this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken at home. You’ll be amazed by how much flavor can come from such simple, natural ingredients.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave: Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each until hot. 💡 This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and mingle. 🥄 Variations
1. Vegetarian Version Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a hearty, meat-free option. 2. Spicy Butternut Curry Add a diced green chili or extra red chili powder for a fiery kick. 3. Creamy Cashew Butter Chicken Blend ¼ cup of soaked cashews into the sauce for a rich, nutty twist. 4. Lightened-Up Version Use low-fat coconut milk and skip the butter for a lighter but still creamy sauce. 5. Pumpkin Butter Chicken Swap butternut squash puree for pumpkin puree when it’s in season — equally delicious! 6. Slow Cooker Version Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker (except butter and cilantro) and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in butter and cilantro before serving. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful in creamy sauces. 2. Can I use homemade butternut squash puree?
Absolutely — just roast, mash, and blend until smooth before adding. 3. Is coconut milk necessary?
It gives the dish its creamy texture and subtle sweetness; you can substitute with cream if preferred. 4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — replace the butter with coconut oil for a fully dairy-free version. 5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. 6. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, peas, or bell peppers work wonderfully. 7. How spicy is this recipe?
Mild to medium — you can adjust the chili powder to your liking. 8. Can I use curry powder instead of garam masala?
Yes, but garam masala gives a more traditional, balanced flavor. 9. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. 10. What should I serve it with?
Basmati rice, naan bread, or even roasted vegetables make perfect companions. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is the definition of cozy, flavorful comfort food — a dish that warms your soul with every bite. The butternut squash adds a velvety richness and a hint of sweetness, blending beautifully with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. The sauce clings perfectly to tender chicken pieces, creating a balance of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet that’s truly irresistible. Whether served over steaming basmati rice or scooped up with naan, it’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. And the best part? It’s wholesome, vibrant, and full of flavor — a golden bowl of happiness. So next time you crave something comforting but exciting, skip takeout and make this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken at home. You’ll be amazed by how much flavor can come from such simple, natural ingredients.