Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

When you think of cozy nights, nothing quite warms the soul like a bowl of creamy butternut squash butter chicken. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it simmers will beckon everyone home. You know that moment when you take a big ol’ spoonful, and the luxurious texture dances on your tongue while the spices embrace your taste buds? That’s exactly what happens with this dish.

Imagine inviting your friends and family for dinner, and instead of the usual pizza, you serve this vibrant, flavorful concoction. You’ll win hearts and stomachs, not to mention a few birthday invites along the way. There’s nothing quite like a comforting meal to bring people together, especially when it’s this delicious and unique.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs – Cut into bite-size chunks; thighs are juicier but breasts work fine if you prefer them.

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt – This adds creaminess and tang, helping the spices adhere beautifully to the chicken.

2 teaspoons garam masala – A warm blend of spices that adds an exotic flavor and depth to the dish.

1 tablespoon garam masala – Yes, that’s right, we’re layering flavors here, so extra spice is necessary for maximum deliciousness.

1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of smokiness, which balances the sweetness of the squash.

2 teaspoons cumin – Adds earthiness; it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.

1 teaspoon turmeric – This gives color and a subtle bitterness that enhances the dish.

1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper – Adjust according to how spicy you like it; just a little adds a nice kick.

kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – To sauté the chicken and vegetables.

4 tablespoons salted butter – Because anything with butter is better, right?

1 large yellow onion – Chopped; it becomes sweet and tender when cooked, adding to the base flavor.

2 cups cubed butternut squash – This is the star of the dish, giving sweetness and creaminess.

6 cloves garlic – Chopped; adds a wonderful aromatic quality.

2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger – A bright note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

1-2 teaspoons chili flakes – For an extra layer of heat; always adjust to your preference.

1 tablespoon tomato paste – It adds richness and depth to the sauce.

1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk – Creamy and luscious, this is what makes it “butter” chicken!

1/2 cup fresh cilantro – Roughly chopped for garnish; a burst of freshness to finish.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, toss together the chicken, Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while you gather your other ingredients – that’s called multitasking!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear it on both sides until it’s beautifully browned — about 2 minutes each side will do. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and cubed butternut squash, letting them mingle with the residual flavors. Cook for about 5 minutes until the squash softens a bit. Then, add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the garlic, ginger, the remaining garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the kitchen gets fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now, it’s time to get saucy. Add the tomato paste and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to really come together.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce the heat to low, and pour in 1 cup of water along with the can of coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. If it seems too thick, just add a little more coconut milk.

Step 6: Return the Chicken
Add the chicken back into the pan, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until everything is nicely coated and the sauce thickens a bit. Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve this creamy butternut squash butter chicken over bowls of fluffy rice with warm naan on the side. Dive in, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Perfecting Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until it’s golden and juicy, then cook the butternut squash and blend in the spices to develop maximum flavor. Finish by adding coconut milk and simmering for a creamy, rich sauce.

Add Your Touch to Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Feel free to swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option, or play with spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a different vibe. Adding spinach or kale can also sneak in more veggies.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if the sauce has thickened.

Sharing a cozy meal made this creamy delight the highlight of our weekly family dinner. Everyone raved about the comforting flavors, and my aunt even requested the recipe to recreate it for her dinner party!

FAQs About Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

What is Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken?

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavors and comforting, creamy sauce. This dish uses tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, which are then simmered with sweet butternut squash and a luscious coconut milk sauce. The combination of spices, including garam masala, turmeric, and ginger, creates a rich and aromatic experience that will impress your taste buds. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re looking to indulge in a cozy meal.

How can I make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken dairy-free?

To make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken dairy-free, simply replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. For the butter, you can substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil, which will keep the dish rich while adhering to your dietary preferences. The coconut milk in the recipe already contributes to the creaminess, so your flavor profile will remain intact while catering to a dairy-free lifestyle.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables to Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken can enhance both the nutrition and flavor of the dish. Consider incorporating spinach, bell peppers, or peas for some extra color and health benefits. Just toss them in during the cooking process, allowing them to sauté until tender. This adds a delightful texture and more vibrant flavors while keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.

What can I serve with Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken?

Pairing Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal experience. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm, freshly baked naan for a cozy complete dish. You could also offer a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the curry. Don’t forget to have a refreshing mango chutney or raita on the side to complement those aromatic spices with a touch of sweetness!

Conclusion for Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and the slight sweetness of butternut squash. With a rich coconut milk sauce, this recipe creates a comforting experience perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The versatility of ingredients allows for personal touches, making it easy to adapt to various dietary preferences. Don’t miss out on the chance to create an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for more of this creamy delight!

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Delight in Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken, a comforting fusion of spices, tender chicken, and sweet butternut squash.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 499

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
• 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala plus 1 tablespoon for cooking
• 1 teaspoon paprika plus 1/2 teaspoon for cooking
• 2 teaspoons cumin plus 1 teaspoon for cooking
• 1 teaspoon turmeric plus 1/2 teaspoon for cooking
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper use to taste
• kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
• 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes use to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 14 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Equipment

• large skillet
• mixing bowl

Method

 

1. In a bowl, toss together the chicken, yogurt, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and toss to coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate.
3. To the skillet, add the onion and butternut squash, tossing with the butter in the skillet. Cook 5 minutes, until softened. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the garlic, ginger, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup water and the coconut milk. Stir to combine, bring the sauce to a simmer, cook 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, thin with 1/2 to 1 cup additional coconut milk. Add the chicken and any juices in the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the chicken, squash, and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 499kcal

Notes

Feel free to swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option, or play with spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a different vibe. Adding spinach or kale can also sneak in more veggies.

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