If you are craving something comforting, vibrant, and packed with flavor, then this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is going to be your new favorite dinner go-to. Imagine tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious sauce that perfectly blends the sweetness of butternut squash with the warm spices of traditional Indian cooking, all brought together with a silky, buttery finish. It’s a dish that excites the senses, warms the soul, and invites you to savor every bite with friends and family.

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken. Each component is beautifully simple yet essential, bringing layers of taste, luxurious texture, and gorgeous color to this dish.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These tender pieces ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.

Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for sautéing the onions and chicken without overpowering flavors.
Onion: Finely chopped to provide a sweet base that mellows and blends with the spices.

Garlic: Minced to release aromatic warmth that’s key to the dish’s depth.
Fresh ginger: Grated for a sharp, spicy brightness that lifts the overall flavor.

Butternut squash puree: Adds natural sweetness and creamy texture that sets this butter chicken apart.
Full-fat coconut milk: Enhances richness with a subtle tropical creaminess that complements the squash.
Tomato puree: Balances sweetness with a gentle acidity, making the sauce vibrant and rich.

Butter: Stirred in at the end for that signature, silky smooth finish everyone loves.
Garam masala: A fragrant blend of spices that anchors the dish in traditional warmth.
Turmeric: Adds color and subtle earthiness alongside healthful benefits.

Cumin powder: Brings a smoky, nutty depth to each bite.
Coriander powder: Offers citrusy undertones enhancing the fresh flavors.
Chili powder: Just a hint of heat to gently tease the palate.

Salt and pepper: To taste, perfectly balancing all the intricate flavors.
Fresh cilantro leaves: For a pop of fresh green color and a burst of herbal brightness when serving.
Cooked basmati rice or naan: Ideal accompaniments to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Onions with Garlic and Ginger

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it softens the onions, releasing their natural sweetness and forming a flavor-packed base. Then, stir in the freshly grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until you catch their intoxicating aromas filling the kitchen. These foundations set the stage for the next layers of deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Now add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the pan, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes and creates that irresistible, savory depth in your dish. Browning not only locks in the juices but also adds a slightly caramelized flavor that will shine through in the finished butter chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Spices

Sprinkle in your fragrant garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so every piece of chicken gets coated with these warm, dynamic spices. Give it another minute or two of cooking; this toast of spices blooms their flavors beautifully, ensuring your Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is bursting with aromatic appeal.

Step 4: Combine Butternut Squash Puree and Liquids

Lower the heat and stir in the butternut squash puree, creamy coconut milk, and tomato puree. Stir vigorously to create a vibrant sauce where all the ingredients marry perfectly. This mixture will simmer gently for about 20 minutes. During this time, the chicken cooks fully while the sauce thickens, becoming rich and velvety. This is where the magic of the “creamy” in Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken truly happens.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Adjust Seasoning

In the final moments of cooking, stir in the butter for that dreamy, silky finish that gives butter chicken its iconic texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. This final step ensures every bite is decadent and balanced, making your dish shine.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves are a must; their bright, herbal notes slice through the richness of the sauce for a fresh contrast. You can also sprinkle a few toasted cashews or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

Basmati rice is a classic partner here, with its fragrant, fluffy grains soaking up the luscious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, warm naan bread offers a soft and pillowy texture that makes mopping up every last spoonful irresistible. Both choices complement the dish by extending its flavors and textures wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken in hollowed naan bowls or atop a bed of lightly spiced quinoa to mix things up. Garnish with a drizzle of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that will wow your guests visually and on the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors. When properly stored, it only gets better as the sauce continues to develop depth overnight.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the chicken tougher.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide more juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts can be used if preferred. Just be careful not to overcook them since they dry out more quickly.

Is the butternut squash puree homemade or store-bought better?

Both options work wonderfully. Homemade butternut squash puree can be fresher and more vibrant, but store-bought puree is convenient and still tastes great, especially when combined with the spices and coconut milk.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Since the recipe already uses coconut milk, simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep it creamy and delicious without dairy.

How spicy is this dish?

The chili powder adds a gentle warmth, but the dish is generally mild. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your heat preference or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can substitute full-fat coconut milk with heavy cream or cashew cream for richness, but coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note that pairs fantastically with the butternut squash.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is an absolute delight that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance in one pan. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up to on a chilly evening or to impress loved ones with something a little different yet undeniably satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did.

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A rich and creamy Butter Chicken recipe infused with the natural sweetness of butternut squash puree, combined with aromatic Indian spices and coconut milk for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Sauté Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides, around 8-10 minutes.
Spice the Chicken: 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.

Add Liquids and Puree: Reduce heat to low, then add butternut squash puree, coconut milk, and tomato puree. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Finish with Butter: In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the butter to create a creamy texture.

Adjust and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Serve: Serve hot with cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, blend the butternut squash puree with the tomato puree before adding to the pan.

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
Adjust chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
Homemade butternut squash puree can be made by roasting cubed squash and blending until smooth.

This dish can be made gluten-free by serving with rice instead of naan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 460
Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g

Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Butter chicken, butternut squash puree, creamy chicken curry, Indian spices, coconut milk, garam masala, comfort food, easy dinner