Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp butter chicken masala spice mix; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; Juice of 1 lime; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Print Recipe

Indulge your taste buds with a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening—the Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a velvety sauce, infused with sweet butternut squash and fragrant spices that dance through the kitchen, making everyone hungry before the meal even begins. hearty mushroom thyme orecchiette

Picture this: You’re hosting a cozy dinner party, and the moment your guests walk in, the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of creamy spices and roasted squash. This dish is a showstopper that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart, making it perfect for gatherings or quiet nights in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is effortless to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal
The rich flavors blend together beautifully, creating a visually appealing dish that brightens up any table
It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, naan, or even pasta!

Sharing my first encounter with this recipe brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter flowed as freely as the delicious food. I remember my cousin taking one bite and proclaiming it “life-changing,” which was quite the compliment coming from him!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work perfectly here; feel free to adjust based on your appetite and guest count.
Butternut Squash: Choose firm squash; its sweetness adds depth to the sauce while providing a beautiful orange hue.
Onion: A medium onion provides sweetness; don’t skimp on chopping it finely for an even sauté.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for flavor; opt for at least three cloves for that aromatic kick.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess; it balances out the spices wonderfully without being too heavy.
Butter Chicken Masala Spice Mix: Look for your favorite brand or make your own blend if you’re feeling adventurous!

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish; just a splash adds zing!
Fresh Cilantro (for garnish): This herb adds color and freshness; don’t skip it if you can help it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken and Veggies: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly. Dice the onion finely and peel then cube your butternut squash into small pieces—this helps them soften quickly during cooking.

Sauté Aromatics Until Fragrant: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced onions, stirring until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes should do it! Toss in minced garlic next and sauté just until fragrant.

Add Butternut Squash and Spices: Stir in your cubed butternut squash along with the butter chicken masala spice mix. Cook everything together for about 7-10 minutes until the squash begins to soften and those spices become aromatic—trust me, it’ll smell heavenly!

Cook The Chicken Thoroughly: Toss in your chicken pieces now. Cook them until they turn golden brown on all sides—around 8 minutes should be sufficient. No one likes rubbery chicken, so ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

Create The Creamy Sauce: Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth now. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully—about 15 minutes works wonders! If you need more creaminess, feel free to add extra coconut milk.

Finish It Off With Lime Juice And Garnish: Once everything is cooked through and creamy perfection has been achieved, finish off with fresh lime juice for brightness. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro—this colorful touch makes all the difference!

After indulging in this delightful Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken, I promise you’ll be left wondering how you ever lived without it before! Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting masterpiece as you soak up its rich flavors and inviting textures at home or shared among friends. savory turkey panini.

You Must Know

This creamy butternut squash butter chicken recipe is not only a delightful twist on a classic dish but also offers a comforting texture and rich flavor
The buttery sauce enhances the tender chicken, creating a symphony of taste that will have everyone clamoring for seconds
Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, it’s sure to be a hit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to golden perfection before adding the butternut squash puree and spices. While that simmers, prepare your rice or naan to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the butternut squash with pumpkin or sweet potato for a different flavor profile. Adding some spinach or kale can boost nutrition without compromising taste, making it both healthy and tasty. delicious pumpkin frosting.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, ensuring the sauce remains creamy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect results, ensure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking
Don’t rush the simmering process; let those flavors meld together for at least 20 minutes
Experiment with spices like garam masala for an extra kick!

Sharing this creamy butternut squash butter chicken with friends led to one unforgettable dinner party where everyone asked for the recipe. Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe It was heartwarming to see them enjoy something I created with love!

FAQs

FAQ

What makes this butter chicken different?

This creamy butternut squash butter chicken features a unique twist by incorporating butternut squash into the sauce, adding sweetness and depth while maintaining that classic Indian flavor we all crave. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken Marsala pasta recipe.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The butternut squash will still provide that creamy texture you love.

What should I serve with this dish?

Pair this creamy butternut squash butter chicken with fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad can also complement it beautifully.