Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of spices and creamy pumpkin? Today, we’re diving into a soul-satisfying, traditional dish that brings together the heartiness of autumn with the timeless flavor of Indian cuisine — Pumpkin Butter Chicken. 🍗🎃

This dish is a twist on the beloved butter chicken, adding a velvety pumpkin purée that gives it a touch of sweetness and richness without overpowering the classic flavors. Imagine tender chicken pieces bathed in a creamy tomato-pumpkin sauce, kissed with aromatic spices, and finished with a swirl of butter and cream. The result? A cozy meal that pairs beautifully with naan, rice, or even a warm roti.

Pumpkin Butter Chicken is perfect for those crisp evenings when you crave something indulgent yet nourishing. It’s both festive and familiar, and it’s bound to make your family gather around the table for seconds. So roll up those sleeves, turn up the music, and let’s bring this fragrant magic to life! 🌿✨

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🥘 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• Salt to taste

For the Pumpkin Butter Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (plus extra for finishing)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup tomato purée
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) 🎃
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• ½ cup water (adjust for consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, garlic, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil it and sear the marinated chicken pieces until browned and nearly cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   In a large pan, melt butter and oil together over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20 seconds. Toss in chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Spices:
   Sprinkle in coriander, garam masala, paprika, and cinnamon. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
5. Tomato & Pumpkin Magic:
   Pour in the tomato purée and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate. Then add the pumpkin purée, stirring to combine into a silky orange sauce. 🎃
6. Simmer to Perfection:
   Add cream and a splash of water, stirring gently. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The sauce should become rich and creamy.
7. Combine & Finish:
   Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for another 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in a final knob of butter for that irresistible glossy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve with Love:
   Garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of cream. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.

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🥗 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 kcal
🍽️ Servings: 4

Per Serving (approximate):

• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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#pumpkinbutterchicken #comfortfood #indianrecipes #autumncooking #homemadegoodness #spicedperfection #familydinner

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️