Pumpkin Butter Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Name: Pumpkin Butter Chicken: 5 Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder; 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooked basmati rice; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Naan bread (optional)

by basmer

12 de November de 2025

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Pumpkin Butter Chicken is a delightful and creamy dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall. This cozy meal features tender marinated chicken simmered in a luscious pumpkin-infused butter sauce, spiced with garam masala, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your home with the inviting aromas of autumn. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting Indian recipe that will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Butter Chicken

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Pumpkin Butter Chicken. First, it’s incredibly creamy and comforting, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Second, the use of pumpkin not only adds a delightful flavor but also provides numerous health benefits, as it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Third, this dish is versatile; you can easily adapt it to fit dietary preferences such as gluten-free or low-carb. Additionally, the warm spices create a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a Pumpkin Chicken Stew Recipe or as a traditional curry, it’s sure to impress. Lastly, it’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Gather these items:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooked basmati rice
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Naan bread (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix well, then add chicken and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Step 2: Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Add the Pumpkin Base: Stir in pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes. Mix well, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), garam masala, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken: Pan-fry, bake, or grill the marinated chicken until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Pan-fry: 5–7 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Bake: 400°F for 15–20 minutes. Grill: 4–6 minutes per side.
Step 5: Combine and Serve: Add cooked chicken to the simmering sauce and let it bubble gently for 5–10 minutes. Serve over warm basmati rice with cilantro and naan. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Keep these in mind:

For a richer flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Always use fresh spices for the best aroma and taste.
Adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference.
This dish is perfect for meal prep; just store it in airtight containers.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Butter Chicken

There are several delightful ways to present your Pumpkin Butter Chicken:

Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal.
Pair it with warm naan for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Top it with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Butter Chicken

To store the Pumpkin Butter Chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish is great for Pumpkin Butter Chicken Meal Prep and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Butter Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin Butter Chicken?

The secret lies in marinating the chicken well and allowing the spices to meld together in the sauce. This enhances the flavors significantly, making your Pumpkin Butter Chicken irresistible.

Can I make Pumpkin Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Just cook it fresh when ready to serve, ensuring you enjoy warm, flavorful Pumpkin Butter Chicken.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin Butter Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your chicken is marinated long enough for the flavors to penetrate, and avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain its tenderness.

Variations of Pumpkin Butter Chicken You Can Try

Here are some variations to keep things exciting:

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter Chicken: Prepare the dish in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Butter Chicken: Substitute with gluten-free ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Pumpkin Chicken Tikka Masala: Add more spices and yogurt for a richer, spicier version.
Healthy Pumpkin Chicken Recipe: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. You can also explore the health benefits of pumpkin here to learn more about this nutritious ingredient.

Pumpkin Butter Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Author: basmer
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Pumpkin Butter Chicken is creamy, cozy, and full of warm fall flavors. Tender marinated chicken is simmered in a velvety pumpkin-infused butter sauce, perfectly spiced with garam masala, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix well, then add chicken and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 more minute.
Add the Pumpkin Base: Stir in pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes. Mix well, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), garam masala, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Chicken: Pan-fry, bake, or grill the marinated chicken until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Pan-fry: 5–7 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Bake: 400°F for 15–20 minutes. Grill: 4–6 minutes per side.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked chicken to the simmering sauce and let it bubble gently for 5–10 minutes. Serve over warm basmati rice with cilantro and naan. Enjoy!