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pumpkin butter chicken

Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Gluten-Free
Nut-Free

Pumpkin purée adds a seasonal twist to this creamy chicken recipe that's seasoned with traditional warming Indian spices.

pumpkin butter chicken
  • Makes4 servings
  • Prep Time15 minutes
  • Cook Time35 minutes
  • 2 tbs. butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • ½ tsp. garam masala
  • ½ tsp. ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 15-oz. can pumpkin
  • 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tbs. dried fenugreek leaves, also known as methi (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 can full-fat coconut milk)
  • Cooked rice or naan for serving
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
STEP 1
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about three to five minutes.
STEP 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
STEP 3
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for three to five minutes, until it’s just beginning to brown, and then add the spices and salt and stir to coat the chicken. Cook for a few minutes more, until the spices are fragrant.
STEP 4
Add the pumpkin, tomato sauce, and dried fenugreek leaves (if using), and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for about five minutes.
STEP 5
Add the heavy cream or coconut milk and stir to combine. Cover the pot and continue to cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
STEP 6
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; add water to thin if necessary. Serve the butter chicken hot with cooked rice or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Photographer: Terry Brennan; Food Stylist: Betsy Nelson

Mish Sen is a Minnesota-based recipe developer and cookbook author.

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