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Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

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A warm and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy butternut squash sauce, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cup butternut squash puree
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup tomato puree
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Basmati rice or naan (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the thighs from the skillet and set them aside.
  2. In the same skillet, drop in your finely chopped onions and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. Add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute.
  3. Stir in the butternut squash puree and tomato puree, mixing everything together. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir well and pour in the full-fat coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return the seared chicken thighs into the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  6. Check that the chicken is fully cooked, taste, and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with chickpeas or tofu. It’s also gluten-free as long as the spices are free from additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, butter chicken, cozy meals, Indian cuisine, comfort food

Find it online: https://sweetladle.com/one-pan-creamy-butternut-squash-chicken-weeknights/