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–+ servings
Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Cozy Up with Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken Tonight

This Pumpkin Butter Chicken combines tender chicken with a creamy pumpkin sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken
  • 1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste or fresh garlic and ginger
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree pure pumpkin without added sugars
  • 1 can diced tomatoes canned is convenient
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 2 tablespoons butter omit for dairy-free
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • to taste salt
For Garnishing
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee for sautéing

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Add your chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.
  2. Heat olive oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  3. Add pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes, mixing well until heated through.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. If using, add butter and brown sugar. Season with spices and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  5. Cook marinated chicken by pan-frying for 5-7 minutes on each side, or baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or grilling for 4-6 minutes per side.
  6. Add the cooked chicken into the simmering sauce, stir gently, and let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Serve over basmati rice or with naan, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust spice levels to your preference and marinate longer for enhanced flavor. Can be prepared in advance to save time.

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