Indian Pumpkin Butter Chicken (40 Minutes)

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Savor the warmth and richness of Indian cuisine with this pumpkin butter chicken recipe. A delightful twist on the classic butter chicken, this version incorporates pumpkin for a homey flavor that complements the traditional spices beautifully. Served with fluffy white rice, it’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect whenever you’re craving something comforting.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Chicken (5 minutes): Season chicken pieces with salt and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Brown Chicken (8 minutes): Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and brown on all sides.
  4. Add Spices (2 minutes): Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
  5. Incorporate Pumpkin (3 minutes): Stir in pumpkin puree and tomato sauce until well combined.
  6. Simmer (10 minutes): Let the sauce simmer, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
  7. Finish with Cream (2 minutes): Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
  8. Prepare Rice (as per rice package instructions): While the chicken is simmering, cook white rice according to package instructions.
  9. Serve (2 minutes): Spoon the pumpkin butter chicken over a bed of white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Notes

For an even healthier version, feel free to substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a lower-fat alternative. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile with its vitamins and fiber. Enjoy the comfort of this dish and feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/indian-pumpkin-butter-chicken-40-minutes/