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Pumpkin Butter Chicken

Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken: A Cozy Autumn Delight

Enjoy a delicious Pumpkin Butter Chicken that blends rich flavors and spices for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs Tender protein base
  • 1 cup plain yogurt Greek yogurt preferred
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste Essential for flavor
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Can substitute with lime
For the Spices
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala Primary spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder Adds earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder Adjust for spice level
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder Essential in Indian cuisine
  • to taste salt Basic seasoning
  • to taste black pepper Basic seasoning
For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee Adds moisture
  • 1 medium onion Finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic Fresh for best results
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger Grated for flavor
For the Saucy Attributes
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Main ingredient
  • 1 can diced tomatoes Keep undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds richness
  • 1 cup chicken broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 tablespoon butter Optional
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Optional for sweetness
For the Finish
  • to taste cilantro Fresh garnish
  • as needed basmati rice or naan Serving options

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • large skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil or ghee in a large skillet. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add butter, optional brown sugar, and spices to the sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Cook marinated chicken in a skillet or bake in the oven until golden and cooked. Cut into pieces and add to sauce, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  6. Serve hot garnished with cilantro and with rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinate overnight for best results; adjust spice levels to taste; can be made vegetarian with chickpeas or paneer.

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