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Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 67 reviews
Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, flavorful hug, the Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe is your go-to comfort food. This delicious recipe marries tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, and a velvety spiced coconut sauce that’s as rich as it is inviting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will instantly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Exquisite Flavor Balance: The combination of warming spices with creamy coconut milk and sweet butternut squash creates a spectacular harmony that’s both exotic and comforting.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You don’t need a pantry full of rare items—just some basics and a few spices deliver bold flavor.
Perfect for Families and Entertaining: This crowd-pleaser works beautifully for weeknight dinners or those special moments when you want to impress.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this dish fuels your day without feeling heavy.

The image shows a black pan filled with cooked diced yellow squash and bits of cooked onion. There is a pile of reddish-brown spices and some minced garlic on top of the squash near the center. The squash pieces have a soft, slightly shiny texture with some browned edges, and the onions are translucent with some light browning. The black pan contrasts with the bright yellow and orange tones of the squash and the deep red of the spices. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken, butternut squash chicken dinner, spicy coconut chicken, comfort food recipes, easy healthy chicken dinner

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe lies in how straightforward ingredients come together to create complex layers of taste. Each component adds its own perfect note—whether it’s the sweetness from the butternut squash, the earthy spices, or the richness from coconut milk and butter.

Flat lay of vibrant cubed butternut squash, fresh bright green cilantro leaves, chopped yellow onion, plump garlic cloves, a small pile of grated fresh ginger, rich red tomato paste, creamy white coconut milk in a clear jar, colorful mounds of garam masala, turmeric, and paprika spices, and smooth chunks of boneless chicken breast, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken, butternut squash chicken dinner, spicy coconut chicken, comfort food recipes, easy healthy chicken dinner
  • Chicken: Use boneless skinless breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites; thighs tend to be more forgiving and flavorful.
  • Greek yogurt: Acts as a marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and adding subtle tang.
  • Garam masala & spices: The heart of the dish—feel free to adjust cayenne and chili flakes for your preferred heat level.
  • Butternut squash: Adds vibrant color and a natural sweetness that balances the spices.
  • Butter & olive oil: These fats bring richness and help develop that lush sauce.
  • Coconut milk: Creates a luxuriously creamy texture and a mildly sweet undertone that ties everything together.
  • Fresh ginger and garlic: Essential aromatics that pack a fragrant punch.
  • Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that lifts the entire dish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with Greek yogurt and a blend of garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. This marinade is like a flavor bomb, tenderizing the meat while imbuing it with those signature warm spices. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to soak in all that goodness.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear on each side for about 2 minutes until beautifully browned. Toss in a couple tablespoons of butter for extra richness, coating each piece with silky flavor. Remove the chicken and set it aside—you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 3: Cook the Veggies and Spices

In the same skillet, add onions and cubed butternut squash, letting them cook in the lingering butter and oil for about 5 minutes until softened. Then stir in fresh garlic, ginger, chili flakes, more garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and tomato paste. The aromas here are incredible—stay close and enjoy the fragrant blend developing over the next 5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in coconut milk and water to create a lush, creamy sauce. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens just right. If you want it a bit thinner, feel free to add more coconut milk. This step transforms your sauce into the luxurious base that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the seared chicken and its delicious juices to the skillet. Allow everything to cook together, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thicker—around 10 minutes. Off the heat, stir in a generous handful of fresh cilantro. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, and your creamy masterpiece is ready!

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white speckled plate with three main layers: on the left side a mound of white rice with some green herbs sprinkled on top, on the right side a thick orange-brown curry with chunks of meat covered in sauce and garnished with chopped green herbs, and around the curry and rice, a large light beige puffed and textured flatbread folded to hold the food. A gold spoon is partially placed under the rice with some sauce on it, and bits of herbs are scattered around the plate on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, a small dark bowl filled with chopped green herbs is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken, butternut squash chicken dinner, spicy coconut chicken, comfort food recipes, easy healthy chicken dinner

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is ideal to brighten this rich dish. For an extra touch, a squeeze of lime or a few thin slices of fresh chili can add a fresh, zesty kick that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice or warm, buttery naan bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. You can also serve it alongside simple roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad for refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the creamy chicken in beautiful shallow bowls topped with a handful of toasted cashews or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Consider garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers to make the dish truly pop with color and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more delicious the next day—a perfect excuse for a tasty lunch!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the coconut milk from curdling, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it back up.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even better for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender while absorbing the spices well. If you prefer breasts, just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

  2. Can I substitute the butternut squash with another vegetable?

    Yes! Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or even carrots would make great alternatives, offering a similar sweetness and texture that complements the spices and creamy sauce.

  3. Is this recipe spicy?

    The recipe has a warm, gentle heat thanks to cayenne and chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by using less or more of those ingredients.

  4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt to keep it creamy without dairy.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe enough—it’s cozy, flavorful, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a special occasion, it brings a wonderful richness that satisfies every craving. Give it a try soon and watch it become your new favorite comfort food!

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Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces with the sweetness of butternut squash in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce. This recipe blends traditional Indian spices with a creamy texture, making it perfect for a hearty family meal served over rice or with fresh naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts/thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, use to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes, use to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • Additional salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala (for cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (for cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for cooking)
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss well to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate and rest for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them on both sides for about 2 minutes until browned. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter to the pan and toss the chicken to coat it well in the butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Spices: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cubed butternut squash, tossing them with the remaining butter in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Then add 2 more tablespoons of butter, garlic, grated ginger, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook the mixture until the spices become fragrant, roughly 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of water along with the full-fat coconut milk to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it by adding 1/2 to 1 cup more coconut milk as needed.
  5. Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the seared chicken along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for an additional 10 minutes on low heat until the sauce thickens to your preference and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Add Fresh Cilantro and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the roughly chopped fresh cilantro. Taste the curry and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy butternut squash butter chicken hot over bowls of steamed rice and alongside fresh naan bread for a complete, hearty Indian-inspired meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper and chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat compared to breasts.
  • The butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and creaminess that balances the spices well.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add less water/coconut milk.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Serve with basmati rice or warm naan for an authentic meal experience.
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