Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’ve got a flavor explosion to share! Imagine the cozy, comforting vibes of fall – that’s butternut squash, right? Now, picture that swirled into the rich, aromatic spices of Indian butter chicken. Yep, that’s my *Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken*, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.

I stumbled upon this combo totally by accident, actually. I was craving butter chicken (always!), but my fridge was overflowing with butternut squash from the farmer’s market. You know how it is! So, I thought, “Why not?”. And wow, was that a good decision! The sweetness of the squash balances the spices perfectly, and it makes the sauce unbelievably creamy. Seriously, you won’t believe how good this is!

This isn’t your average butter chicken, folks. We’re talking next-level comfort food with a healthy-ish twist (hello, veggies!). The *Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken* is packed with flavor, super easy to make, and it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made it for potlucks, cozy dinners, and even a slightly fancy Thanksgiving side dish (don’t judge!). Every time, people rave. So, get ready to fall in love with your new favorite fall-inspired Indian dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good comfort food recipe that doesn’t take all day? This one’s ready in under an hour, and it’s SO satisfying!

A Flavor Fusion That Works

Okay, I know it sounds a little crazy, but trust me on this! The Indian spices and the sweet butternut squash? It’s a match made in heaven!

Perfect for Fall Gatherings

Need a dish to impress at your next fall get-together? This one’s a guaranteed hit! It’s unique, delicious, and totally seasonal. Win-win-win!

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

The Chicken

You’ll need about 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like thighs ’cause they stay juicy!

The Aromatic Base

This is where the magic starts! Grab 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 medium chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and about 1 inch of grated ginger.

The Spices

Gotta have those warm spices! We’re talking 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (about 1/4 tsp) if you’re feeling brave!

The Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce

Here’s what makes it special: 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce, 1 cup of butternut squash puree (more on that later!), and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Yum!

The Finishing Touches

Almost there! You’ll also need 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, salt and pepper to taste, and cooked rice or naan for serving. So good!

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken seasoned! In a bowl, toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cayenne (if you’re using it). Make sure every piece is coated evenly – that’s key!

Cooking the Chicken

Heat up 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through just yet. Once browned, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later!

Building the Sauce

Now for the good stuff! In the same skillet, add your chopped onion and cook until it’s softened – about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Careful not to burn the garlic! Next, stir in the tomato sauce and butternut squash puree. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Finishing the Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Okay, almost there! Stir in the heavy cream and then add the chicken back into the skillet. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened up a bit. You want it nice and creamy! Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and you’re ready to serve!

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Serving Your Delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Serve this creamy goodness over cooked rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. Mmm, perfect!

Tips for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Spice Level Adjustment

Not a fan of too much heat? No problem! Just reduce or skip the chili powder and cayenne pepper. Want more? Add a pinch more of each. Easy peasy!

Achieving the Perfect Creaminess

If your sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer for a few more minutes *without* the lid. If it gets too thick, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or water.

Butternut Squash Options

I usually use canned butternut squash puree ’cause it’s quick, but roasting your own is even better! Just roast, peel, and puree. So yummy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Chicken Alternatives

Going vegan? No sweat! Just swap the chicken for some firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it well to get rid of extra moisture, then cube it and follow the recipe as usual.

Cream Substitutions

Need a dairy-free option? Coconut cream is your best friend! It adds a lovely richness to the sauce. Just use the thick part from the top of the can.

Spice Variations

Don’t have garam masala on hand? No worries! A mix of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin will do the trick. Just play around with the amounts until you get a flavor you love!

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Classic Pairings

You just *gotta* have rice or naan with this, folks! Fluffy basmati rice is my go-to, but naan bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Seriously, don’t skip it!

Vegetable Sides

Want to add some extra veggies to your meal? Roasted vegetables are the way to go! Broccoli, cauliflower, or even more butternut squash would be amazing alongside this Creamy Butter Chicken.

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop ’em in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Yum!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even BETTER the next day. Just make the whole recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully!

How can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken spicier?

Easy! Add a pinch (or two!) of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could also use a hotter chili powder. Just taste and adjust as you go!

Can I freeze this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken?

Yep, you sure can! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. The sauce might separate a bit, but just stir it well, and it’ll be good as new!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken

Okay, friends, just a little disclaimer here: the nutritional info you might see floating around? It’s all an estimate! It really depends on the exact ingredients you use – brands, cuts of chicken, all that jazz. So, don’t take it as gospel, okay? Just a general idea!

Enjoyed This Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken Recipe?

Hey, if you loved this Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken as much as I do, let me know! Leave a comment below and tell me what you think. And hey, if you snapped a pic, share it on social media and tag me! I love seeing your creations! Happy cooking!