Deliciously Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken: Your Ultimate One-Pot Fall Comfort Meal

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredibly flavorful and easy Pumpkin Butter Chicken recipe. It beautifully balances sweet and savory notes with a hint of warming spices, creating a delightfully fragrant dish that’s perfect for a comforting fall supper. This one-pot wonder simplifies meal prep without compromising on taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend feast.

This post was first published on October 19, 2020, and was last updated Sept. 19, 2025.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pumpkin Butter Chicken

This isn’t just another chicken curry; it’s a seasonal celebration in a bowl. Here’s why this Pumpkin Butter Chicken is destined to become a staple in your autumn recipe rotation:

• Seasonal Perfection: The addition of pumpkin or butternut squash infuses a subtle sweetness and velvety texture, making it undeniably autumnal and comforting.
• One-Pot Wonder: From searing the chicken to simmering the rich sauce, everything comes together in a single pot. This means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
• Rich and Creamy: Traditional butter chicken elements like butter, Greek yogurt, and coconut milk create an incredibly luscious and smooth sauce that coats every piece of tender chicken and pumpkin.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: A harmonious blend of Indian spices like garam masala, curry powder, and turmeric, combined with fresh garlic and ginger, builds layers of complex flavor that are both exotic and comforting.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt it to be spicier, milder, vegetarian, or dairy-free. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages personalization.
• Heartwarming Fall Supper: There’s nothing quite like a warm, fragrant curry on a crisp fall evening. This dish delivers ultimate comfort and satisfaction.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Pumpkin Butter Chicken

At its core, this recipe builds upon the beloved foundations of classic butter chicken, introducing a delightful seasonal twist. You’ll find familiar elements like tender chicken, rich tomato paste, creamy coconut milk, and a symphony of aromatic spices. The Greek yogurt and a final swirl of butter are stirred in at the end, elevating the sauce to an extra creamy and luscious perfection. We love serving this over fragrant basmati rice, accompanied by warm naan bread and a scattering of fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even distribution in the sauce. For extra juiciness, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: A combination used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, building a rich flavor base.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced, it forms the aromatic foundation, adding sweetness and depth once caramelized.
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are non-negotiable for that authentic, pungent, and warming Indian flavor. Don’t skimp on these!
• Garam Masala, Curry Powder, Turmeric: The holy trinity of spices for this butter chicken. Garam masala provides a complex, aromatic warmth; curry powder adds depth and earthiness; and turmeric lends its vibrant color and subtle peppery notes, along with anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato paste adds a rich umami depth and a tangy sweetness to the sauce, crucial for traditional butter chicken flavor.
• Coconut Milk (Full-Fat): This is key for creating a luxuriously creamy and dairy-free base for the sauce, offering a subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• Pumpkin or Butternut Squash: Peeled and diced, this is our seasonal star! It melts into the sauce, adding natural sweetness, a beautiful color, and a velvety texture.
• Greek Yogurt (Plain): Stirred in at the end, it adds a desirable tanginess and an incredible creaminess, helping to balance the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro: A generous dusting of roughly chopped fresh cilantro is an absolute must for garnish, adding a burst of freshness and authentic flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Served on the side, a squeeze of fresh lime brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
• Steamed Basmati Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delicious, creamy sauce.
• Naan Flatbreads: Warm naan bread is ideal for scooping up every last drop of the luscious curry.

The Heart of the Flavor: The Beauty of Indian Spices

What truly defines a butter chicken, even with our pumpkin twist, is its aromatic spice blend. Curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric are not just ingredients; they are the soul of this dish, creating a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile.

Curry powder is one of the dominant spices, and while you can buy pre-mixed versions, crafting your own allows for a truly personalized and vibrant flavor. Many Indian households boast their unique curry powder recipes. I had the privilege of learning to blend my own from a friend from Trinidad, who taught me the nuances of balancing spices. We developed a custom blend with a bit more coriander, one of my personal favorites, for an extra aromatic kick.

The beauty of a homemade curry powder blend lies in its adaptability. You become the alchemist, tweaking the ratios to suit your palate. Do you prefer more heat? Add a pinch more cayenne. Love the earthy notes? Increase the cumin. This hands-on approach ensures your butter chicken will have a signature flavor that can’t be replicated by a store-bought jar.

Garam Masala: This staple Indian spice blend literally translates to “hot spice mixture.” It typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. It’s added later in the cooking process to preserve its delicate fragrance, imparting a warm, sweet, and pungent aroma.

Turmeric: Known for its vibrant golden color and potent anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric adds a subtle earthy and slightly bitter note. It’s also responsible for giving the curry its signature rich hue.

Together, these spices transform simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic, and comforting meal that tantalizes the senses.

Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Pumpkin Butter Chicken

One of the most appealing aspects of this Pumpkin Butter Chicken recipe is its delightful simplicity – it all comes together beautifully in one pot! This not only ensures a robust flavor profile as ingredients meld together but also makes for incredibly easy cleanup, a blessing on any cooking day.

Here’s how to create this heartwarming dish:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by dicing your chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for 20-30 minutes while you gather and prepare the remaining ingredients. This brief resting period helps the seasonings penetrate the meat and draws out some moisture, leading to a better sear.




2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them on one side until beautifully browned and crisp, which should take about 5 minutes. Resist the urge to move them too soon! If your pan is crowded, work in batches to ensure the chicken truly sears and doesn’t steam. Remove the crisped chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, typically around 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building the base flavor.
4. Bloom the Spices: Add the garam masala, curry powder, and turmeric to the pan with the cooked aromatics. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and become incredibly fragrant. This “blooming” step intensifies their flavors.
5. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully incorporated with the spices and aromatics. Then, pour in the full-fat coconut milk. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring well to combine all ingredients.













6. Simmer with Pumpkin and Chicken: Once the sauce is simmering, add the diced pumpkin (or butternut squash) and the previously seared chicken back into the pot. Continue to simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the pumpkin becomes tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Finish with Creaminess: To complete the sauce, stir in the ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt and the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.



8. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Stir in a healthy pinch of fresh cilantro. Serve the Pumpkin Butter Chicken hot over fluffy steamed basmati rice. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges for a burst of citrusy brightness. Don’t forget the warm naan flatbreads for scooping up every last bit of that exquisite sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for Success and Flavor Enhancement

To ensure your Pumpkin Butter Chicken reaches its full flavor potential and delivers an unforgettable dining experience, consider these expert tips:

• Patience with Simmering: If time permits, allow your curry to simmer on the stovetop for a longer period, even up to an hour or more, especially after the chicken and pumpkin are cooked through. The longer the spices like curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, and ginger have to meld in the coconut milk, tomato paste, and yogurt, the deeper and more harmonious the flavors will become. This also results in incredibly tender chicken.
• Slow Cooker Option: For ultimate convenience and tenderness, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. After searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics and spices in your Dutch oven, transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the tomato paste, coconut milk, and pumpkin. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the pumpkin is tender and chicken is cooked through. Stir in the Greek yogurt and final butter at the end and simmer for another 30 minutes. If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, check out CookMagnifique and use code “Kendell10” for 10% off your order.
• Quality Spices Make a Difference: Freshly ground spices or high-quality blends will dramatically impact the final taste. If you can, make your own curry powder (follow this recipe!) for an unparalleled flavor.
• Fresh Aromatics: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger over pre-minced or powdered versions. Their vibrant flavor is irreplaceable.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding cools the pan and steams the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that delicious browned crust.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before the final simmer. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch more spice if you feel it needs it. A little pinch of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomato paste if needed.
• Generous Cilantro: Cilantro is not just a garnish here; it’s an integral part of the flavor. Its fresh, bright notes cut through the richness of the curry beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Pumpkin Butter Chicken is a star in itself, but it truly shines when served with the right accompaniments:

• Basmati Rice: Steamed basmati rice is the classic choice. Its long, slender grains and fragrant aroma perfectly complement the rich curry, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Naan Bread: Warm, pillowy naan bread is essential for scooping up every last drop of the creamy, spiced sauce. Garlic naan or whole wheat naan are also excellent choices. You can even try making homemade flatbreads for an extra special touch.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over your serving plate adds a bright, tangy counterpoint that elevates all the flavors.
• Extra Cilantro: Don’t be shy with additional fresh cilantro for garnish. Its herbaceousness provides a lovely contrast.
• Raita (Cucumber Yogurt Dip): For a cooling contrast, a simple raita made with grated cucumber, plain yogurt, and a sprinkle of cumin can be a wonderful addition, especially if you like a bit of heat in your curry.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing break between bites of the rich curry.

Variations & Substitutions to Personalize Your Curry

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or personal preferences:

• Make it Vegan/Vegetarian: To transform this into a delightful plant-based meal, simply omit the chicken. Instead, bulk up the quantity of pumpkin or butternut squash, or add chickpeas, lentils, or firm tofu cubes. Ensure to use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version.
• Year-Round Enjoyment: If pumpkin isn’t in season, or if you prefer a slightly different flavor, readily available butternut squash is a perfect substitute. Its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture work beautifully in this dish year-round.
• Garam Masala Alternatives: If you don’t have garam masala on hand, an easy substitute is a blend of 4 parts ground cumin with 1 part allspice. Alternatively, you can simply use an extra teaspoon of curry powder.
• Dairy-Free Option: While Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and creaminess, you can omit it to make the dish dairy-free. Simply replace the Greek yogurt with an equal amount of additional full-fat coconut milk to maintain the creamy consistency. For the butter, swap it out for coconut oil.
• Adjusting the Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding a finely diced jalapeño, serrano, or even a habanero pepper along with the onions, garlic, and ginger. For a milder touch, deseed the peppers or reduce the amount.
• Protein Swap: While chicken breast is specified, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even more tender and succulent result. Cook times might vary slightly.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Pumpkin Butter Chicken is arguably even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. This dish makes for excellent meal prep!

• Storage: Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Pumpkin Butter Chicken freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled curry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the curry on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid high heat, which can cause the yogurt to separate or the chicken to become tough.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8 cups

Pumpkin “Butter” Chicken

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

This pumpkin butter chicken toes the line of sweet and spice, while being delightfully fragrant. A perfectly heartwarming fall supper.

Ingredients

• 4, 6oz Chicken Breasts, diced
• Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh Ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
• 2 teaspoon Curry Powder
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric
• 1, 6oz can Tomato Paste
• 1, 14oz can Coconut Milk, full fat
• 1 lb Pumpkin or Butternut Squash, peeled and diced
• ½ cup Greek Yogurt, plain
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• Lime Wedges, for serving
• Steamed Basmati Rice, for serving
• Naan Flatbreads, for serving

Instructions

1. First, dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Let stand 20-30 minutes while you gather and prep the remaining ingredients.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces on one side until crisp, about 5 minutes. Do this in batches if needed. Remove the crisped chicken from the pan and add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garam masala, curry powder, and turmeric to the pan and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, and coconut milk. Bring the sauce to a simmer and add in the diced pumpkin and the chicken. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until the pumpkin gets soft and the chicken is cooked through. Finish the sauce with the greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons of butter. Simmer about 5 minutes longer.
3. Turn off the heat and add in a healthy pinch of cilantro and stir to combine. Serve over steamed basmati rice, with lime wedges and naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Notes

Notes & Tips

All curry powders are not created equal. And the stuff you buy at the grocery store in a jar is not what you want for this recipe. It takes a little extra effort, but make THIS RECIPE for curry powder to use here.

If you enjoy spicy foods, you can add a jalapeno, habanero, or hotter pepper if desired to the cooking method when cooking the onions.

I enjoy serving this with a nice flatbread, something homemade is great, but often I grab some Naan bread from the grocery store to add to the table when serving.

Substitutions

To make this vegan or vegetarian, you could leave out the chicken and bulk up the pumpkin to be the main star of this dish.

To make this a year-round staple, replace the pumpkin with butternut squash, it is readily available in most grocery stores at all times.

A good swap for the Garam Masala is, Allspice and Cumin: Combine 4 parts ground cumin with 1 part allspice, for an easy substitute when you’re in a hurry. You can also use more curry powder in place of it as well.

Greek yogurt adds a little tang to the dish, as well as mellows out the spices just a bit. You can omit if need to make this dairy-free, simple replace the yogurt with more coconut milk.

Speaking of dairy-free, I know this is butter chicken, you kinda need the butter, but you could exchange the butter for coconut oil if you wanted to keep it free of dairy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 469Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 34g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

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This Pumpkin Butter Chicken truly embodies the spirit of fall, offering a sweet and spicy aroma that will fill your home and warm your soul. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, perfect for gathering loved ones around the table. Don’t let the season pass without trying this wonderfully fragrant and satisfying meal.

If you’re looking to end your meal with a little something sweet that keeps with the season, explore my other fall-inspired baked goods. Try my delightful Pumpkin Banana Bread recipe for a comforting treat, or indulge in the irresistible Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Pecan Crisp Topping. Happy cooking!