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Easy Butternut Chicken Curry

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

This delightful chicken and butternut curry is a flavor-packed dish combining the butternut’s sweet richness with creamy coconut milk. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting, delicious meal. The curry paste enriches the taste, while the butternut and chicken pieces melt in your mouth. Perfect for a quick yet refined dinner, this meal is sure to be a family favorite.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:24:07 GMT
Butternut and Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk Pin it
Butternut and Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk | Tasteofsavor.com

This aromatic coconut curry combines tender chicken with sweet butternut squash in a rich, creamy sauce. The gentle warmth of curry spices perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the squash, while coconut milk adds luxurious richness. This dish brings together classic Asian curry flavors in a comforting, satisfying meal.

This curry has become a favorite among even those new to spiced dishes. The butternut squash provides a gentle introduction to curry flavors, making it perfect for those just starting to explore Asian cuisine.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: Choose fresh chicken breast cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking
  • Butternut Squash: Select a firm squash with unblemished skin and bright orange flesh
  • Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk (at least 60% coconut content) for best results
  • Curry Paste: Yellow curry paste offers balanced flavor without excessive heat
  • Fresh Ginger: Look for firm ginger root with thin, unwrinkled skin

Preparation Method

1. Preparation (15-20 minutes)
Pat chicken dry and cut into even pieces. Peel and cube butternut squash. Finely dice onion, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Proper prep ensures even cooking.
2. Aromatics (5-7 minutes)
Heat oil in heavy-bottomed pot. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Stir in curry paste.
3. Cook Chicken (8-10 minutes)
Add chicken pieces, cooking until lightly golden while coating with spices. This step seals in moisture and develops flavor.
4. Complete Curry (25-30 minutes)
Add butternut squash and coconut milk. Add just enough water to barely cover ingredients. Simmer gently until squash is tender and chicken is cooked through.

This curry has become a Sunday dinner tradition, winning over even selective eaters with its gentle, appealing flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in preheated bowls to maintain temperature. Place rice on the side to allow gradual sauce absorption.

Chicken and Butternut Squash Coconut Curry - Delicious Recipe Pin it
Chicken and Butternut Squash Coconut Curry - Delicious Recipe | Tasteofsavor.com

Perfect Pairings

Fragrant basmati rice is traditional, but quinoa or bulgur offer healthy alternatives.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add mushrooms in autumn or fresh peas in spring for seasonal variations.

Cooking Science

Slow cooking allows butternut squash fibers to soften while maintaining structure for ideal texture.

Final Thoughts: This butternut squash chicken curry perfectly bridges comfort food and exotic cuisine. It creates memorable dining experiences while remaining approachable and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I pick a good butternut squash?
Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size, has smooth, unblemished skin, and a vibrant orange color—this means it’s perfectly ripe.
→ Can you freeze this curry?
Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
→ How can I make the curry less spicy?
Cut back on the curry paste or choose a milder one. You can also mix in extra coconut milk to tone down the heat.
→ What’s the best side dish for this curry?
Basmati rice is a great choice, but you could also serve it with quinoa, rice noodles, or naan bread.
→ How can I tweak this recipe?
Swap the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian, or toss in some extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for more variety.

Creamy Butternut Chicken Curry

A smooth curry featuring tender chicken, soft butternut squash, and creamy coconut milk.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings of curry)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Veggies and Proteins

01 Chicken breast fillets - 500g
02 Butternut squash - 1 piece (approx. 600g)

→ Spices and Seasonings

03 Curry paste - 2 tbsp
04 Onion - 1 whole
05 Garlic - 2 cloves
06 Fresh ginger - 1 piece, about 2 cm
07 Cooking oil - 2 tbsp
08 Salt - as needed
09 Black pepper - to taste

→ Liquids and Garnishes

10 Coconut milk - 400ml
11 Fresh cilantro - for topping

→ Side Dish

12 Basmati rice - per serving

Instructions

Step 01

Cut the butternut squash into small cubes. Chop up the garlic and onion finely. Grate a small piece of fresh ginger. Slice the chicken fillets into medium-sized chunks.

Step 02

Heat up the vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring, until they turn soft and smell amazing.

Step 03

Add the chicken chunks into the pan. Move them around to brown them on all sides. Once browned, stir in the curry paste until it coats the chicken evenly.

Step 04

Toss in the butternut cubes and pour in the coconut milk. Give it a gentle stir so everything combines well.

Step 05

Cover your pan with a lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check to make sure the chicken is fully cooked and your squash is tender.

Step 06

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to your liking. Top it off with fresh chopped cilantro and serve it warm alongside basmati rice.

Notes

  1. You can keep this curry in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat either on the stove or in a microwave.
  3. Swap butternut with sweet potatoes if you want.
  4. Use more or less curry paste to adjust the heat level.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pan or pot with a lid
  • Kitchen knife
  • Chopping board
  • Grater
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • May have traces of nuts
  • Includes coconut milk

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 22.4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15.7 g
  • Protein: 28.6 g