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The Best Pumpkin Chicken Curry Recipe

The Best Pumpkin Chicken Curry Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

This rich and flavorful Pumpkin Chicken Curry combines tender chicken pieces with creamy pumpkin puree and coconut milk, seasoned with a blend of warm spices. It’s a comforting dish perfect for fall or any time you crave a hearty, slightly sweet and mildly spicy curry. Serve it over your choice of grains or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Oil

  • 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless; thighs can also be used)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or avocado/grapeseed oil)

Vegetables & Canned Goods

  • 1 medium yellow onion (or white onion)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened, full fat coconut milk (canned, not boxed)

Flavorings & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Juice from one small lemon
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons mild chili powder (medium or hot chili powder can also be used to add heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander seed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional for Serving

  • Grain or legume such as white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, lentils, couscous, farro, or quinoa
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, red pepper flakes, extra coconut milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare and season the chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into small pieces about ½ inch to 1 inch in size. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. To ensure proper browning and avoid steaming, sauté the chicken in 2 to 3 batches as needed. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean bowl and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion: Dice the onion and add it to the same skillet. Deglaze the pan by adding a small amount of water or extra olive oil to loosen browned bits left from the chicken. Sauté the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
  4. Add tomatoes and liquids: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, pumpkin puree, full-fat coconut milk, and the juice of one small lemon. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Season the curry: Add brown sugar, curry powder, mild chili powder, ground cumin, ground mustard seed, ground coriander seed, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices evenly through the sauce.
  6. Simmer the curry: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the curry gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken pleasantly.
  7. Serve: Serve the pumpkin chicken curry over your choice of rice, cauliflower rice, lentils, couscous, farro, or quinoa. Garnish with optional toppings like freshly chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of extra coconut milk as desired.

Notes

  • Pumpkin puree is typically found in the baking aisle at most grocery stores.
  • Tomato paste usually comes in an 8-ounce can; this recipe requires only 2 tablespoons (2 ounces). Leftovers can be frozen in small portions for later use.
  • Canned coconut milk is preferred for its creaminess; avoid boxed coconut milk. Coconut cream can be used as a substitute. For non-dairy-free versions, half & half or heavy cream works well.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
  • Chili powder: Use mild chili powder for mild heat; switch to medium or hot chili powder if you prefer your curry spicier.
  • Sauté chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which causes steaming and prevents browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chicken curry, pumpkin curry, chicken curry, fall recipes, creamy curry, coconut milk curry

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/the-best-pumpkin-chicken-curry-recipe/