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Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Pumpkin Chicken Curry is a comforting and flavorful dish blending tender chicken, creamy pumpkin, and aromatic spices into a hearty meal perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. This recipe offers a delicious balance of savory depth and natural sweetness with rich, layered flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Main Flavor Components

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade roasted puree)
  • 1 cup coconut milk

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons curry powder or paste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs & Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: toasted pumpkin seeds or cashews (for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté them in a large pan with a splash of oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, building the flavor foundation.
  2. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until lightly browned on all sides, sealing in the juices and creating a flavorful base for the curry sauce.
  3. Add spices and pumpkin puree: Stir in the curry powder or paste and let it toast for a minute to unlock its aroma. Then mix in the pumpkin puree, which adds rich sweetness and vibrant color.
  4. Pour in liquids: Add the coconut milk and broth to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and develop the creamy curry sauce.
  5. Simmer and season: Let the curry cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh pumpkin during pumpkin season by roasting and pureeing it for extra flavor.
  • Toast spices at the beginning to release their full aromas before adding liquids.
  • Simmer slowly to tenderize chicken and develop a richer taste.
  • Adjust sweetness and heat by adding lemon juice or chili flakes to suit your palette.
  • For richer flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chicken curry, pumpkin curry, chicken curry, creamy curry, cozy dinner, meal prep, autumn recipe, gluten free curry