Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan & Basmati Rice Bowl

I still remember that brisk October evening in Brooklyn when I craved comfort—but wanted something seasonal and festive. The window was cracked open to let in cool air, and the savory scent of garlic-naan baking mingled with simmering curry spices. A bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan & Basmati Rice hit the spot. It was cozy, rich, and just autumn enough to feel special.

This recipe takes classic butter-chicken style but gives it a pumpkin spin—creamy, spiced, and garnished with pomegranate jewels. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or when you want something that tastes indulgent yet home-made.

Thanks for being here. I hope these recipes bring warmth to your kitchen and a little joy to your day.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken Bowl

Comfort Food with Seasonal Pumpkin Flair

This bowl brings together the richness of creamy, spiced curry with the sweetness of pumpkin purée. Unlike heavy tomato-cream gravies, the pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and depth, giving it seasonal warmth without overwhelming heat.

Balanced Dish: Spice, Cream, and Fresh Garnish

You get tender chicken thighs coated in a spiced marinade, simmered in buttery pumpkin sauce, paired with fluffy basmati rice and garlic-buttered naan. The pomegranate seeds add pop and brightness—a burst of freshness against the savory curry.

Ingredients Overview for Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken Bowl

Marinade & Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

Pumpkin Butter Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup tomato sauce or passata
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste

To Serve:

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice
• 2 pieces garlic naan, toasted & brushed with butter + herbs
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Optional drizzle extra cream

You could swap heavy cream with coconut cream or lower-fat cream for a lighter version. You can also switch naan to flatbread versions if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, garam masala, cinnamon, and salt. Add the chicken chunks and toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear just until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked at this point) and set aside.
3. Make the Pumpkin Butter Sauce
   In the same pan, melt butter with olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, then add pumpkin purée and tomato sauce. Mix well and simmer for about 5-6 minutes. Add the maple syrup (or honey), ground cumin, additional garam masala, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce down to gentle simmer.
4. Finish the Chicken
   Return the seared chicken pieces to the sauce. Cover and continue simmering for about 10–12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
5. Prepare the Accompaniments
   While chicken finishes, warm or prepare your basmati rice. Toast / warm garlic naan, brushing with melted butter and herbs.
6. Assemble the Bowl
   Divide rice into bowls. Spoon pumpkin butter chicken on top. Place garlic naan alongside. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro, pomegranate seeds for color, and a light drizzle of extra cream if desired.
7. Serve Immediately
   Serve hot. The creamy pumpkin butter chicken tastes richest when warm, paired with buttery naan.

Tips & Tricks for Best Results

• Marinating Time Matters: For best flavor and tenderness, marinate chicken overnight if time allows.
• Spice Balance: Adjust garam masala or cinnamon depending on how warm/spiced you like your curry.
• Cream Swaps: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or lower-fat cream for lighter texture.
• Garlic Naan Finish: Brush warm naan with herb-butter mix right before serving to get fragrant garlic flavor without sogginess.
• Avoid Overcooking: Once chicken is in sauce, simmer gently so it doesn’t get rubbery — gentle heat helps retain juicy tenderness.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Advice

Serving Ideas

• Serve with extra warm garlic naan on the side.
• Add a side salad (such as cucumber mint sambal or simple greens) for freshness.
• Perfect for dinner parties or festive meals—serve with lemon wedges or extra herbs.

Storage & Reheating

• Leftovers keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• To reheat, gently warm on stovetop or microwave until hot.
• Naan may soften; re-toast briefly in oven or toaster oven for crispness.

If you enjoy hearty curry bowls, check out our similar creamy curry recipes like [Creamy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk Recipe] .

Nutrition & Health Notes

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 bowl with chicken, rice, naan components):

• Calories: approx. 530 kcal
• Rich in protein (from chicken & yogurt), moderate fat (cream & butter), and balanced carbs (rice + naan).

Lighter Modifications

• Use Greek yogurt marinade and reduce cream quantity.
• Try light-cream instead of heavy or swirl with coconut-cream.
• Use whole-grain or brown-basmati rice for added fiber.

FAQs — Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan & Basmati Rice Bowl

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Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pumpkin Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan & Basmati Rice Bowl is a delicious bridge between seasonal comfort and exotic flair. It’s rich, aromatic, and full of layers — perfect for cooler evenings or festive meals.

If you enjoy hearty curry bowls, check out our similar creamy curry recipes like [Related Chicken Curry Bowls] .