One Pan Sesame Pumpkin Butter Chicken

This One Pan Sesame Pumpkin Butter Chicken is a rich, Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken baked in a creamy pumpkin and coconut milk curry sauce, all seasoned with warming spices, garlic, ginger, and finished with chili butter and sesame seeds. A comforting, flavorful meal perfect for cozy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan simplicity: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor

• Warm, bold spices with creamy pumpkin and coconut milk

• Optional chili butter adds a spicy kick

• Easy to prepare yet feels restaurant-worthy

• Delicious as leftovers and freezer-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main dish:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 6 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons garam masala

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ¾ cup canned pumpkin

• 2 tablespoons cold salted butter, sliced

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For serving:

• Steamed rice

• Naan bread

Optional chili butter:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes

• ½ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Marinate chicken: In a large baking dish, mix chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F.

3. Assemble dish: Add chopped onion over the chicken. Pour in coconut milk, add tomato paste and pumpkin. Stir everything until smooth and creamy. Top with sliced butter and sesame seeds.

4. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is thickened.

5. Make chili butter: In a small pan, melt butter with chili flakes and paprika until slightly browned. Remove from heat.

6. Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce over bowls of steamed rice, drizzle with chili butter, and serve with naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use all chicken breasts or all thighs depending on preference

• Substitute canned pumpkin with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree

• Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version

• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers before baking

• Omit chili butter for a milder dish

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months

• Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the dish in advance. It reheats well and even improves in flavor overnight.

Can I skip the pumpkin?

You can omit it or replace it with sweet potato puree for a similar creamy sweetness.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be, depending on how much cayenne and chili butter you use. Adjust spice to your preference.

What type of chicken works best?

Both breasts and thighs work well. A mix offers the best texture and moisture balance.

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

You can use heavy cream or a blend of cream and broth as a substitute, though the flavor will change.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.

What can I use instead of garam masala?

Try a mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves or allspice.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

It’s not required, but letting it sit even for 10–30 minutes enhances flavor.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Serve with basmati rice, coconut rice, or garlic naan for a complete meal.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or cauliflower to the baking dish before cooking.

Conclusion

One Pan Sesame Pumpkin Butter Chicken is the ultimate cozy, flavorful dinner that brings together warming spices, creamy textures, and comforting fall flavors in a simple, hands-off recipe. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for an impressive dish to serve guests, this one-pan wonder delivers every time. Serve with rice and naan, and enjoy the cozy vibes.