Pumpkin Coconut Chicken Curry
This Pumpkin Coconut Chicken Curry is a cozy, flavorful one-pan meal that blends tender chicken with creamy coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and warming spices. Perfect for fall dinners and easy to customize for vegan or low-carb options.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion diced finely
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger or fresh grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon Ceylon preferred
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne for more heat
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can 15 oz full-fat coconut milk (do not shake)
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree not pie filling
- ¼ cup water optional, for thinning if needed
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking: dice onion, mince garlic, cube chicken, and mix all spices in a small bowl.
- Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spice mixture to the pan and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Increase heat to medium. Add cubed chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree and coconut milk until smooth. Add to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If a thicker curry is desired, mix arrowroot starch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir into the curry in the final minute. Simmer until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or with naan bread.
Notes
Substitute chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or shrimp for variations. Use cornstarch instead of arrowroot if needed. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of coconut cream. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days; freezes for 3 months. Spice level can be adjusted with less chili powder or added cayenne.
