Welcome to your new go-to Thai chicken curry! This easy chicken and butternut squash curry truly deserves the spot it’s had on our dinner table (and in our freezer) for YEARS now. Imagine a cross between a Thai red curry and chicken satay – with hidden veggies – and you get the idea.
This is the best chicken curry recipe ever – creamy, comforting, truly delicious. Make it on the stove top, in the slow cooker, or in the pressure cooker in a little over 30 minutes. Perfect!
Why you’ll love it
I preface my recipe titles with bold words like ‘best’, ‘life-changing’ and ‘perfect’ very sparingly! But when I do, I really mean it, and it’s usually because the recipe has been tested a ridiculous amount of times.
Mr. Scrummy and I have been licking our lips over this for literally YEARS. Turns out butternut squash and chicken are a match made in heaven – especially when made into a tasty Thai satay curry!
In short, this has become one of our family’s go-to recipes. Here’s why.
- Tweaked over the years, but adapted from this squash coconut curry from the popular food blog Pinch of Yum. Any recipe from this site usually gets my vote!
- The dreamy, creamy coconut curry chicken sauce is divine. Fan of chicken satay? Read on.
- It’s quick and easy. You need just 10 minutes to prep everything and 30 minutes’ cook time. The biggest job is chopping the butternut squash.
- Hidden veggies! The soft butternut squash gets squished into the chicken curry to thicken the delicious sauce. Wilt spinach in too for extra brownie points.
- It feeds a crowd! It makes 8 medium portions at least, or up to 10 small ones.
- It’s the perfect freezer meal. Have it for dinner, then freeze the rest.
- Multiple cooking options. Cook it on the stove-top (my favorite), or in your slow cooker or pressure cooker.
Check out more Scrummy Lane ‘Best’ recipes: the best Greek potatoes (they really are the best, and go with almost anything), the best mee goreng (Indonesian noodles), the best crustless quiche, and these best halloumi fries or similar life-changing fried halloumi bites!
About the ingredients
- butternut squash, chopped into small(ish) pieces. Feel free to use pumpkin instead.
- A few simple kitchen cupboard spices [curry powder, chili powder, turmeric]
- garlic (quite a lot) and ginger
- chicken thighs, chopped
- Thai curry paste (try to use an authentic, good quality one)
- coconut milk, canned tomatoes & peanut butter (I like crunchy peanut butter but whatever you have is fine)
- honey (adds a touch of sweetness to balance the sharper flavours)
Plus:
- yummy garnishes: coriander, peanuts & (very optional) lime
- yummy sides: rice, poppadoms, yoghurt (I don’t like to skip the yoghurt!)
Pro tips: 1. Use the best quality red curry paste you can find. An authentic Thai one is always a safe bet! 2. Chop extra butternut squash and freeze it for next time – if you like already mixed with the spices. 3. Try using ready chopped frozen butternut squash or pumpkin. This makes the recipe even easier!
How to make it
You’re only these 5 simple steps away from chicken butternut squash curry heaven!
(Photo 1) Sprinkle spices (curry, turmeric, chili powder) over chopped butternut squash.
(Photos 2-4) Soften garlic and ginger and brown chicken.
(Photos 5-6) Stir in peanut butter, red curry paste, and honey, then the tomatoes and butternut squash.
(Photos 7-8) Let the curry simmer until the butternut squash is soft (about 30 minutes), then squish most of the butternut squash into the curry. This will thicken it nicely!
(Photos 9-10) Serve!
How to serve it
I recommend serving this butternut chicken curry over rice and scattered with fresh coriander and crushed peanuts. A squeeze of lime is optional, but don’t skip the coriander or peanuts!
I also consider a huge splodge of natural yogurt (I prefer Greek yogurt) and a pile of poppadoms on the side to be obligatory!
Alternatively, serve with naan bread. Mmm!
Slow cooker instructions
To my delight… YES, you can make this Thai chicken satay curry in your slow cooker!
A reader helped me to figure out the best way to adapt this recipe for a slow cooker (thank you, Paula!). It worked perfectly.
- Follow the stove top cooking instructions up to step 4 in the recipe below (if you have a slow cooker that also sautes, just saute the spices/chicken etc in the bowl of the slow cooker).
- Reduce the amount of chopped tomatoes to just 1 can.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste/puree to make sure you still get the same hit of tomato-y flavour.
- If you don’t have a saute function, it’s fine to just throw everything in the pot without any pre-cooking. You’ll still get a delicious curry.
- Slow cook for 6 to 8 hours on low.
- Squish some of the pumpkin into the curry as you would if making it on the stove top and… enjoy!
You can use whichever slow cooker you have. Just don’t use a tiny one because this recipe makes quite a lot of curry!
Pressure cooker instructions
These days I often use a multi-cooker to make this. I have a Breville, but the most popular one is the Instant Pot (affiliate link). I either use the slow cooker setting, or the pressure cooker setting, depending on how organised I am that day.
If you’d like to try making this in your pressure cooker, simply follow the slow cooker instructions, but cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Choose a quick steam release setting (I use auto quick release on my Breville pressure cooker).
Don’t forget to squish the squash into the curry at the end, as with the other cooking methods!
More things to know (FAQs)
Yes, definitely! The curry will still look red due to the tomato paste and can of tomatoes, but it may be a slightly duller red. The taste will be just as delicious!
I’ve made this chicken butternut curry all three ways. If I’m honest, I prefer it made on the stove-top. However, sometimes I make it in my electric pressure cooker, just because it’s very hands-off this way.
It’s still very delicious made in the pressure cooker or slow cooker, but the chicken falls apart a little more. I also find the flavours slightly more enhanced when made on the stove top. But honestly, make it in the way that’s most convenient for you. It’s a top class meal whichever way you choose to make it!
Yes! Use about half a small pumpkin. I find different types of squash/pumpkin cook at different rates so just keep checking if the pumpkin is soft before squishing it into the curry a little!
This will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes until piping hot. Alternatively, reheat gently in a saucepan.
Absolutely! Chicken and butternut squash curry is perfect for freezing. Simply freeze in glass containers for up to 3 months, then defrost and reheat either in a saucepan or a microwave.
I find the recipe makes at least 6 portions. It can even stretch to 7 or 8 portions, especially if you add rice and/or naan bread and poppadoms on the side!
Looking for more butternut squash recipes? Try this baked gnocchi with butternut squash and kale, or this roasted butternut squash and tomato soup.
More delicious curries
- 20-minute coconut chickpea curry (it’s vegan, but loved by vegans and non vegans alike)
- Easy massaman chicken curry (Another delicious and easy Thai chicken curry recipe!)
- One-pan peanut butter chicken (Thai style) (this is another AMAZING Thai-style recipe that’s great for entertaining!)
- 20-minute coconut fish curry (If you’re in more of a fish dinner kind of mood)
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Perfect Thai Chicken And Butternut Squash Curry
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
- 1 pound butternut squash peeled and chopped into smallish cubes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 6 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 inches fresh ginger peeled and chopped finely
- 2 pounds chicken thighs chopped into small pieces
- 14 ounces coconut milk (1 can)
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter crunchy or smooth
- 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste good quality – authentic Thai brands are good
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 28 ounces chopped tomatoes (2 x 14 ounce / 400 gram cans)
To serve
- fresh coriander / cilantro, crushed peanuts & natural yogurt (I use Greek yogurt)
- rice & poppadoms
Instructions
- Toss the butternut squash in a large bowl with the chili powder, curry powder, and turmeric, and set aside.1 pound butternut squash, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Heat up a big drizzle of oil in a large cast iron pan or saucepan, then cook the garlic and ginger together for a couple of minutes. Add the chicken and cook for another two minutes or so or until white.6 cloves garlic, 2 inches fresh ginger, 2 pounds chicken thighs
- Add the coconut milk, then stir in the peanut butter, Thai curry paste and honey. Then add the tomatoes and butternut squash/spices.14 ounces coconut milk, 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, 1 tablespoon honey, 28 ounces chopped tomatoes, 1 pound butternut squash
- Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender. Squish about half of the squash into the curry to thicken it.
- Serve over rice, garnished with the coriander and peanuts, and with yoghurt and poppadoms on the side (if you like).rice & poppadoms, fresh coriander / cilantro, crushed peanuts & natural yogurt
Anne-Louise says
Please can I use something other than peanut butter, as we have a peanut allergy.
Many thanks
Helen says
Hello Anne-Louise! I’m sorry to hear about that. My son is allergic to tree nuts so I get how annoying it is! To be honest you really don’t need to substitute the pb with anything in this recipe – just leave it out! It’ll still taste absolutely delicious. Add a different nut butter if you like, or sunflower butter, or just skip it altogether. I hope you enjoy it!
Kordula Coleman says
This was so good! One of the most satisfying curries I have ever made. I think the addition of peanut butter gives it that special something. Mashing up so wir the butternut squash pieces is also a great idea. Will make it again soon!
Helen says
Thank you so much for the feedback, Kordula! This has been my favorite curry for years. I’ve tried making others but always come back to this one. I’m so happy you liked it, too! 🙂
Cassandra says
We loved this recipe! I added a little onion to ours also and served it over coconut rice! Everyone had more than one helping and still some to send for lunch! Love it!
Helen says
Hello Cassandra! (Lovely name!) Thank you so much for the feedback, and of course I’m thrilled that your family seemed to enjoy this as much as we do. It’s still one of our go-to favorite meals after quite a few years of making it. I love that it makes a lot, too! 🙂
Marilyn Stevens says
Quoting my husband: can we eat this EVERY night?
What a wonderful dish. I used more curry paste, because the only brand I can get is not very hot. Other than that, added chopped spinach and some lime juice. I do have a fear of chopping my finger off, so I always pre-steam my squash … Much safer to chop after it’s soft!
Quoting my husband again: I think you should make this for our next dinner party. Good idea because i can make this ahead and just make the garlic naan (great for sopping up the sauce) right before serving. Add a simple Asian Cole slaw, and wait for the rave reviews. So glad I came across your site. Will definitely be trying more recipes. Thanks!
Helen says
Hello Marilyn! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your great feedback. I have made this too many times to count both to throw in the freezer for easy midweek meals and yes, also for easy entertaining! It’s a great make-ahead option, as you say, and you can make it fancier with the garnishes and naan or similar 🙂 I love your idea of adding a fancy slaw, too! Thanks also for passing by and I really do hope you find some more recipes that you enjoy.
P.S. I can totally relate to your fear of finger chopping! I’ve recently cut my finger quite badly a couple of times while trying to slice frozen bread. Lesson learned, I think!
Dee says
Used instapot as hot as hell in kitchen with no a/c!
Noted no salt in the recipe? I added my own
The article discusses Thai curry paste but the directions did not call for it. Maybe I missed it
( used it anyway)
But loved the tips and had the best creamy Thai sauce ever!!! Will be using this recipe and trying other veggies !
Helen says
Hello Dee! The Thai curry paste is in step number 3! I usually add around 3 tablespoons, or a bit more depending on the brand (I find better quality brands are spicier!). So happy it worked out well and you added the paste anyway! Thank you for the feedback and I hope this becomes a family favorite for you like it has for us! 🙂
Michelle says
Hi. What could I use instead of butternut squash or pumpkin as my husband doesn’t like either?
Helen says
Hello Michelle. Does he like sweet potato? That would work!
Rachel & Jim says
Excellent! We will definitely make it again. Added spinach, a little cayenne pepper and served with lime and was great. Next time will also add sliced mushrooms.
This would also work well with tofu to veganize.
Helen says
Thank you so much for the great feedback, Rachel & Jim! I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much and have already made it your own with the little tweaks. It would indeed work well with tofu and I hope you give that a go some time 🙂
Amanda says
WOW ! The internet and family can be hit and miss for new recipes and this was a definite HIT. So delicious I swapped out red paste for 1 Tbs Yellow and 2 Tbs Green it had just enough kick and lovely flavor for us. Definitely will be cooking this again and I would highly recommend for everyone to cook it. I will be looking at more of your recipes for some more fantastic ideas. Thanks for sharing 😀
Helen says
Hello Amanda and thank you so much for the great feedback! Interesting that you made it with yellow and green curry paste and it was still delicious. Coincidentally my mother-in-law just made some of this for us and brought it to our house because we have colds. I gave the recipe to her a few years ago and she still loves it. So this will be our dinner this evening too! So happy you enjoyed it! If you’re a fan of Asian style recipes, you might also like this spicy Thai peanut chicken. It’s an older post so please excuse any excessuve rambling, but it’s a great recipe too! 🙂
Charlotte says
Really nice recipe and fairly straight forward to make. Very tasty.
Helen says
Very happy you liked it, Charlotte. I’ve been making this many many years. I sometimes prepare the butternut squash and spices ahead to make it quicker to make at dinner time. You can even freeze them if you like.
Nick says
One of our favourite currys, currently doing with pheasant! We roast the butternut squash first with spices instead though and skip the tomatoes all together. Simple and easy but the end result is amazing, thanks for sharing your cooking!
Helen says
Hello Nick! I love the sound of your alterations, although I really love the little bit of tomato in the recipe. But that’s what cooking’s all about isn’t it – making it your own! Thank you so much for the feedback and hope you have a happy and restful break this Christmas!
Emily says
This recipe was absolutely delicious!!!!!
Helen says
Thanks Emily! This is still one of my very favourite meals after many many years of making it!
Irena Molendys says
Hi Helen
When I have tried your 30 min healthy chocolate cake I knew I can trust you!
This chicken curry is truly delicious
Very quick and easy to make. It came out beautifully!
The time you spent on perfecting this recipe allows me to shine after my first try!
Thank you so much
I absolutely love it!
Helen says
Hi Irena! What a lovely comment – thank you so much! I’m so happy you like this. I have indeed tested it over quite a few years now and we enjoy it just as much now as I did when I first made it. It turns out really well in a pressure or slow cooker too – I’ve included instructions in the post just in case you missed them. Thank you again and I hope you find even more recipes on the site that you like! 🙂
Paula says
This is my go to curry, my absolute favourite. I’ve been making it in the slow cooker this winter. Just reduced the tins of tomatoes down to 1 and added 1 tablespoon of tomato purée. Works a treat
😀
Helen says
Hi Paula! So happy this is your go to curry – it’s ours too! Has been for years now! In fact I really should branch out and try a different curry some time 😉
Really grateful that you’ve shared your slow cooker adaptation, too. Thank you so much – I’ll add a note to the recipe!
Sarah Ann says
Hi, I was wondering if the nutritional information on this recipe includes the rice or not. Sounds delicious!
Helen says
Hi Sarah! No, it doesn’t. I never include the rice etc. because I always assume it’s kind of optional. I always serve this with rice and sometimes poppadoms, but you could skip the rice and go with naan bread instead!
I hope you do try this – it’s one of my favourite meals of all time!
tess says
holy shit balls. just made this. so good. thanks for the great recipe.
Helen says
lol…. this is my favourite curry recipe. Glad you liked it as much as we do, and thanks for the 5 star rating!!!
Tina says
I made this tonight. It’s simmering away right now. It’s sooooo good. It will be interesting to see if my boyfriend likes it. If not, more for me. I’ve only eaten Indian food twice in my life but so far I just love it. Thank you for the recipe.
Helen says
Hi Tina, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I really hope your boyfriend did like it. This is one of my favourites and I can’t imagine anyone not liking it! 🙂