Hearty Rustic Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Chicken Recipe

Autumn’s golden hues dance through kitchen windows, bringing warmth to hearty chicken butternut squash recipes that comfort and delight.

Tender butternut squash cradles savory seasoned chicken in a rustic embrace of pure comfort.

Honey adds a delicate sweetness that softens robust flavors and creates magical harmony on your plate.

Roasting transforms these simple ingredients into a stunning meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Crisp herbs and rich spices intertwine, creating layers of depth in every single bite.

This recipe promises a delightful culinary journey that celebrates seasonal ingredients with elegant simplicity.

You’ll love how effortlessly these flavors blend into a memorable dining experience.

Store Leftover Butternut Squash and Chicken the Right Way

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing them flat in freezer bags for convenient 2-month preservation.
• Warm stuffed squash in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispy edges and prevent moisture loss, restoring original texture and taste.
• Prepare squash and chicken components separately earlier in the week, allowing quick assembly and reducing overall cooking time when ready to enjoy.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash or kabocha squash. Just ensure you adjust roasting time based on the squash’s size and thickness.

• Is it necessary to shred the chicken, or can I cube it?

You can definitely cube the chicken instead of shredding. Cubed chicken works equally well and provides a different texture to the dish.

• How do I know if the butternut squash is fully roasted?

The squash is ready when it’s soft and easily pierced with a fork. The flesh should be tender and slightly golden brown around the edges.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the roasted squash and cooked chicken separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble the dish just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken

• Butternut Squash: Sweet winter veggie with creamy texture, select firm squash with smooth skin and heavy for its size.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden roasted exterior and enhances natural squash flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet undertone that complements squash's natural sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle savory depth without overwhelming main ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to boost overall dish flavor profile.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs surrounding seasonings, choose organic or free-range for best flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Cinnamon: Creates multi-layered seasoning blend for chicken, enhancing its natural taste.

• Honey: Provides caramelized sweetness and glossy finish to roasted dish.
• Fresh Thyme: Optional aromatic herb that introduces bright, earthy note to complement rich ingredients.

Helpful Tools for Roasting Butternut Squash with Chicken Filling

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting squash.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting butternut squash in half.
• Spoon: Used to remove seeds from squash.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding cooked chicken.
• Skillet or pan: Needed for cooking chicken.
• Measuring spoons: Help measure spices accurately.
• Oven: Required for roasting squash and final cooking.

Bake Sweet and Savory Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees. This high heat will transform your butternut squash into a golden, caramelized delight.

• Prepare the Squash

Slice the butternut squash down the middle like you’re revealing a hidden treasure. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then drizzle olive oil and sprinkle cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the surface. Lay the squash face-down on a baking sheet and let it roast for 30-40 minutes until it’s fork-tender.

• Cook the Chicken

While the squash gets cozy in the oven, grab a pan and heat some olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a whisper of cinnamon. Sizzle the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches the perfect internal temperature. Let it rest, then shred it gently with two forks.

• Create the Masterpiece

Once the squash is beautifully roasted, carve out a little nest in the center. Stuff each half with the tender shredded chicken and drizzle honey for a sweet kiss. Sprinkle fresh thyme for an aromatic finish.

• Final Fusion

Pop the stuffed squash back in the oven for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle. Serve hot and enjoy your culinary creation with a side salad or roasted veggies.

Ways to Enhance Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Chicken

• Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the squash, ensuring even halves for consistent cooking and easy stuffing.
• Prep the roasted squash and shredded chicken up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to save time on busy evenings.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with seasoned black beans, quinoa, or roasted chickpeas to maintain protein content and create a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, cumin, or za'atar to add depth and international flair to the dish, transforming the flavor profile with simple ingredient switches.
• For those following a low-carb diet, replace butternut squash with roasted bell peppers or large zucchini halves as a lighter base for the chicken stuffing.

Serve Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken as a Main Dish

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Create a warm, inviting table setting with the stuffed squash as the star, surrounded by rustic wooden serving platters and soft candlelight.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Remix: Transform leftovers into a delightful next-day lunch by chopping the stuffed squash and adding it to a fresh green salad or grain bowl for a nutritious midday meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Companion: Serve alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt, sprinkle some za'atar spice, and add a small portion of tzatziki to complement the honey-roasted flavors and add a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Harvest Feast Presentation: Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds, and a light drizzle of extra honey to elevate the dish's visual appeal and add exciting texture variations.

Rustic Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed With Chicken

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Honey roasted butternut squash filled with seasoned chicken creates a delightful autumn meal. Mediterranean flavors blend perfectly in this comforting dish you’ll want to savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
• 2 cups (about 340 g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well)
• ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup (40 g) dried cranberries or raisins
• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or stock
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Drizzle of honey

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C), creating the perfect roasting environment for the butternut squash.
2. Squash Preparation: Bisect the butternut squash lengthwise, delicately removing seeds to craft a pristine vessel for the upcoming culinary adventure.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Anoint the squash interior with olive oil, then lavish with cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, awakening its inherent flavor potential.
4. Initial Roasting: Lay the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet, allowing it to transform for 35-40 minutes until the flesh surrenders effortlessly to a fork’s gentle prod.
5. Chicken Transformation: Simultaneously, animate a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, introducing chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and a whisper of cinnamon, cooking until reaching 165F (75C) internal temperature.
6. Chicken Deconstruction: Tenderly shred the cooked chicken using two forks, preparing it for its squash sanctuary.
7. Flavor Assembly: Excavate a portion of the roasted squash’s flesh, creating a cozy nest, then nestle the shredded chicken into this golden haven.
8. Sweet Elevation: Cascade honey over the chicken-filled squash, introducing a luxurious sweet counterpoint to the savory elements.
9. Final Roasting: Return the stuffed squash to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
10. Culinary Presentation: Serve as an elegant main course, optionally adorned with fresh thyme leaves and accompanied by a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Squash Selection Strategy: Choose a butternut squash with a long, uniform neck for easier roasting and more stuffing space.
• Moisture Management: Blot chicken with paper towels before shredding to prevent excess liquid and maintain a crisp texture.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Toast ground cinnamon briefly in the skillet before seasoning to enhance its aromatic depth and complexity.
• Temperature Control Hack: Use a meat thermometer to precisely gauge chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and ensuring juicy meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg