Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken
If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is the perfect recipe! Combining tender, roasted butternut squash with juicy, seasoned chicken, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re searching for chicken recipes with butternut squash, Whole30-friendly meals, or a stuffed honey nut squash recipe, this easy-to-make dish is packed with warm spices, honey, and delicious roasted goodness!
What is Stuffed Butternut Squash?
Stuffed butternut squash is a hearty and nutritious meal where the naturally sweet and creamy flesh of roasted butternut squash is filled with a savory and protein-rich mixture, such as chicken, vegetables, and herbs. In this recipe, we roast the squash with honey and butter, then stuff it with seasoned, pan-seared chicken for a delicious and wholesome dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash with Chicken
To make this healthy butternut squash recipe, you’ll need:
For the Roasted Butternut Squash:
- Butternut Squash: 1 large (halved and seeds removed)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for roasting)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (adds caramelized sweetness)
- Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for richness)
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (enhances sweetness)
For the Chicken Filling:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: 1 pound (diced)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking)
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Spinach: 1 cup (adds nutrients and freshness)
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme or Rosemary: ½ teaspoon
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (brightens the flavors)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): ¼ cup (for crunch)
- Cranberries or Pomegranate Seeds: ¼ cup (adds a sweet contrast)
- Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: ¼ cup (for a creamy touch)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this butternut squash with chicken recipe, you’ll need:
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – for prepping the squash and chicken
- Baking Sheet – for roasting the squash
- Large Skillet – for cooking the chicken and filling
- Mixing Spoon or Tongs – for stirring and stuffing the squash
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for precise ingredient portions
How to Make Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create a flavor-packed stuffed butternut squash:
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Squash: Cut the butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush with olive oil, honey, melted butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Roast: Place cut side up on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, until fork-tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breast or thighs, season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add Spinach & Lemon Juice: Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice, cooking until wilted.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Scoop Out Some Flesh: Once roasted, carefully scoop out a little bit of the butternut squash flesh to create space for the filling.
- Mix with Chicken: Stir the scooped-out squash into the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- Stuff the Squash Halves: Fill each roasted squash half with the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Final Roast (Optional): Place the stuffed squash back in the oven for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, cranberries, and cheese, then enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Choose the Right Squash: A medium-sized butternut squash roasts more evenly.
- Don’t Over-Roast: The squash should be tender but firm enough to hold the filling.
- Balance the Flavors: Add a squeeze of lemon or pomegranate seeds to balance the sweetness.
- For a Creamier Texture: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or goat cheese to the filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Seasoning the Squash: Even though the filling is flavorful, seasoning the squash ensures every bite is delicious.
- Skipping the Second Bake: A final 5-10 minutes in the oven allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cook just until juicy and tender, not dry.
Serving and Side Dish Ideas
Pair this stuffed honey nut squash recipe with:
- Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – for a well-rounded meal
- Quinoa or Brown Rice – for extra fiber and protein
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – perfect for scooping up extra sauce
- A Side Salad with Balsamic Dressing – to add freshness
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze stuffed squash halves for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Steak & Butternut Squash: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced steak for a heartier version.
- Dairy-Free: Omit butter and cheese, and use coconut oil or dairy-free alternatives.
FAQ About Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken
- Can I use pre-cut squash? Yes! Roast cubed butternut squash separately and serve with the chicken mixture.
- How do I make it Whole30 compliant? Use ghee instead of butter and omit honey.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare everything in advance, then reheat before serving.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! Just reduce the cinnamon or nuts if needed.
Conclusion
This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is nutritious, flavorful, and easy to make, making it the perfect dish for meal prep, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. With its sweet, savory, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Try this butternut squash with chicken recipe today and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends, and subscribe for more healthy meals with butternut squash! 😊
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Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is a perfectly balanced meal with sweet, caramelized squash and savory, juicy chicken. Packed with warm spices, garlic, and fresh greens, this easy dish is gluten-free, wholesome, and meal-prep friendly. Try this delicious butternut squash recipe today!
Ingredients
For the Roasted Butternut Squash:
✅ 1 large butternut squash (halved and seeds removed)
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✅ 2 tablespoons honey
✅ 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
✅ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Filling:
✅ 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
✅ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✅ 3 garlic cloves, minced
✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✅ 1 cup fresh spinach
✅ 1 teaspoon paprika
✅ ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnishing (Optional):
✅ ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
✅ ¼ cup cranberries or pomegranate seeds
✅ ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil, honey, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Place cut side up on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and season with paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in spinach and lemon juice, cooking until wilted.
3️⃣ Stuff the Butternut Squash:
- Once roasted, carefully scoop out some flesh from the squash halves to create space for the filling.
- Mix the scooped-out squash with the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- Fill each squash half with the chicken stuffing.
4️⃣ Bake & Garnish:
- (Optional) Return stuffed squash to the oven for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, cranberries, and cheese before serving.
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Dairy-Free Version: Omit butter and cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas.
- Make It Spicier: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat.
