Description
Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is a comforting, wholesome dish that pairs caramelized squash with savory chicken filling. It’s hearty, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for fall meals or dinner parties.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, gouda, or crumbled feta (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush cut sides of butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and drizzle with honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add cooked chicken, spinach or kale (if using), thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until heated through.
- Turn over roasted squash halves and scoop out a bit of flesh to make room for filling. Mix scooped flesh into the chicken mixture.
- Spoon filling into squash cavities and top with cheese if using.
- Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until hot and lightly browned on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer flavor.
Add quinoa or rice to the filling for a heartier meal.
Substitute chicken with turkey or sausage for variety.
Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils.
Top with pecans or dried cranberries for a festive finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 stuffed squash
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg