Description
This Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with spiced, tender shredded chicken. Enhanced with honey, cinnamon, and garlic powder, this comforting dish is easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken, separate from squash oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for chicken seasoning)
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh thyme (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the butternut squash perfectly.
- Prepare and Roast Squash: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle each half with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Chicken: While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest briefly, then shred it using two forks.
- Stuff the Squash: When the squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop out some of the flesh from the cavity of each half, leaving enough to keep the structure intact. Mix the scooped squash with the shredded chicken if desired, then fill each squash half with the shredded chicken. Drizzle honey over the stuffed squash and add fresh thyme leaves if you like an herbal note.
- Final Bake: Return the stuffed butternut squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld and the honey caramelizes slightly. Serve warm as a delicious, nutrient-packed meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- The honey drizzle adds a lovely caramelized sweetness; adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Fresh thyme is optional but recommended for extra aroma and flavor.
- Ensure the butternut squash is fully tender before stuffing to make scooping and eating easier.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people; adjust roasting time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
