Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender chicken and the sweetness of butternut squash, then this Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe is just what you need. This recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the butternut squash cubes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until the butternut squash is tender.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Prepare:
This Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe is easy to prepare and requires just a few simple steps. First, gather all the necessary ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butternut squash, onion, garlic, herbs, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Then, follow the instructions provided above to cook the chicken and butternut squash, create a creamy sauce, and combine all the flavors together. The result will be a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe is approximately 10 minutes. However, the cooking time may take around 35-40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the tenderness of the butternut squash. It is always recommended to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety reasons.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people. However, you can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients to accommodate more or fewer servings as needed. Feel free to double the recipe if you have a larger group to feed or reduce the amounts for a more intimate dinner.
Nutrition Facts:
The following nutrition information is provided for one serving of the Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe (excluding any additional garnishes):
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 35g
Tips:
- Make sure to cube the butternut squash into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Serve the Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe with a side of cooked quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, bone-in chicken can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream and nutritional yeast to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of the chicken thighs.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the Chicken and Butternut Squash Skillet Recipe for up to 3 months. Make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Roasted Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the comforting combination of roasted chicken breast and butternut squash. This recipe takes simple, wholesome ingredients and turns them into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, olive oil, maple syrup, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is well coated.
- Place the chicken breasts and butternut squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the butternut squash is tender, stirring the squash halfway through.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the roasted chicken breast alongside the maple-glazed butternut squash.
How to Prepare:
To prepare this Roasted Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash recipe, start by gathering boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butternut squash, olive oil, maple syrup, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Follow the instructions provided above to coat the butternut squash with the flavorings, roast the chicken and squash in the oven, and serve them together for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Roasted Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash recipe is approximately 10 minutes. The cooking time in the oven may take around 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender. It is important to always check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (75°C) for proper doneness.
Servings:
This recipe serves 2 people. However, you can easily adjust the quantities to make more or fewer servings depending on your needs. Simply double or halve the ingredients to accommodate your desired number of servings.
Nutrition Facts:
The following nutrition information is provided for one serving of the Roasted Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash recipe (excluding any optional additional ingredients):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 30g
Tips:
- Make sure to cut the butternut squash into evenly-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the chicken breasts with additional herbs and spices such as garlic powder or onion powder before roasting.
- Feel free to add other roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots to the baking sheet for a colorful and well-rounded meal.
- Serve the Roasted Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash over a bed of leafy greens or alongside a grain of your choice, such as quinoa or couscous.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy them cold or gently reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the thighs are fully cooked.
Q: Can I use other types of squash?
A: Absolutely! While butternut squash works beautifully in this recipe, you can use other varieties of squash such as acorn squash or delicata squash if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the specific squash you choose.
Q: Can I add a glaze or sauce to the roasted chicken breast?
A: If you’d like to add a glaze or sauce to the roasted chicken breast, you can make a simple pan sauce with the drippings from the cooked chicken. Just deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine and simmer until reduced slightly. Drizzle the sauce over the sliced chicken for added flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh out of the oven, you can certainly prep the ingredients ahead of time. Simply cut the butternut squash and season the chicken breasts, then refrigerate until ready to roast. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the instructions provided, adjusting the cooking time slightly if needed.
Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish with this Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe. The combination of tender chicken, hearty butternut squash, and aromatic herbs and spices creates a meal that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and paprika.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is browned and crispy. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Drain any excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the butternut squash cubes to the skillet and cook for
