Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed

This Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and hearty flavors. Roasted butternut squash becomes tender and caramelized, while the savory chicken filling brings a satisfying, protein-packed bite.

With hints of honey, warm spices, and a rich, cheesy topping, this dish is both healthy and indulgent—great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion!

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Ingredients for Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken

the Roasted Butternut Squash:

• 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

the Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for extra heartiness)
• ½ cup baby spinach, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (for sweetness)

the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the halved butternut squash on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and cinnamon.
4. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Add shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
4. Stir in quinoa or rice (if using), spinach, pecans, and dried cranberries.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined.

3. Stuff & Bake

1. Remove the butternut squash from the oven and scoop out some flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch border to create a well.
2. Mix the scooped-out squash flesh into the chicken filling.
3. Fill each squash half with the chicken mixture and top with cheese.
4. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

• Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
• Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!

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Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Butternut Squash

Roast the squash until caramelized – This enhances the natural sweetness.
Mix up the cheese – Try feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar for different flavors.
Make it a meal prep favorite – Prepare everything ahead and bake when ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not roasting the squash long enough – It should be fork-tender for easy scooping.
Overstuffing the squash – Leave enough room so it doesn’t overflow.
Skipping the honey drizzle – It enhances the sweet-savory contrast.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
• Garnish with extra nuts and cranberries for more texture.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered, until warm.

Freezing:

• Freeze the stuffed butternut squash halves for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Use chickpeas instead of chicken.
• Add a spicy kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add hot honey.
• Swap the nuts – Use almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds.

What to Serve with Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots
• A warm bowl of soup for a cozy meal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Do I need to peel the butternut squash?

No, the skin softens during roasting and holds everything together.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Savory Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With tender squash, savory chicken, crunchy nuts, and a touch of sweetness, this dish is wholesome, filling, and packed with nutrients.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious and healthy recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Serves: 4

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