Description
This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor! Perfect for a healthy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For 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
For 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)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the halved butternut squash on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and cinnamon.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in quinoa or rice (if using), spinach, pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined.
3. Stuff & Bake
- Remove the butternut squash from the oven and scoop out some flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch border to create a well.
- Mix the scooped-out squash flesh into the chicken filling.
- Fill each squash half with the chicken mixture and top with cheese.
- 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!
Notes
✔ 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.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480