Try This Comforting Chicken Stew with Quinoa & Butternut Squash Recipe

Crafting a deeply satisfying chicken stew with quinoa and butternut squash offers comfort in every single spoonful.

Chilly evenings call for warmth radiating from a single pot brimming with robust flavors.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with golden quinoa, creating a nutritious backdrop for sweet roasted squash cubes.

Fragrant herbs and rich broth weave through each ingredient, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Nutrition meets pure deliciousness in this one-pot wonder that comes together effortlessly.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, you’ll savor each hearty bite that nourishes both body and soul.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such extraordinary magic on your dinner plate.

Chicken Quinoa Squash Stew Hearty Guide

• Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense quinoa, and vitamin-loaded butternut squash, this stew delivers a powerhouse of nutrition in every delightful spoonful.
• Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks who want a stress-free meal preparation.
• Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this stew wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a comforting, soul-warming dish that feels like a culinary hug.
• Flexible and adaptable, this recipe welcomes personal touches like swapping herbs, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different protein options to suit your taste and pantry.

Ingredients for Chicken Quinoa Butternut Squash Stew

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the stew.
• Chicken: Lean protein that provides hearty substance and creates a filling main dish.
• Quinoa: A protein-packed ancient grain that adds nutritional value and a delightful texture to the stew.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that creates a deep and savory foundation for the stew.
• Thyme, Cumin: Warm spices that enhance the overall taste profile with earthy and aromatic notes.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich, savory liquid that helps cook the quinoa and infuse additional flavor into the stew.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Chicken Quinoa Butternut Squash Stew

Step 1: Roast Butternut Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.

Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown diced chicken until golden; remove and set aside.

Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Stew

Add quinoa, chicken broth, thyme, cumin, and roasted squash to the pot.

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and chicken is tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir chicken back into the stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer a few more minutes to blend flavors. Serve warm.

Tips for Chicken Quinoa Butternut Squash Stew

• Cut butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization during roasting.
• Rinse quinoa thoroughly before adding to the stew to remove natural bitter coating and improve overall flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest after initial browning, which helps retain moisture and ensures juicy, flavorful meat in the final dish.
• Taste and adjust spices gradually, adding small amounts of thyme and cumin to build complex, layered flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals and quick weeknight dinners.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Quinoa Squash Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the stew stays fresh and tasty.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour stew into a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Quinoa Butternut Squash Stew

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the stew's richness, enhancing the butternut squash's subtle sweetness and complementing the chicken's hearty flavor.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette, adding brightness and acidity that balances the warm, comforting stew, providing a refreshing contrast to the dish's robust profile.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or artisan whole grain bread to soak up the stew's flavorful broth, adding textural variety and allowing diners to enjoy every delicious drop of the meal.
• Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a soothing chamomile or green tea to accompany the stew, offering a gentle, warming beverage that supports the dish's nourishing and comforting qualities without overwhelming its delicate spices.

Variations on Chicken Quinoa Butternut Squash Stew

• Vegetarian Quinoa Stew: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth for added flavor and maintaining the same cooking technique.
• Gluten-Free Version: Confirm quinoa is certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure complete gluten elimination.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap quinoa with cauliflower rice and reduce butternut squash quantity, adding more protein-rich vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Include kalamata olives, swap thyme with oregano, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Greek-style profile while keeping the core cooking method unchanged.

FAQs

• Is quinoa a good protein source in this stew?

Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It provides about 8 grams of protein per cup, making it an excellent nutritional addition to this hearty chicken stew.

• Can I use a different type of squash?

While butternut squash works best for its sweet flavor and creamy texture, you can substitute with acorn or kabocha squash. Just ensure the substitute has a similar dense and starchy consistency.

• How can I make this stew more spicy?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables. These will introduce a nice spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken stew is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, and all other ingredients like chicken, broth, and vegetables do not contain gluten, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Hearty Chicken Stew with Quinoa & Butternut Squash Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rustic Hearty Chicken Stew with Quinoa & Butternut Squash delivers comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Protein-packed quinoa and sweet squash blend perfectly with tender chicken, creating a nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Starches and Grains:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare butternut squash by tossing cubed pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast squash on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender, creating caramelized edges.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook diced chicken until it develops a rich, brown exterior.
4. Remove chicken and set aside, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. Return chicken to the pot and add quinoa, chicken broth, thyme, and cumin, creating a robust flavor base.
6. Pour in roasted butternut squash and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing quinoa to absorb liquid and become fluffy while chicken becomes incredibly tender.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Let the stew rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve hot in deep bowls for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Roast butternut squash ahead of time to intensify its natural sweetness and create deeper caramelized edges for extra flavor complexity.
• Consider swapping chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains protein-rich nutritional profile.
• Customize spice levels by adding smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy more heat and complexity in their stew.
• Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process, allowing chopped vegetables and cubed chicken to be ready before starting the actual cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Stewing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg