There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly autumn day than a bowl of hearty Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash. Packed with protein, fiber, and warm fall flavors, this cozy stew is the perfect meal to nourish your body and soul. Bonus: it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
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Why You’ll Love This Fall Chicken Stew
- Nutritious & Filling: Quinoa and chicken provide the protein, while butternut squash delivers vitamins and fiber.
- Warm Fall Flavors: A blend of cinnamon, garlic, and thyme brings cozy autumn vibes.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep: This stew reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients for Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless; cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
How to Make Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on the outside.
- Add the Quinoa and Broth
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Butternut Squash
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked, the squash is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Final Touches
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted fall veggies for a heartier meal.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this warm stew.
Tips for the Best Chicken Stew
- Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs add more flavor and stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Pre-Cut Butternut Squash: Save time by buying pre-cut squash from the store.
- Rinse the Quinoa: Rinsing removes bitterness and ensures better texture in the stew.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give you a similar sweet, earthy flavor and are just as nutritious.
Q2: Can I make this stew vegan?
A: Yes! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q3: What if I don’t have quinoa?
A: No problem! You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or even barley.
A Hearty Bowl of Comfort Awaits!
This Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash is everything you want in a cozy, feel-good meal. It’s packed with warm spices, tender chicken, and hearty grains, making it the perfect dish to warm you up this fall. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with us!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
Dig in and enjoy every bite of this fall classic!
Print
Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly autumn day than a bowl of hearty Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash. Packed with protein, fiber, and warm fall flavors, this cozy stew is the perfect meal to nourish your body and soul. Bonus: it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get more delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless; cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on the outside.
- Add the Quinoa and Broth
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Butternut Squash
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked, the squash is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Final Touches
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs add more flavor and stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Pre-Cut Butternut Squash: Save time by buying pre-cut squash from the store.
- Rinse the Quinoa: Rinsing removes bitterness and ensures better texture in the stew.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
