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!
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Ingredients
Scale
- 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