- 2 medium butternut squash halved lengthwise, seeds removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup for a vegan twist
- ½ tsp cinnamon optional: enhances the natural sweetness
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Preheat & Prepare SquashPreheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the butternut squash lengthwise, remove seeds, and brush cut sides with olive oil. Drizzle with honey and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Roast SquashPlace squash halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 40–50 minutes until tender and caramelized. Cook ChickenWhile squash roasts, season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Prepare StuffingIn a bowl, combine diced chicken, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, crumbled feta (if using), and chopped parsley. Optionally, mix in a few spoonfuls of roasted squash flesh for added creaminess. Stuff & BakeScoop a shallow well into each roasted squash half. Fill with the stuffing mixture. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until heated through and lightly golden. Garnish & ServeServe hot, garnished with extra parsley, a drizzle of honey, or additional feta cheese, if desired.
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~450
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Protein: 22g
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Total Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Dietary Fiber: 6g
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Sugars: 8g
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Sodium: 550mg