Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (2024)

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This Chicken and Butternut Squash is an easy weeknight dinner made with juicy chicken, butternut squash, mushrooms, and a delicious light cream sauce. Enjoy this easy chicken dinner with rice, roasted potatoes, or toasted bread.

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (1)

When I think of autumn, I think of shorter days, big pots filled with warm comforting food, and butternut squash. If you’ve visited this blog more than once or twice, you’ll quickly discover my love for all things cooked with squash. This easy chicken and butternut squash recipe is no exception.

I originally made this recipe nearly five years ago and have made it many times since. It’s the complete package, and perfect whenever you’re craving something comforting and healthy.

Packed full of delicious veggies like mushrooms (ok, those are actually fungi, not a plant, but, same difference), onions, and butternut squash, this chicken with butternut squash recipe is super yummy andbest enjoyed with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa or even…buttered bread.

Because bread is everything…aside from butternut squash, of course.

Ingredients in this Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe

  • Chicken
  • Italian seasoning
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Butternut squash
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Mushrooms
  • Chicken broth
  • Whole milk
  • Fresh parsley

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (2)

How to Make Chicken and Butternut Squash

Ok, you guys, here’s how it goes…

1. Get the chicken ready

First things first, pound your chicken to even thickness OR butterfly each chicken breast so that you get two thinner breast halves from one chicken breast. This is super important in ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly. Plus, it will make your life easier if you’re cooking the chicken in batches, which you probably will be.

Pat dry and season your chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Transfer to a large ziplock bag, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flour to coat.

  • TIP: If you prefer to keep this recipe gluten-free, skip the flour and leave it out. It’s not essential to the flavor of the chicken.

2. Brown the chicken in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven

You may need to cook the chicken in batches. If you’re short on time, you may also chop the chicken into cubes and cook it that way.

Remove the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

3. Cook the veggies

Return Dutch oven or skillet to the stove. Melt some butter and add the butternut squash. You’ll be adding the butternut squash first, then the onion, and finally, the mushrooms, cooking for approximately 5 minutes between each addition.

Return the chicken to the pot.

4. Add the chicken broth

Mix everything together.

5. Simmer and serve

Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the whole milk and mix to combine. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

  • TIP: for a richer sauce, add half-and-half or heavy cream in place of the whole milk.

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (3)

Healthy Modifications

  1. Skip the flour. Yes, chicken that has been dredged in flour and then cooked in oil or butter may taste phenomenal, but chicken that is simply cooked in a little butter or olive oil (with the right seasoning, of course) is also delicious.
  2. Ditch the heavy cream…and the half and half…use whole milk instead. Of course, you don’t have to do this. But it’s an option that tastes amazing.
  3. Instead of chicken thighs, use chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are lower in fat.

Ok, just kidding. The list isn’t super long, but that’s only because it was pretty healthy to start.

How to Serve

Does the answeranything count? No? Ok, fair enough.

If I were about to host a hypothetical dinner party with friends and I wanted to turn this chicken and butternut squash into a complete meal, I would serve it with-

  • Cheesy tortellini and a green salad
  • Rice pilaf and sautéed brussels sprouts
  • Mashed potatoesandasparagus

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (4)

Try these other easy chicken recipes

Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Legs with Potatoes

Chicken Gyro Recipe

Easy Sheet Pan Thai Chicken with Bok Choy

Citrus Chicken Marinade Recipe

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe

If you try making this delicious Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe, please leave a comment and let me know. I always love to read your thoughts and feedback!

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (5)

RECIPE CARD

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (6)

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms

AuthorAuthor: Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (7)Jessica Randhawa

Chicken and Butternut Squashis an easy and comforting meal made with chicken, butternut squash, mushrooms, and a delicious light cream sauce. Enjoy this easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with rice, roasted potatoes, or toasted bread.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Chicken, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 263 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts - cut in half to make 6 thinly sliced chicken breast halves
  • salt + pepper - to season
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • ¼ cup flour - divided
  • 3 tablespoon butter - divided
  • 1 small butternut squash - peeled, seeded and chopped into cubes
  • 1 yellow onion - chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic - minced
  • 10 oz crimini mushrooms - sliced
  • 1.5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk - or 1/2 cup half and half or cream
  • 2 tablespoon parsley - chopped , + more for serving

Instructions

  • Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried thyme. Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag and drizzle with approximately 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix chicken thoroughly to evenly coat with oil and sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Seal the bag and toss around the chicken breasts until each is completely coated with flour. Set aside.

  • Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or skillet set over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes, before flipping over to cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside. Repeat with any uncooked chicken breasts.

  • To the same pan melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil. Add the chopped butternut squash and stir to coat. Cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, or until the squash just starts to soften. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

    TIP - if your veggies start to brown, burn, or stick to the bottom, add a few tablespoons of water and cover with a lid.

  • Stir in the mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes, or until mushrooms just start to release their water.

  • Add the chicken back to the pot, carefully nestling among the vegetables and gently stir in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a low boil and cook, uncovered for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to prevent burning.

  • Ladle a few tablespoons of broth into a bowl. Slowly add 3-4 tablespoons of milk, cream or half-and-half and mix. Add in the remaining cream and mix. Slowly pour the bowl of cream into the pot with the chicken and gently mix to evenly distribute the broth and cream. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Jessica's Notes

  • For extra flavor and richness, sprinkle with parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 379mg | Potassium: 968mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 13795IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 2mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword chicken and butternut squash, Chicken Butternut Squash, chicken with butternut squash recipe

Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

Easy Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe with Mushrooms (2024)

FAQs

Is it necessary to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

What are 3 ways you can eat butternut squash? ›

7 ways to cook with butternut squash
  • Butternut squash soup. ...
  • Spicy squash and spinach soup. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash. ...
  • Butternut squash laksa. ...
  • Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas. ...
  • Beef and butternut squash moussaka. ...
  • Chilled toffee apple creams.

What is the wild mushroom that tastes like chicken? ›

Some species, especially Laetiporus sulphureus, are commonly known as sulphur shelf, chicken of the woods, the chicken mushroom, or the chicken fungus because it is often described as tasting like and having a texture similar to that of chicken meat.

What's the best way to eat chicken of the woods? ›

Chicken of the Forest is best appreciated sautéed or broiled. Clean and cut the mushroom, then, at that point, cook it with margarine, garlic, and your #1 flavors until it's delicate. It has a novel, substantial surface, making it an extraordinary meat substitute in different dishes like sautés or tacos.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

What does butternut squash do for the gut? ›

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

Can you eat too much butternut squash? ›

When taken by mouth: Butternut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but it can cause diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use butternut in large amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might stimulate the bowels too much.

What is the tastiest mushroom in the world? ›

Some mushrooms known for their rich flavors are chicken of the woods, truffles, morels, porcini, shiitake and portobello mushrooms. Many of these delicious gourmet mushrooms are also some of the most expensive mushrooms in the world, as they're not easy to cultivate.

What is the most expensive edible mushroom in the world? ›

Matsutake, one of the most expensive mushrooms, can cost up to $1,000 per kilogram. The Italian White Alba Truffle is the world's most expensive mushroom, with a price of $330 per gram. In Japan, people pay up to $600 for a single Matsutake mushroom. Morel mushrooms can cost approximately $254 per kilogram.

What can you confuse chicken of the woods with? ›

The giant polypore, also known as the black-staining polypore, is another look-alike to chicken of the woods. It is large, robust, and has a yellow-orange color on top, similar to chicken of the woods. However, it can cause digestive issues and is not edible. To distinguish between the two, look for its underside.

How do you get the bugs out of chicken of the woods? ›

Simply cut out the dirty, unsalvageable parts, pull out the sticks and grass that's tangled within and soak in water, for at least an hour, to get any potential bugs out. Strain, and you're good to go. To finish your preparation, I recommend steaming the mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes to soften.

What is the bottom side of chicken of the woods? ›

Underside: The underside of the caps is smooth and features small pores that start white when young and become yellow as they mature. Texture: When young, Chicken of the Woods in the UK is tender and succulent. With age, it can become tougher and more leathery. The flesh is generally substantial.

Is it OK to eat the skin on butternut squash? ›

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it,” Oliver's website says. “Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.”

Is it OK not to peel squash? ›

Some squash skin is edible, while other types of squash have tough skin that can be removed before cooking. Remove the skin of butternut, hubbard, buttercup, and turban squash. If you enjoy the taste, leave the skin on acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and zucchini squash.

Is squash skin good for you? ›

Sure, you know about the delicious orange flesh of winter squash—but the skin? In case you didn't know, all winter squash skins are edible, and full of fiber and vitamin A to boot. Whether or not you should eat the skins of every type of winter squash is its own question.

Does butternut squash need to be peeled for soup? ›

Do you have to peel butternut squash for soup? No. There is no need to peel the squash. Not only is this a fussy process, but the squash skin is completely edible and will blend into the soup once cooked.

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