Butternut Enchilada

Savory Slow Cooker Chicken with Butternut Squash

Slow Cooker Chicken, Butternut Squash

Indulge your taste buds with this delectable slow cooker chicken dish paired with the natural sweetness of butternut squash. This Asian-inspired recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The tender chicken and soft squash blend harmoniously, creating a delightful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, butternut squash cubes, sautéed onion and garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken and butternut squash to a serving dish, reserving the liquid for serving.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
7. Serve the slow cooker chicken and butternut squash with steamed rice or crusty bread. Drizzle a spoonful of the cooking liquid over the dish for added flavor.

How to Prepare:

This slow cooker chicken with butternut squash is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and golden brown.
4. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, butternut squash, sautéed onion and garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
7. Transfer the cooked chicken and butternut squash to a serving dish.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle with cooking liquid.
9. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this slow cooker chicken with butternut squash is approximately 20 minutes. This includes peeling and cubing the squash, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 280 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 670mg | Total Carbohydrate: 17g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 4g | Protein: 36g

Tips:

• To add a spicy kick to this dish, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili powder on top before serving.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be extended. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q: Can I use other types of squash instead of butternut squash?

A: Absolutely! Acorn squash or kabocha squash can be delicious alternatives to butternut squash.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the onion and garlic using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural release before removing the lid.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Asian-inspired slow cooker chicken with butternut squash. The tender chicken and sweet squash create a delightful combination that is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and savor the deliciousness!