Chicken and Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Golden acorn squash halves cradle a savory mix of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fragrant herbs, perfect for a cozy autumn meal.
Total: 65 minPrep: 20 minCook: 45 minServes 4Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 2 large acorn squash
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve the acorn squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
- 2 Place squash halves cut-side down on a greased baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
- 3 Meanwhile, cook wild rice according to package instructions.
- 4 In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- 5 Add cooked wild rice, diced chicken, herbs, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in chicken broth.
- 6 Remove squash from oven, flip halves cut-side up. Stuff each with the wild rice mixture.
- 7 Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- 8 Optional: Top with feta cheese before serving.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups
Variations
- Add cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast or nuts for extra crunch.
Substitutions
- If wild rice isn't available, use brown rice or quinoa.
Pairings
- Serve with a side of roasted root vegetables or a simple green bean almondine.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
45g carbohydrates
Protein:
15g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
8g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and use extra vegetable broth.
- Toasting the wild rice before cooking can enhance its nutty flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp autumn salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
FAQ
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the squash ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.