Description
A comforting and wholesome Butternut Squash Chicken Couscous dish featuring tender chicken, sweet roasted butternut squash, and fluffy couscous seasoned with warm spices. Perfect for a quick, colorful, and nourishing weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Spices & Herbs
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Peel and cut the butternut squash into small cubes. Chop the onion and garlic. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Roast the butternut squash: Toss the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized at the edges, enhancing natural sweetness.
- Sauté chicken and aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Cook until golden brown. Then add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Prepare the couscous: Bring chicken broth to a boil, remove from heat, stir in couscous, then cover and let steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to keep grains light and separate.
- Combine and finish: Gently mix the roasted butternut squash and sautéed chicken mixture into the fluffed couscous. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Cut squash and chicken evenly for consistent cooking and texture.
- Roasting squash intensifies flavor better than boiling or steaming.
- Fluff couscous with a fork, not a spoon, to keep grains light.
- Adjust spices gradually to suit your taste.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten the dish and add freshness at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: butternut squash, chicken, couscous, quick dinner, healthy recipe, roasted vegetables, one pot meal