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    Home » Main Dishes

    Chicken Butternut Squash Fall Dinner

    Published: Nov 3, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This hearty 5-ingredient fall chicken dinner is packed with seasonal flavors like roasted butternut squash, tangy balsamic vinegar, and earthy kale. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s healthy, simple, and delicious!

    A plate of roasted butternut squash cubes, kale, chicken, and dried cranberries. The dish is garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

    In a few weeks thoughts will turn to turkey and the flavors of the holidays including latkes, brisket, ham and more!

    But today, recipes like this delicious chicken apple sausage ravioli, Trader Joe's gobbler quesadilla recipe, and this delicious zucchini wrapped shrimp top our daily list of meals we make in the fall.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Chicken Butternut Squash Fall Dinner
    • Pairing

    Ingredients

    The ingredient list is simple for this meal. You will need:

    A flat lay image showing the ingredients for a Cranberry Chicken Kale Balsamic Butternut Squash salad. The ingredients include a package of chicken tenderloins, a bag of dried cranberries, a bunch of kale, a butternut squash, and a bottle of balsamic vinaigrette.
    • Chicken breasts
    • Butternut squash
    • Kale
    • Cranberries
    • Balsamic vinegar

    Instructions

    Let's get started cooking! Grab your chicken, butternut squash, kale, cranberries and balsamic vinegar.

    Raw chicken breast and butternut squash cut into small cubes, on a cutting board with a chef's knife.
    1. Step 1: Cut the chicken and butternut squash into cubes
    toss the chicken butternut squash in balsamic vinegar
    1. Step 2: Toss the chicken butternut squash in half the balsamic vinegar.
    Diced chicken and butternut squash on a baking sheet.
    1. Step 3: Bake. Remove the tray from the oven, add the cranberries and kale the last few minutes of cooking time.
    A plate of roasted chicken and butternut squash with kale.
    1. Step 4: Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until kale is wilted. Remove from oven and serve.

    Substitutions

    This recipe requires few substitutions but you can make a few depnding on your dietary needs and preferences.

    • Gluten free: This recipe is already naturally gluten free.
    • Dairy free: This recipe is also naturally dairy free.
    • Vegan and Vegetarian: Substitute vegan chicken breasts for the chicken breasts. You may need to adjust cooking times if needed.

    Variations

    You can make variations of this if needed. If you want to make this as a meal with Thanksgiving leftovers, substitute turkey instead of the chicken.

    You can also substitute butternut squash with acorn or delicata squash. Just ensure they’re cut into small, uniform pieces to cook evenly.

    Storage

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

    FAQ

    Can I make this dish in a skillet instead of baking it?

    Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and butternut squash in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the kale, cranberries, and remaining balsamic vinegar at the end.

    Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

    Fresh cranberries can be used but may add a more tart flavor. Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness if needed.

    Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

    Yes! Feel free to add more fall vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to make this dish even heartier! You can even substitute acorn or delicata squash in place of the butternut squash.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

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    A plate of roasted butternut squash cubes, kale, chicken, and dried cranberries. The dish is garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

    Chicken Butternut Squash Fall Dinner

    Traci Wennerholm
    Cozy up with this 5-ingredient fall chicken dinner featuring tender butternut squash, balsamic vinegar, and kale. A simple, flavorful dish perfect for autumn nights!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 201 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 large chicken breasts sliced into cubes
    • 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
    • 2 cups kale chopped
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ cup dried cranberries

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken and butternut squash with half of the balsamic vinegar.
    • Arrange the chicken and butternut squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender.
    • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the kale and cranberries. Drizzle with the remaining balsamic vinegar.
    • Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the kale is wilted and the cranberries are slightly plumped.
    • Serve hot, and enjoy your cozy fall dinner!

    Notes

    This recipe makes 4 small servings. You can also make it into 2 larger servings. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 25gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 723mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 8524IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword chicken butternut squash, chicken cranberry, chicken kale, chicken squash, fall dinner
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. burntapple

      November 03, 2024 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      This was a great dish for leftovers!

      Reply
    2. Rachel

      November 03, 2024 at 9:33 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect! I’ve got it saved to use with turkey leftovers!

      Reply

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    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

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