
The Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is a delicious, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any season. It’s filled with succulent chicken, sweet cubes of butternut squash, and aromatic spices, making it both comforting and refreshingly light. Let me take you through this delightful journey of taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy Comfort: This soup offers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful, perfect for chilly days.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and protein, it’s a wholesome meal for the whole family.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip this up in under an hour.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe comes alive with a handful of humble yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a key role in crafting the delicious harmony of flavors you’ll experience.
- Olive Oil: Provides a rich base while softening the vegetables for depth in flavor.
- Onion and Red Bell Pepper: These veggies add sweetness and a subtle crunch to the soup.
- Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness to the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with its aromatic and pungent quality.
- Chicken: Offers a robust protein base, balancing the sweetness of the squash.
- Butternut Squash: Imparts a delightful sweetness and creamy texture once pureed.
- Chicken Bone Broth: Enhances the soup’s richness and complexity.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt and black pepper bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: A hint of brightness that balances the savory elements.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to each serving.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Optional, but they offer a lovely crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish.
Variations
The beauty of the Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe lies in its flexibility. You can effortlessly tweak it to align with your desired taste or dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use a vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sliced jalapeño to spice things up.
- Herbs: Enhance the flavor profile with fresh basil or cilantro for an aromatic twist.
- Savory Delight: Include crisp bacon bits or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
How to Make Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and ground cumin. Stir occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their enticing aroma, which takes about 5-6 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken
Introduce the minced garlic, stirring continuously for an additional minute. Then, place the chicken pieces into the pot alongside cubed butternut squash, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Simmer and Blend
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, allowing the soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked at this point. Remove the chicken to shred, and blend part of the soup for a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Final Touches
Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the pot. Add a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Stir, letting all the flavors meld beautifully. Taste to adjust the seasoning before garnishing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Shredding Magic: Use two forks to easily shred the chicken to your desired texture.
- Immersion Blenders are Key: A handheld blender works wonders for ensuring your soup reaches its ideal creaminess.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Adding a little zest with the lemon juice heightens the freshness factor.
- Alternative Broths: Experiment with different types of broth for unique flavor undertones.
How to Serve Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a handful of crunchy pumpkin seeds to your bowl just before serving. This not only adds color but a contrasting crunch that enhances the overall experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a side of crusty bread, like a warm baguette or garlic toast. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in hollowed-out roasted squash halves for an impressive presentation. Another option is to offer a flight of soups using small cups, showcasing this and other seasonal favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, maintaining its great taste and texture.
Freezing
Your soup can be frozen for up to three months. For easy thawing, store it in individual portions. Just remember to leave space at the top of the containers for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For microwaving, reheat in one-minute increments, stirring between each until hot.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great way to speed up the process. Simply add the shredded or cubed cooked chicken towards the end, just before blending the soup.
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Is canned butternut squash an option?
Canned butternut squash can be used in a pinch, but fresh squash is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
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What can replace chicken bone broth?
Vegetable broth or a rich homemade chicken stock can work as suitable replacements, offering a different yet delicious taste experience.
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What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
Not to worry! Simply transfer portions of the soup into a standard blender. Ensure you blend in batches and be careful with hot liquids.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a warm and inviting Chicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe to try. It’s perfect for nurturing your loved ones or even savoring a quiet moment alone. Dive into its comforting flavors and let yourself be wrapped in a delicious homemade hug.
PrintChicken Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and creamy Chicken Butternut Squash Soup that combines tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic spices, finished with a bright hint of lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion chopped (~2 cups)
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped (~1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
Protein and Broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 6 cups butternut squash peeled and cut into cubes (about 2 pounds)
- 5 cups Zoup! Good Really Good® Chicken Bone Broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oils, Acid, and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables and Spices: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and ground cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Chicken and Squash: Add the chicken (whole or in pieces), cubed butternut squash, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the squash is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the soup using a slotted spoon. Shred it with two forks or cut into cubes, then set aside.
- Puree Soup: Ladle 4-5 cups of hot soup into a large heatproof bowl. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the shredded chicken.
- Final Boil and Season: Bring the soup back to a boil, then stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with additional parsley and pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.
Notes
- Yields: This recipe makes about 6-7 cups of soup, suitable for 6 servings.
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Squash Variations: Feel free to substitute with pumpkin, acorn, kabocha, or delicata squash based on what you have available.
- Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or sage can also be added for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1 cup)
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg