Butternut squash and chicken soup: each is a comforting, nutritious dish in its own right. Butternut squash is sweet and versatile, working well in everything from roasted side dishes to creamy sauces. Chicken soup, on the other hand, is savory and soothing, a go-to when you’re feeling under the weather.
What happens when you combine them? You get a delicious, balanced soup that’s packed with flavor and texture. The sweetness of the squash complements the savory chicken, and the combination can easily be adapted to suit almost any dietary need.
This article is your guide to making the perfect butternut squash with chicken soup. We’ll cover everything from basic recipes to variations, tips, and frequently asked questions, so you can create a bowl of comfort that’s just right for you.
Why this recipe works
This butternut squash and chicken soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. The squash is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, while the chicken gives you a hearty serving of lean protein. More than that, though, the flavors just work.
The sweetness of the squash balances the savory chicken perfectly. Adding your favorite herbs and spices takes the flavor profile to the next level.
And the recipe is incredibly flexible. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, easily fitting into Paleo and other dietary plans. You can swap out ingredients and toppings to make it your own!
Ingredients: Quality and Selection
The quality of your ingredients will make a huge difference in the final flavor of your butternut squash chicken soup. Here’s what to look for.
Core Ingredients
- Butternut squash: Choose a squash that feels firm and heavy for its size. You’ll want about 3 to 3.5 pounds.
- Chicken: You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs for this recipe. Choosing high-quality, free-range chicken can add a depth of flavor.
- Chicken broth: A good-quality chicken broth or bone broth is key. For those watching their sodium intake, low-sodium or homemade broth are excellent options.
Flavor Enhancers
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, celery, and shallots are your essential aromatics. They’re the foundation of the soup’s rich and complex flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Thyme, sage, cumin, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes are great choices. Feel free to experiment and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.
Optional Ingredients
- Bacon: For an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Coconut cream or plant-based cream: To add a touch of creaminess and richness to the soup.
Soup-making, step by step
Here’s how to make a delicious butternut squash and chicken soup, from start to finish.
Preparing the butternut squash
Roasting the squash brings out its sweetness and gives it a richer flavor than other cooking methods. To roast a butternut squash, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you enjoy. Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Roasting enhances the flavor through caramelization, which is why it’s the preferred method.
If you’re short on time, you can steam or microwave the squash. Steaming takes about 20-25 minutes, while microwaving (cut into smaller pieces) takes about 8-10 minutes. While these methods are faster, they don’t develop the same depth of flavor as roasting.
Cooking the chicken
You can grill or pan-fry the chicken for the soup. To grill, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. For pan-frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken as above and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding or dicing it.
For a quicker option, use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken. Just shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Assembling the soup
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and any other aromatics (like ginger or celery) in olive oil over medium heat. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the soup.
Add the roasted butternut squash (scooped out of its skin), cooked chicken, and broth (chicken or vegetable) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids! If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only partially, leaving some small pieces of squash and chicken.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
One of the best things about making soup is how easy it is to adapt the recipe to your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for tweaking this butternut squash and chicken soup recipe:
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-free: Try coconut cream or plant-based cream in place of the dairy cream, or just leave the cream out altogether.
- Gluten-free: Make sure all your ingredients, including the broth and bacon, are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan: Instead of chicken, add some plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy soup: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili powder to heat things up.
- Sweet potato: Use sweet potato instead of butternut squash for a slightly different flavor profile.
Extra Veggies
Toss in some spinach, kale, carrots, or celery for added nutrients and texture. Keep in mind that different vegetables will require different cooking times, so add them accordingly.
What are the best toppings for butternut squash and chicken soup?
Soup isn’t soup without the toppings! Here are some toppings that really bring out the best in butternut squash and chicken soup:
- Creamy: For a creamy texture and rich flavor, try a dollop of coconut cream or Greek yogurt.
- Crunchy: Add some toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), croutons, or even crispy bacon bits for a bit of satisfying crunch.
- Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, thyme, or sage will also help enhance all the other flavors in the soup.
Storing, freezing, and reheating
This butternut squash and chicken soup makes a big batch, so you’ll likely have leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
Storing leftovers
Pop your leftover soup into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should be good for up to 5 days.
Freezing soup
Want to keep some on hand for a future meal? You can freeze this soup in individual portions or in a larger container. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. The soup should last for 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating instructions
When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen butternut squash?
- Sure, but fresh squash will give you a richer, more complex flavor.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Just toss everything in, cook on low for 6-8 hours, and shred the chicken before serving.
- How do I make the soup thicker?
- A cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) or a gluten-free flour will do the trick. Add it in slowly until you get the consistency you want.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely! Carrots, celery, spinach, or kale would be delicious additions.
Key Takeaways
Butternut squash chicken soup is a powerhouse of nutrition, flavor, and versatility. The sweetness of the squash perfectly complements the savory chicken broth, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian option, you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your needs.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, herbs, and toppings to create your own unique version of this delicious and healthy soup.