Chicken Soup…But Make It Butternut Squash
Craving comfort food that’s also good for you? Look no further than chicken and butternut squash soup. This cozy dish is perfect for chilly evenings and is easily adapted to fit different dietary needs. Want to make it vegan? Swap the chicken for chickpeas! Need to watch your sodium intake? Use low-sodium broth and skip the salt.
Butternut squash brings a sweet, nutty flavor and a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber to the table, while chicken provides lean protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Here, we’ll explore the best way to make a delicious and nutritious chicken soup with butternut squash, from picking the right ingredients to mastering cooking techniques, offering variations, and providing easy storage tips.
Selecting the Perfect Ingredients
As with any recipe, the ingredients you choose will have a big impact on the finished dish.
Choosing the Butternut Squash
When you’re at the market, look for a butternut squash that feels firm and heavy for its size, with a smooth, deep beige-colored skin.
You can buy a whole squash and cut it up yourself, or you can buy pre-cut squash to save time and effort. Pre-cut squash is definitely more convenient, but using a fresh squash will give you a slight edge in terms of flavor.
“Use pre-prepped butternut squash for ease.”
Chicken Choices
You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts in this soup, although chicken thighs are often preferred because their richer flavor holds up better in a soup and they’re less likely to dry out as they cook.
“Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs (cook time may vary).”
If you’re really short on time, you can even use pre-cooked chicken.
Broth is Key
Using homemade chicken broth will give your soup a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve with store-bought broth.
“Use homemade chicken broth for enhanced flavor.”
If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for a low-sodium broth.
Maximizing flavor: Roasting and Soffrito
There are a few ways to really amplify the flavors in this chicken and butternut squash soup.
Roasting the Butternut Squash
Roasting brings out the best in butternut squash. As it roasts, the squash caramelizes, which intensifies its natural sweetness. You’ll notice the difference in the finished soup.
For best results, roast your squash at 400°F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it’s easily pierced with a fork.
Here’s a pro tip: If you’re roasting a chicken at the same time, roast it directly over the butternut squash to let the chicken drippings baste the squash as it cooks. This will infuse the squash with even more flavor.
Building a Flavorful Base: The Soffrito
Soffrito is a fancy word for the aromatic vegetables you sauté in fat to create the base of the soup. The essential ingredients for a soffrito are onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté these in butter or olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, season them with salt, pepper, thyme, or whatever herbs you like.
How to make chicken soup with butternut squash
- Sauté the soffrito: Start by gently cooking your onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until they’re soft and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the roasted squash and broth: Pour in your chicken broth and stir in the roasted butternut squash. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the simmering soup. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer.
- Blend the soup (optional): For a smoother, creamier soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup carefully to a regular blender to puree.
- Season and adjust: Now, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add salt, pepper, or any other spices you enjoy. For an extra touch of richness, stir in a little cream or coconut milk. (If you leave out the cream, the soup won’t be quite as rich and delicious.)
Variations and substitutions for dietary needs
This chicken soup with butternut squash recipe is easily adaptable to a variety of dietary needs.
Dairy-free options
If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute coconut milk or another plant-based cream, such as cashew cream, for the heavy cream. Be sure to check the labels of all of your ingredients to ensure that they’re dairy-free.
Vegan adaptations
To make this soup vegan, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein source such as chickpeas or lentils. Also, be sure to use vegetable broth rather than chicken broth.
Gluten-free considerations
If you’re avoiding gluten, make sure all of your ingredients, including the broth, are certified gluten-free. If you want to thicken the soup, use a cornstarch or gluten-free flour slurry.
Adding a spicy kick
For a little more zing, try adding 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving, storing, and freezing
Once your chicken and butternut squash soup is ready, you can enjoy it as is or try some of these serving suggestions.
Serving suggestions
Top your soup with some crunchy croutons, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs or pumpkin seeds. Or, for a bit of salty crunch, add some crumbled bacon.
This soup is also delicious paired with a hunk of crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Storing leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing for later
To freeze your soup, divide it into 2-cup containers for easy portioning and reheating. Some people like to freeze soup in individual portions by ladling it into ice cube trays (souper cubes!). Frozen soup can be stored for 2 to 3 months.
Summary
Chicken and butternut squash soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and easily customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just looking for a healthier option, this soup can be adapted to suit your needs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and ingredients. Add a touch of spice, swap out the chicken for turkey, or throw in some extra veggies. The possibilities are endless!
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from creating and sharing homemade soup, especially on a chilly day. This creamy butternut squash and chicken soup is everything you want when the weather turns cold – it’s warm, hearty, comforting, and nourishing for the body and soul.