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Chicken Butternut Squash Soup

Chicken Butternut Squash Soup
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Chicken Butternut Squash Soup is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender chicken and naturally sweet butternut squash in a creamy, nourishing broth. It combines wholesome ingredients and savory herbs to create a hearty, healthy meal perfect for chilly days or anytime you want simple, satisfying comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cubed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or cream (optional)

Herbs & Spices

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
  • Chickpeas or white beans (for vegetarian version)
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (for nutty flavor)
  • Rosemary or parsley (herb swap)
  • Cooked quinoa, barley, or rice (grain boost)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken: Peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Chop the carrots and celery, mince the garlic and onion. Cut the chicken into cubes or strips, ready to brown.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until fragrant and softened, building the flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides, locking in juices and enriching the flavor.
  4. Cook the Squash and Simmer: Stir in the diced butternut squash, fresh thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  5. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth, then stir back into the pot.
  6. Stir in Coconut Milk and Adjust Seasonings: Add coconut milk or cream if using, and taste to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs. Warm through for a few more minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh thyme and sage for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
  • Don’t overblend the soup; keep some chunks for satisfying texture.
  • Roasting the butternut squash beforehand adds richer flavor and caramelization.
  • Reserve some cooked chicken pieces to add at the end for tender bites.
  • Season in layers, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper throughout cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, butternut squash, creamy soup, healthy soup, gluten free, dairy free, comforting soup

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/chicken-butternut-squash-soup/