Savory Chicken-Stuffed Acorn Squash Delight
Indulge in this nutritious and flavorful Savory Chicken-Stuffed Acorn Squash Delight, perfect for a wholesome meal! This recipe features tender acorn squash halves filled with a scrumptious mixture of ground chicken, red onion, and fennel, all enhanced by the natural sweetness of dried cranberries and aromatic spices. Topped with creamy yogurt and melted sharp cheddar, this dish is not only visually appealing but also loaded with protein and vitamins. Ideal for a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
2
Servings
295
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1/2 cup (For steaming the acorn squash.)
acorn squash
1 medium (Cut in half and seeds removed.)
vegetable oil cooking spray
As needed (For greasing the frying pan.)
ground chicken
1/2 lb (Ground breast.)
red onion
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
fennel bulb
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
dried cranberries
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground.)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (Ground.)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste.)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground.)
plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup (For mixing.)
sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Grated.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a microwave-safe casserole dish, add the 1/2 cup of water and place the two acorn squash halves cut-side down. Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until the flesh is fork-tender. Carefully drain the water and flip the squash halves over in the casserole dish, cut-side up.
3
Spray a nonstick frying pan with vegetable oil cooking spray. Over medium heat, add the ground chicken, chopped red onion, and chopped fennel bulb. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4
Add the dried cranberries, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground pepper to the chicken mixture. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Stir in the plain fat-free yogurt until well combined. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6
Evenly fill the acorn squash halves with the flavorful chicken mixture.
7
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the tops of the stuffed squash. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
19g
Carbs
25.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken-Stuffed Acorn Squash Delight?
It is a nutritious dish featuring acorn squash halves filled with a mixture of ground chicken, red onion, and fennel, flavored with cranberries and spices, and topped with cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 295 calories.
What type of squash is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one medium acorn squash.
How much ground chicken is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of ground chicken breast.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 F (200 C).
How is the acorn squash initially prepared?
The squash should be cut in half with seeds removed, then microwaved with 1/2 cup of water for 5 minutes until tender.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing?
The stuffing includes 1/4 cup of chopped red onion and 1/4 cup of chopped fennel bulb.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin and ground coriander, along with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Does the recipe use any fruit?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries for natural sweetness.
What kind of yogurt is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of plain fat-free yogurt.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How long should the stuffed squash bake in the oven?
The squash should bake covered for 20 minutes, followed by an additional 10 minutes uncovered after adding cheese.
Is the casserole dish covered during baking?
Yes, the dish should be covered with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 25.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 19g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long do you cook the chicken and vegetable mixture?
The chicken, onion, and fennel should be saut ed for about 10 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
When do you add the yogurt to the recipe?
The yogurt is stirred into the chicken mixture after the spices and cranberries have been saut ed.
Should the squash be placed cut-side up or down in the microwave?
The squash should be placed cut-side down in the water for the microwave step.
How much water is needed for steaming the squash?
Use 1/2 cup of water in a microwave-safe casserole dish.
What type of cooking spray is used?
The recipe suggests using vegetable oil cooking spray for the frying pan.
Is this recipe suitable for a fall meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a fall recipe and described as a cozy dinner choice.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken, acorn squash, healthy, stuffed vegetables, dinner for two, comfort food, and protein-packed.
How do you know when the squash is ready in the microwave?
The squash is ready when the flesh is fork-tender, usually after 5 minutes on high.
How do you finish the dish after baking?
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
While the recipe specifies ground chicken breast, ground turkey is a common substitute for similar stuffed vegetable dishes.
How much ground cumin is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What is the texture of the finished cheese topping?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly after the final 10 minutes of baking.