Soups & Stews

Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup

Name: Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 2 medium onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

By Delia Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup — Warm and comforting soup

As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm and comforting meals that bring the whole family together. One of my favorite dishes to make during this time is Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup. It's a recipe that I've perfected over the years, and it never fails to impress. The combination of tender chicken, roasted butternut squash, and aromatic spices is a match made in heaven.

I remember the first time I made this soup for my family. It was a chilly autumn evening, and we were all gathered around the dinner table, eager to taste the latest creation from my kitchen. The first spoonful was like a hug in a bowl - it was warm, comforting, and full of flavor. From that day on, Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup became a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share the recipe with you.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. The best part is that it's a great way to get your family to eat their veggies, as the butternut squash adds natural sweetness and creaminess to the soup.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup from scratch. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the soup, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and satisfying. So, let's get started and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table!

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy meal or a foodie who loves to experiment with new flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of chicken, butternut squash, and spices is a classic, and the soup is perfect for any time of the year. So, go ahead and give it a try - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of chicken, butternut squash, and spices is a classic and delicious.
The soup is a great way to get your family to eat their veggies.
The recipe is versatile and can be made with different types of protein or vegetables.
The soup is comforting and perfect for a cold winter's day.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients from your local grocery store.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup is to cook the ingredients in the right order and to use the right techniques. First, you need to roast the butternut squash in the oven to bring out its natural sweetness and to add depth to the soup. Then, you need to sauté the onions, garlic, and chicken in a pot to create a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Another important aspect of this recipe is to use the right spices and herbs. The combination of cumin, paprika, and thyme adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the soup, while the bay leaves provide a subtle and slightly sweet note. By using these spices and herbs, you'll be able to create a soup that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Finally, the most important thing to remember when making this soup is to cook the chicken to the right temperature. You want to make sure that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). This will ensure that the soup is safe to eat and that the chicken is tender and juicy.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup that your whole family will love. So, go ahead and give it a try - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. The key players in this recipe are chicken, butternut squash, onions, garlic, and spices. You'll also need some chicken broth, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose a fresh and ripe butternut squash. You can tell if the squash is ripe by its sweet and nutty aroma. Also, choose boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, as they will be easier to cook and more tender in the soup.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinlessYou can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, but thighs will give you a more tender and juicy texture.
2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubedMake sure to choose a fresh and ripe butternut squash for the best flavor and texture.
2 medium onions, choppedYou can use either yellow or white onions for this recipe, but yellow onions will give you a sweeter flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't leave any raw flavor in the soup.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a good quality olive oil that has a mild flavor and won't overpower the other ingredients in the soup.
1 tsp ground cuminCumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the soup, so make sure to use it generously.
1 tsp smoked paprikaSmoked paprika gives the soup a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, so use it to add depth to the dish.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a subtle and slightly minty flavor to the soup, so use it to balance out the other ingredients.
1 bay leafBay leaves add a subtle and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, so use them to add depth and complexity to the dish.
1 tsp saltUse salt to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and to add depth to the soup.
1/2 tsp black pepperUse black pepper to add a subtle kick to the soup and to balance out the other flavors.
4 cups chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to avoid adding too much salt to the soup, and make sure to use a good quality broth that is rich and flavorful.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley to add a bright and fresh flavor to the soup, and to add a pop of color to the dish.

Ingredients for Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaColander or strainer

How to Make Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
3
While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
5
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
6
Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through.
7
Add the cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
8
Add the roasted butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine.
9
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
10
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.
11
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 F (74 C).
12
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
13
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

Use a good quality chicken broth that is rich and flavorful to add depth to the soup.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.
Roasting the butternut squash in the oven brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
Use a variety of spices and herbs to add complexity and interest to the soup.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley to add a bright and fresh flavor.
Serve the soup with a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream to add richness and creaminess.
Experiment with different types of protein or vegetables to make the soup your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not roasting the butternut squash in the oven, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the soup.
Overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough and dry.
Not using enough spices and herbs, which can result in a bland and uninteresting soup.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a soup that is not fully flavored and textured.
Not using a good quality chicken broth, which can result in a soup that is lacking in depth and flavor.
Not garnishing the soup with fresh herbs, which can result in a soup that is not visually appealing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of protein, such as turkey or beef, to make the soup your own.
Add some heat to the soup by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use coconut milk or cream to add richness and creaminess to the soup.
Experiment with different types of squash, such as acorn or spaghetti squash, to add variety to the soup.
Add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to the soup for added flavor and freshness.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and filling meal.

What to Serve With Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup

Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides. Some ideas for sides include crusty bread, crackers, or a green salad.

You can also serve the soup with a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream to add richness and creaminess. Additionally, you can garnish the soup with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a bright and fresh flavor.

Crusty breadCrackersGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled cheese sandwichFresh fruit

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Chicken And Butternut Squash Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To store the soup in the fridge, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

To freeze the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating the soup is easy - simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the soup if it's too thick, or a little bit of cream or sour cream if you want to add richness and creaminess.

One thing to keep in mind when storing and reheating the soup is that it may thicken over time. If this happens, simply add a little bit of water or broth to the soup to thin it out, or reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of squash in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of squash, such as acorn or spaghetti squash, to add variety to the soup. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of squash you use.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How do I reheat this soup?

To reheat the soup, simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the soup if it's too thick, or a little bit of cream or sour cream if you want to add richness and creaminess.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Simply cook the soup, then let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it.

Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken in this recipe. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the soup along with the other ingredients.

Can I make this soup without the butternut squash?

Yes, you can make this soup without the butternut squash. Simply omit the squash and add other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to the soup instead.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 F (74 C).

The Full Recipe

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