Try this cozy and flavorful chicken butternut squash casserole with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Some weeknights can be hectic, leaving you with less than an hour to prepare dinner. That’s when casseroles become a lifesaver.
This chicken butternut squash casserole is one of my favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between quick preparation and delivering the comfort and nutrition my family needs. I love recipes that are packed with both flavor and nutrition, just like my cheesy cabbage casserole or my carrot casserole souffle. Even picky eaters, like my skeptical kids, can’t resist how this dish transforms butternut squash into a soft, creamy, sweet sauce.
What sets this recipe apart is how the naturally sweet and creamy butternut squash blends with herbs and cheese to create a smooth velvety sauce. The chunks of chicken add heartiness and protein, while the golden, bubbling cheese crust on top has everyone going back for seconds.
It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent while still being packed with wholesome ingredients. A win for busy moms everywhere!
This casserole is also versatile for busy schedules. I often cube and roast the squash the night before, cutting down on prep time (you can also buy cubed squash in some stores). The hands-off baking time lets me catch up on tidying or help the kids with homework while dinner practically cooks itself.
If you're looking for a cozy autumn dinner or a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, this recipe is a must-try. It’s earned a spot on our regular rotation, and nothing beats the joy of seeing the whole family eagerly gather at the table, drawn by the aroma of roasted squash and herbs filling the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts - adds a tender and juicy protein to the dish, you may use fresh or frozen chicken for this.
- Butternut squash - adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted.
- Onion - contributes a savory base flavor.
- Garlic - gives a robust aroma and flavor.
- Chicken broth - adds moisture and richness.
- Heavy cream - gives a rich and creamy texture, balancing the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese - adds sharpness and creaminess.
- Dried thyme - contributes an earthy, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Breadcrumbs - adds a crunchy topping for added texture.
- Oil - used for cooking and helps to achieve a golden-brown finish.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy butternut squash casserole for an easy, comforting dinner! It's a perfect blend of savory chicken, squash, and melted cheese.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and reach the desired temperature when it's time to cook.
Prepare the Chicken
While the oven is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet or pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool slightly. After it has cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Cook the Butternut Squash
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the cubed butternut squash to the boiling water and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cubes are easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the squash in a colander and set aside to cool.
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Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked butternut squash, shredded chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, ¾ cup of shredded cheese, dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper to the bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the combined mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish to ensure even cooking.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a nice, crunchy topping as it bakes.
Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to settle.
Finally, serve the chicken butternut squash casserole hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Storage
To store chicken butternut squash casserole, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You may refrigerate the casserole for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Top Tips
Cut squash evenly: When cubing the butternut squash, try to cut the pieces into uniform sizes. This ensures that they cook evenly and become tender at the same time, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and mix it with the other ingredients, which will cut down on prep time significantly.
Adjust seasoning to Taste: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your preference. You can add other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or paprika, to enhance the flavor profile of the casserole.
What to Serve Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole
Chicken butternut squash casserole is a hearty comfort food that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. For a light and vibrant addition, try a green cauliflower bake for a veggie-packed side that adds a satisfying crunch. A refreshing quinoa salad brings a burst of flavor, and its Middle Eastern-inspired ingredients will complement the richness of the casserole. Alternatively, a pearl couscous salad with Moroccan flavors adds a unique texture and a tangy touch.
Pair this casserole with creamy mashed potatoes topped with Greek garlic beet greens for a hearty, flavorful side. For an extra treat, toast up some sourdough bread to make garlic bread, giving the perfect balance to the casserole’s richness. If you're in the mood for more casserole options, try a quinoa chicken casserole, ground beef zucchini and rice casserole, or a cauliflower casserole for additional comforting meal ideas.
Recipe
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Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred and set aside.
- Boil squash cubes for 10-12 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain.
- In a large bowl, mix squash, shredded chicken, onion, and garlic.
- Add broth, cream, ¾ cup cheese, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Casserole is done when edges are bubbling and top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot.
