BRAISED CHICKEN WITH SQUASH & CRANBERRIES

Braised Chicken with Squash & Cranberries is a hearty and comforting meal that is easy to prepare and sure to please. This skillet dinner is bursting with great flavors and combines butternut squash, cranberries, chicken, pear, and onions.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this chicken and squash recipe is what makes it so special. The butternut squash and cranberries add a touch of sweetness, while the chicken and onions provide a savory balance. The pear adds a subtle tartness that ties everything together. This braised chicken breast dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests during the fall season.

Simple & Delicious Meal- Braised Chicken & Squash

Braised chicken with squash and cranberries is a fantastic fall meal bursting with great flavors. This simple and delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home. The combination of butternut squash, cranberries, chicken, apple & onions makes for a lovely skillet dinner that is both healthy and satisfying.

This chicken with squash and cranberries is a great meal for anyone looking for a simple and satisfying dinner option. It is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extremely flavorful. One of the best things about this recipe is the combination of ingredients. The butternut squash, cranberries, chicken, apple, and onions work together to create a lovely skillet dinner that is both savory and sweet. The flavors are well-balanced, and the dish is hearty and satisfying.
• Simple recipe to follow. This recipe is also easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. The result is a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but can be made in under an hour.
• It’s versatile. Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a main course for dinner, or as a side dish to complement other dishes. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week.

Easy Braised Chicken Ingredients

Butternut squash: You’ll want to use 3-4 cups of cubed butternut squash for amazing flavor and texture in this dish. Some grocery stores sell precut squash if you’re looking to put in less effort.

Onion: Use 1 red onion that has been cut into ½ inch wedges or been finely chopped if you don’t want your kids to notice them.

Chicken: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been halved and pounded thin, are the main source of protein in this maid dish recipe.

Flour: You need 2 TBPS + 4 teaspoons of flour to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce.

Salt and pepper: Add in salt and pepper to the flour according to your taste preference.

Oil: Use 4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided, to help create a sear and prevent sticking.

Seasonings: You will need 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg (use cinnamon if you don’t have nutmeg) for a wonderfully seasoned dish.

Chicken broth: Having liquid in the pot is important for braising, use one 14-ounce can of chicken broth.

Cranberries: ½ cup of dried cranberries are needed to give a sweet and tart flavor combination.

Sausage: This is an optional addition, I used a red wine sausage that I just so happened to have in my fridge.

Pear: One of my recipe adaptations was adding in 1 sliced pear, and it really makes the dish taste wonderful. An apple is a great alternative as well.

How to make Braised Chicken with Squash & Cranberries

Prep

Get started by preparing the squash and onions. Chop the squash into small 1″ cubes and dice the onions into strips. Set both ingredients aside for future use.

Then in a small dish, combine 2 TBSP of flour with a few shakes of both salt and pepper.

Also prep the chicken by slicing two breast in half and then pounding it thin.

Sear chicken

Now begin to heat 2 TBSP of oil over medium heat in a heavy pot.

While the oil is heating, moisten the chicken breasts with a bit of water, then dredge them in the seasoned flour.

Place the chicken in the pan and sear it until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then remove the chicken from pan.

Assemble

Next add the remaining 2 TBSP of oil to the pan and add the squash, red onion, and all the seasonings. Cook the veggies for about 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.

Proceed to add in the broth and 4 tsp of flour, whisk to combine. Continue to cook, stirring and scraping up the browned bits on the bottom.

Cook

Now add the chicken to the pot, nestling it in the squash mixture. Also add the cranberries and pear (or apple) and the sausage if you are choosing to add that.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook an additional 20-25 minutes.

Serve with any side dish you’d like; a lightly herbed couscous or rice would pair well with this dish.

Enjoy!

Alternative Ingredients

For those who want to try something different or are looking for substitutions, there are a few alternative ingredients that can be used in this recipe.

• Instead of butternut squash, acorn squash or pumpkin can be used. These squashes have similar textures and flavors, making them a great alternative.
• For those who don’t like cranberries, dried cherries or raisins can be used instead. These fruits also add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
• If chicken is not your preferred meat, turkey or pork can be used instead. These meats also pair well with the squash and cranberries.
• For those who want to add some extra flavor, herbs such as sage or thyme can be added to the dish. These herbs complement the flavors of the other ingredients and add a savory element to the dish.

What to serve with braised chicken

A lot of people really enjoy serving this dish or next to a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice, and I have to say both sound like excellent (and healthy) options. We like to serve it with cooked couscous or rice pilaf, but you can’t go wrong with starchy options.

I originally served the dish over a basic couscous recipe, but to make it even easier, I think replacing the squash with a cubed sweet potato would be amazing! I also loved adding a piece of fruit- it added a certain sweetness that just tied everything together.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re a fan of dark meat chicken, swap out the breasts for something else. Feel free to make this recipe using chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, or even chicken quarters (that have been separated into legs and thighs).

How long is leftover chicken & squash good for?

Leftovers of the braised chicken with squash and cranberries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed to your liking.

What are some recommended herbs and spices to use in a braised chicken and squash skillet?

To enhance the flavors of this dish, consider adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can also add warmth and depth to the dish. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.

What type of onions pairs best with a chicken & squash dish?

Yellow onions are a great choice for this dish as they have a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients. However, if you prefer a stronger onion flavor, you could also use red onions or shallots.

Check out these other great chicken recipes!

• CHEESY BAKED CHICKEN BREASTS
• SHEET PAN HIBACHI CHICKEN
• CROCK POT DR.PEPPER CHICKEN LEGS
• RANCH CHICKEN BACON KABOBS
• CHICKEN PARMESAN SLIDERS
• EASY CHICKEN MANICOTTI
• EASY FRIED CHICKEN RECIPE WITHOUT BUTTERMILK
• MULLIGATAWNY: CHICKEN CURRY SOUP
• THREE CHEESE SOUP
• CHICKEN CORDON BLEU LASAGNA
• MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
• ZESTY ITALIAN CHICKEN
• OVEN BAKED FRIED CHICKEN
• EASY CROCKPOT HAWAIIAN CHICKEN
• BEST CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
• GRANDMA’S BEST CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
• CHICKEN AND STUFFING CASSEROLE

Braised chicken with squash and cranberries is a restaurant quality meal that you can make in your kitchen and serve up at home. This skillet dinner is a perfect comfort meal that everyone can enjoy!