This chicken stew recipe is packed with fantastic flavor and health benefits, thanks to the butternut squash and quinoa. Comfort in a bowl! 330 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
I was patting myself on the back for this hearty chicken stew recipe all day long. Tasty? Oh my, yes. Healthy? You better believe it. Aroma? I'd say it gets a "15" on a scale of 1 to 10. This recipe formed in my head slowly, starting with some chicken thighs sitting in the fridge. Then I picked up a butternut squash at the grocery store, with the thought of making soup. Instead, I cubed and steamed the squash, mashing half of it to help thicken the stew. In went the quinoa, one of my favorite grains, for an extra punch of protein and fiber. The topper was a kick of briny flavor from some kalamata olives and a burst of freshness from a handful of chopped parsley.
While low in calories and fat, a bowlful of this chicken stew recipe easily satisfied my craving for comfort food. Also, butternut squash is high in Vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, so I knew I was getting a well-rounded meal to keep my body healthy for my daily workouts. One can not keep up with a high-energy "power pump" instructor without some decent fuel from which to draw. Seriously, this woman makes the Energizer bunny look like a total slacker. And she has about a dozen grandkids! Inspirational? Yeah, I'd say so.
This stew can be made in advance, but you may need to add a little more chicken broth before serving because the quinoa will expand as it sits. Either way, the flavors and textures are fantastic and it is sure to become a cold-weather favorite.
Printable Recipe
Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds butternut squash peeled, seeded & chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- â…” cup uncooked quinoa
- ¾ cup pitted & quartered kalamata olives
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Steam the butternut squash until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the squash pieces and set aside.
- Steam the remaining squash until very tender, an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Mash this squash with the back of a fork. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
- Add chicken thighs, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and allow to cool. Pour broth into a medium-sized bowl.
- Return the saucepan to the stovetop and lower heat to medium. Add olive oil.
- Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is starting to turn brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the salt, minced garlic and oregano. Cook, stirring, for 1 additional minute.
- To the saucepan, add tomatoes, butternut squash pieces, mashed butternut squash. Stir to combine.
- Stir in reserved chicken broth and quinoa. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa turns translucent, about 15 minutes.
- Shred the chicken with your fingers or a fork.
- Stir the chicken, olives and pepper into the stew and simmer, uncovered, to heat, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Other healthy stew recipes:
Left to right: Italian Split Pea Stew with Cauliflower, Spiced Mushroom, Chickpea & Tomato Stew, and Curry Red Lentil Stew with Tomatoes
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Abigail
Does this soup still taste good without the olives?
Amy
This looks so delicious! I love butternut squash so I can't wait to try this stew recipe!
Emily
Made this for my dinner group, and doubled the recipe -- it was phenomenal. I was nervous that some of the boys would be uncertain about it, but everyone came back for more. Well done, I look forward to making it again soon.
p.s. Trader Joes makes this really easy, and has pre-cut Butternut Squash.
Tanya@TakeSix
Found this on Pinterest and made it today. It is delicious! Thank you so much!
Sarah
I just made this to eat throughout the week. It's absolutely delicious! The only thing I did differently was to roast my butternut squash. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
kim
I made this last night, We LOOOOVE it. I'm amazed how incredibly tasty this dish is! I can't wait to try more of your recipes
Theresa thomp
Absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Kristen
Just made this, it was so yummy! Especially on a rainy day like today! Thanks!
Stacy Parsons
Just made this dish for dinner and it's the best stew I've ever had. The only thing I did different was seasoned my chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning because hubby loves his food spicy and omitted the olives for corn. Will definitely be making again. Oh and did I mention this is my first time trying quinoa? Thanks for an amazing recipe.
Love from Germany! 🙂
Joee
This is such a beautiful recipe! I roasted my butternut squash in the oven first, used fresh diced tomatoes from my garden and also omitted the olives (lack there-0f) and sauteed yellow bell peppers with the onions. It smells divine, and I can hardly wait to eat a bowl or three!
Thank you so much for this recipe!