When the weather starts to cool and you crave something warm and comforting, my Chicken Acorn Squash Soup is the perfect remedy. This hearty soup combines the earthy sweetness of roasted acorn squash with tender chicken, creating a rich and nourishing bowl that’s both satisfying and healthy.
I love how the flavors meld together, with the subtle hints of herbs and spices enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash. It’s a dish that not only warms the body but also brings a sense of comfort with every spoonful.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy meal at home, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
What Does Acorn Squash Taste Like?
Acorn squash has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. Its taste reminds me of a mix between pumpkin and sweet potato. When cooked, the flesh becomes tender with a slightly buttery texture. I find the flavor pairs well with spices like cinnamon or savory herbs like sage.
How to make Chicken Acorn Squash Soup?
Recipe Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_milk (optional for creaminess)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast The Acorn Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves face down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender. Once done, let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and set aside.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine The Ingredients
Add the roasted acorn squash to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Step 5: Add Chicken And Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the coconut milk if you’re using it. Add the baby spinach and let it wilt in the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve The Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Acorn Squash Soup!
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Acorn Squash Soup
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Tips And Variations Of Chicken Acorn Squash Soup
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, add a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Acorn Squash Soup
Acorn Squash: Packed with vitamins A and C, acorn squash supports eye health and immune function.
Chicken: A great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Spinach: Rich in iron and magnesium, spinach contributes to healthy blood and energy levels.
Special Note
If you’re preparing this soup in advance, consider roasting the acorn squash the day before. It saves time and makes it easier to whip up a comforting meal when you’re in a hurry.
Conclusion
This Chicken Acorn Squash Soup is a delightful blend of hearty chicken, sweet acorn squash, and warming spices that creates a perfect dish for chilly days. Not only does it offer a comforting and satisfying meal, but it’s also packed with nutrients that support overall health.
Whether you’re looking for a new fall favorite or simply a nourishing bowl of soup, this recipe delivers on both flavor and nutrition. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this soup as much as I do!
Chicken Acorn Squash Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup coconut milkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_milk (optional for creaminess)
2 cups baby spinach
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
InstructionsÂ
Step 1: Roast The Acorn Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves face down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender. Once done, let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and set aside.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
- While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine The Ingredients
- Add the roasted acorn squash to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Step 5: Add Chicken And Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the coconut milk if you’re using it. Add the baby spinach and let it wilt in the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve The Soup
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Acorn Squash Soup!
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.