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Harvest Chicken Bowls with Roasted Squash and Maple Dijon Dressing

A cozy and nourishing dish featuring roasted butternut squash, tender chicken, and a tangy maple Dijon dressing, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Bowls
  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lbs)
  • 4 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil Divided usage
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt Divided usage
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Divided usage
  • 4 cups baby kale or mixed greens
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • black pepper to taste black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, prepare the butternut squash. In a large bowl, toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Roasting the Squash
  1. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. While the squash roasts, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove them from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Mixing the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste until well combined.
Assembling the Bowls
  1. To assemble, place a handful of baby kale or mixed greens at the base of your bowl, add the cooked quinoa, top with roasted butternut squash, sliced chicken, and sprinkle with toasted pecans and dried cranberries. Drizzle generously with Maple Dijon Dressing.

Notes

For substitutions, consider grilled turkey or plant-based options like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.