Chicken Butternut Squash Skillet with Smoky Paprika Sauce
A skillet dinner works best when sweet and savory elements balance each other out in the same pan. Here, lightly browned chicken breast combines with tender cubes of butternut squash, picking up deep color and warmth from a quick simmer in chicken broth and smoked paprika. Because the ingredients cook sequentially in one pan, the squash softens directly in the flavorful fond left behind from searing the meat. As the broth reduces, it forms a glossy, reddish-gold coating that brings the entire dish together effortlessly.
Why this one works
- Comes together entirely in one skillet for minimal cleanup
- Smoked paprika provides bold aroma and color with zero fuss
- Butternut squash turns naturally tender and slightly sweet in the simmering broth
- Lean chicken breast stays juicy by finishing gently under a covered lid
- Short ingredient list relies on pantry and produce staples
What you’ll need
- 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breast, cubed Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces so the chicken browns evenly and finishes cooking at the same rate.
- 2 cups (400g) butternut squash, peeled and diced Dice the squash into small, neat cubes roughly half an inch across so they soften thoroughly during the short simmer.
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth Provides the liquid base to deglaze the pan and steam the squash until tender.
- 1 tablespoon (15g) smoked paprika Lends rich woodsy smokiness and a vibrant reddish hue to the pan reduction.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil Used to sear the chicken and start the squash without sticking.
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Mango Lime Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner with Butternut Squash is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Large skillet with a tight-fitting lid
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions
Start with a hot skillet to achieve good browning on the chicken before introducing the vegetables. Giving each component its own brief turn in the oil builds depth before everything simmers together to finish.
- 1Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2Step 2
Add chicken cubes and brown until golden. Remove and set aside.
- 3Step 3
Add butternut squash to the skillet and sauté until slightly tender.
- 4Step 4
Stir in smoked paprika, then pour in chicken broth.
- 5Step 5
Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the ingredients.
- 6Step 6
Serve warm.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Chicken Butternut Squash Skillet with Garlic Dill Sauce is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the hot oil to encourage golden browning rather than steaming.
- Avoid crowding the pan during the initial sear so the meat develops color quickly.
- Stir the smoked paprika briefly into the squash before adding the broth to awaken its aromatic oils.
- Keep the skillet covered during the final ten-minute simmer to trap steam and finish cooking the squash and chicken simultaneously.
Ways to make it your own
- Finish with a light sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley before serving for color contrast.
- Serve over a bed of cooked whole grains or egg noodles to catch extra sauce.
Serving suggestions
Spoon the chicken and squash straight from the skillet alongside a fresh green salad, warm dinner rolls, or steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful smoked paprika sauce.
Storage & reheating
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container once cooled and keep refrigerated. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
How small should the butternut squash be diced?+
Aim for uniform 1/2-inch cubes so they have enough time to become tender during the brief sauté and ten-minute covered simmer.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?+
Standard or low-sodium chicken broth both work nicely depending on your seasoning preference.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin after simmering?+
Remove the lid and let the skillet simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two until the broth reduces to a light glaze.
With its balance of tender squash, lean chicken, and fragrant paprika broth, this skillet dish makes a satisfying, uncomplicated dinner ready for any weeknight rotation.
Chicken Butternut Squash Skillet with Smoky Paprika Sauce
Tender chicken breast and diced butternut squash simmered in a rich smoked paprika broth make an easy, hearty one-skillet weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups (400g) butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15g) smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken cubes and brown until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add butternut squash to the skillet and sauté until slightly tender.
- Stir in smoked paprika, then pour in chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the ingredients.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
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