If you’re searching for a hearty, colorful, and weeknight-friendly meal that brings together sweet roasted veggies, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and fluffy couscous, you’re in for a treat with the Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe! This one-bowl wonder is a cozy celebration of simple flavors, making use of just a handful of everyday ingredients to create a dish that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday night—plus, it’s loaded with protein and vibrant veggies for a seriously satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to unlocking all the flavor and texture that makes this dish shine! Each component plays its part, from the golden butternut squash to the sharp cheddar that melts into every bite. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Pearl couscous: These delightful pearls cook up tender and soak in all the other flavors, creating a satisfying base.
- Chicken broth: Cooking couscous in broth adds a savory depth that water just can’t match.
- Diced butternut squash: Roasts up sweet and caramelized, adding color and a hint of autumn to every bite.
- Small broccoli florets: Roasts alongside the squash for a slightly crisp, nutty flavor—and a boost of green goodness!
- Olive oil: Helps the veggies roast beautifully and carries those spices right onto every piece.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the whole dish with mellow, aromatic flavor in a pinch.
- Paprika: Contributes a gentle warmth and gorgeous color to the roasted veggies.
- Salt: Enhances every element and brings the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle background heat for balance.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Makes this a filling, protein-packed meal—leftover or rotisserie chicken works great!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, tangy pockets throughout the dish—don’t skimp here.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a final hit of rich, nutty flavor and saltiness that takes things up a notch.
- Butter: One final glimmer of richness stirred into the fluffy couscous.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Toss the diced butternut squash and small broccoli florets in a generous drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle them all over with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread everything out on a large baking sheet—as much space as possible helps the veggies roast rather than steam! Slide them into the oven and let them roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. They’ll come out tender, a little caramelized, and just begging to be tossed into this Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Pearl Couscous
While the veggies are working their magic, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the pearl couscous, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the pearls are plump and have absorbed all that flavorful broth. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in the butter which melts for extra richness and flavor. This couscous forms the perfect bed for all those hearty toppings.
Step 3: Combine Everything Together
Now for the moment of magic: in a large mixing bowl, combine your warm, buttery couscous with the roasted vegetables, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Toss everything together until the cheeses melt gorgeously and ingredients are evenly distributed. The cheddar brings gooeyness and zing, the Parmesan adds umami, and each veggie and chicken bite gets a cozy coating. You’ve just brought the Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe to life!
Step 4: Serve Warm
As soon as everything’s combined and piping hot, grab some bowls and dish it up! Every spoonful delivers a dreamy mix of nutty couscous, sweet squash, crisp broccoli edges, juicy chicken, and puddles of melting cheese. Serve immediately for maximum comfort-food joy.
How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a little fresh bite. If you love a bit of zip, a quick squeeze of lemon over the top or a touch of crushed red pepper can brighten everything up and make your Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is a satisfying one-bowl meal all by itself, but you can certainly round it out with a crisp green salad lightly dressed in vinaigrette or warm, crusty bread to mop up any cheesy bits left in the bowl. For an extra-veg boost, try serving with a plate of sliced cucumbers or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try spooning the couscous mixture into roasted squash halves or serving it in individual casserole dishes topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese, melted to bubbly perfection under the broiler. The Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe looks just as vibrant served family-style from a big bowl at the table as it does portioned neatly for meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a terrific next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, the couscous might soften a bit more upon thawing and the cheese may lose some creaminess. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and try to eat it within a month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop your leftovers into a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until hot. For a little extra freshness, you can add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to bring back some moisture. If you prefer, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring until everything is warmed through and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a classic flavor combo, feel free to swap in Gruyere, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of a twist in your Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe.
What can I use instead of pearl couscous?
If you can’t find pearl couscous, orzo or even small pasta shapes make great alternatives. Regular couscous works in a pinch—just note the texture will be slightly different.
Is it necessary to roast the vegetables, or can I steam them?
Roasting brings out the best sweetness and caramelized flavors in both butternut squash and broccoli, which is why it’s a highlight of the Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe, but if you’re short on time, a quick steam will still taste delicious (just expect a softer texture).
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add chickpeas or extra veggies, like roasted cauliflower or bell peppers, for a satisfying, meatless meal.
Will this recipe work with other roasted vegetables?
Definitely—you can swap or add carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini depending on what’s in your fridge or the season. The Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe is very forgiving and perfect for using up favorite or leftover veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason I keep coming back to the Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe: it’s equal parts comforting, nourishing, and just plain fun to make. If you’re craving something that feels special but doesn’t require a special trip to the store, this dish is a hands-down winner. Give it a try, and see if it doesn’t become a new favorite at your table, too!
Print
Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous Recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted vegetables, tender chicken, and cheesy couscous for a satisfying and wholesome one-pan meal. Perfect for a comforting dinner that is both easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
Pearl Couscous:
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 1 ½ cups small broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Roast Vegetables: Toss butternut squash and broccoli with seasonings and olive oil. Roast for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook Couscous: Boil chicken broth, add couscous, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked couscous, roasted vegetables, chicken, cheeses in a bowl.
- Serve: Stir until cheese melts and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Enhance with crushed red pepper or lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
