## One-Pot Wonder: A Flavorful Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe for Cozy Nights
As the temperatures drop and the evenings grow longer, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, hearty meal to warm you from the inside out. This one-pot chicken and butternut squash recipe is the perfect answer to those chilly nights, offering a delicious and satisfying experience without the fuss of multiple dishes.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this dish is all about simple, wholesome ingredients brought together in a single pot to create a symphony of flavors. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which is infused with a vibrant blend of winter spices and herbs. But it’s the addition of sweet and earthy butternut squash that truly elevates this dish, adding a delightful seasonal touch.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While butternut squash provides a wonderfully autumnal flavor, feel free to experiment with other gourds like pumpkin or even add in leftover vegetables you might have on hand. Think potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini – the possibilities are endless! This adaptable nature makes it perfect for using up ingredients and minimizing food waste.
Ingredients:
* 1.8-2kg whole chicken, jointed (or use 4 legs, jointed into drumsticks and thighs). Using pre-jointed chicken saves significant time!
* 5 garlic cloves
* 5cm piece of ginger, peeled
* 5 spring onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
* 2 tsp allspice
* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1 tsp ground black pepper
* 1 tsp ground cumin
* 2 tsp thyme leaves
* 3 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 1 red pepper, finely chopped
* 600g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded, and cut into small cubes
* 5 cloves
* 350g long-grain white rice
* 700ml chicken stock
Instructions:
1.
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by slashing each chicken piece through the skin twice to create two deep slits. This allows the flavorful marinade to penetrate deeply, enhancing the taste and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.2.
Make the Marinade:
In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic, ginger, roughly chopped spring onions, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, 2 tsp salt, and thyme. Blend until smooth. This aromatic paste will form the base of your incredible marinade.3.
Marinate the Chicken:
Generously rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces, pressing it into the slashes. Don’t discard any leftover marinade; we’ll use it later.4.
Brown the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces evenly on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.5.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Reduce the heat to medium, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chopped onion, red pepper, butternut squash, most of the remaining spring onions, and cloves. Stir to coat in the oil and cook for about 5 minutes.6.
Add Flavor & Rice:
Add 100ml of water to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, then stir in the reserved marinade and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook for another minute.7.
Combine and Simmer:
Transfer the vegetable and rice mixture to a large bowl. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side down. Pour the rice and vegetable mixture over the chicken, followed by the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with foil and the lid, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.8.
Final Touches:
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes. Then, remove the lid and foil, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is sizzling and the flavors have melded beautifully. This final step crisps the chicken skin for an extra touch of deliciousness.9.
Serve:
Spoon the rice and vegetables onto a large serving platter. Arrange the chicken on top and garnish with the remaining chopped spring onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderfully warming and flavorful one-pot masterpiece!This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly convenient. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight meal or a delightful dish for a cozy weekend gathering. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the comforting warmth of this amazing one-pot chicken and butternut squash recipe!
