Hey there! I’m Anna, and I’m just as passionate about good food as you are – especially when it comes to chicken! My kitchen is my happy place, and I absolutely love finding ways to make everyday cooking feel easier and more joyful. You know, those nights when you want something delicious and satisfying without all the fuss? That’s exactly what I’m all about. Today, I’m SO excited to share one of my absolute favorites: Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights!
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Why You’ll Love This Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Seriously, this dish is a weeknight warrior! If you’re looking for a meal that’s big on flavor but super low on effort, you’ve found it. It’s one of those recipes that just makes sense, especially when you’re craving something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- It’s ridiculously easy: We’re talking minimal prep and one pan for most of the cooking. Less mess, more eating!
- So flavorful: The sweet delicata squash pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and kale filling. Yum!
- Healthy and wholesome: Packed with veggies and lean protein, it’s a meal you can feel really good about serving.
- Super quick: Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for those busy evenings.
- Totally versatile: Don’t have kale? Use spinach! No Parmesan? Feta works! It’s a recipe that’s happy to adapt.
The Simple Joy of Sheet Pan Cooking
Oh, the magic of sheet pan meals! It’s like a cooking miracle, right? You toss everything onto one pan, pop it in the oven, and *poof* – dinner is served with barely any cleanup. That’s exactly the kind of joy this Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash brings. It takes all the guesswork out of dinner and gives you more time to actually relax and enjoy your evening. Plus, that little bit of char you get on the squash from roasting? Unbeatable!
A Flavorful and Wholesome Main Course
This isn’t just easy; it’s downright delicious and good for you too! The delicata squash bakes up so tender and sweet, creating a perfect little edible bowl for the savory filling. We’ve got tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant kale, a hint of onion and garlic, and that lovely salty bite from Parmesan. It’s a complete meal in one little squash half, hitting all the right notes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner. This Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash truly proves that healthy eating can be incredibly tasty!
Ingredients for Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for this super tasty meal! Having everything ready makes the cooking process a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash:
Squash Preparation
You’ll need 2 medium delicata squash. Make sure they’re halved lengthwise and carefully seeded before we get them roasting. We’ll also grab 1 tablespoon of olive oil for brushing them, plus a sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper right off the bat.
Filling Components
For the delicious filling, we’re using 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken – easy peasy! Then, add 1 cup of chopped kale (just make sure those tough stems are removed!), 1/2 small red onion that’s been finely minced, and 1 garlic clove, also minced. To bind it all together, you’ll need 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and either 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa if you’re going gluten-free.
Seasonings and Finishing Touches
We’ll mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and use the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil for the filling. Don’t forget kosher salt and black pepper to taste! And for that extra flair at the end, have some extra Parmesan and a lemon ready for a bright squeeze.
How to Prepare Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Alright, let’s get this delicious meal into the oven! It’s really straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly this Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash comes together. Just follow these simple steps and get ready for a fantastic dinner!
Roasting the Delicata Squash
First things first, crank your oven up to 425°F. Grab that baking sheet you lined earlier and brush the cut sides of your halved delicata squash with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Give them a good season with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Lay them cut-side down on the prepared sheet pan. Pop them into the hot oven and let them roast for about 18 to 20 minutes. You want them to be just tender, not mushy – we’re giving them a head start before the stuffing goes in!
Creating the Savory Filling
While the squash is getting its initial roast, let’s whip up that amazing filling. In a medium bowl, toss together your shredded rotisserie chicken, the chopped kale, finely minced red onion, and minced garlic. Now, add in the grated Parmesan cheese and your breadcrumbs (or cooked quinoa for that gluten-free option). Drizzle in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the rest of the Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix until it all comes together nicely. If it seems a little dry, don’t be shy about adding a tiny splash of water or chicken broth – just enough to make it cohesive and easy to spoon.
Stuffing and Final Bake
Once the squash has had its initial roast and is tender, carefully flip those halves over so they’re cut-side up on the baking sheet. Now comes the fun part – stuff ’em! Divide that delicious chicken and kale mixture evenly between the cavities of each squash half. Gently press it down so it’s nice and compact. Pop the whole sheet pan back into the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to be heated through and get just a little bit golden on top. That’s your cue that the Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash is ready to go!
Serving Your Stuffed Squash
And there you have it! Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Serve your beautiful stuffed squash halves immediately, perhaps with a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like. You can find more delicious chicken recipes on our Pinterest page.
Tips for Perfect Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Making this Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash is pretty foolproof, but a couple of little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every time. You want that squash tender and the filling just right, so let’s dive into a few pointers!
Selecting the Best Delicata Squash
When you’re picking out your delicata squash at the store, grab ones that feel heavy for their size and have a nice, firm skin. Look for squash with a creamy yellow or tan color and distinct green stripes – that means they’re ripe and sweet, ready to be stuffed!
Achieving Tender Squash
The key to perfectly tender squash is not overcooking it in the first roast. You want it fork-tender but still holding its shape. Roasting it cut-side down initially helps it steam a bit and cook evenly. Don’t rush this step; it sets the stage for a great stuffed squash!
Flavor Boosters and Variations
Feel free to jazz up that filling! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick. You could also swap the kale for spinach or even some finely chopped bell peppers. And if you have them, toasted chopped pecans or walnuts stirred into the filling add a lovely crunch! For more healthy light options, check out our other recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Got questions about making this delicious Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash? I’ve got answers!
Q1. Can I use a different type of squash?
Absolutely! While delicata squash is perfect because it’s naturally portioned and roasts beautifully, you can totally use butternut squash or acorn squash. Just make sure to scoop out the seeds and cut them into manageable halves or rings. You might need to adjust the roasting time a bit depending on the thickness of the squash.
Q2. What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
No rotisserie chicken? No problem! You can easily use cooked chicken breast or thighs that you’ve boiled or baked yourself. Just shred or dice it up. About 2 cups is what you’ll need. It’s all about getting that savory chicken flavor into your stuffed squash! If you’re looking for more chicken ideas, consider our ultimate crunchy chicken ranch wrap.
Q3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make this a vegetarian delight, just skip the chicken and maybe add more veggies like sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers to the filling. For a vegan version, ensure your Parmesan is vegan cheese or omit it, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The cooked quinoa base is already vegan-friendly!
Q4. My filling seems a bit dry. What should I do?
Don’t worry if your filling mixture seems a little dry – it happens! Just add a splash of water, chicken broth, or even a little extra olive oil. Mix it until it’s cohesive and holds together nicely when you spoon it into the squash. This helps everything bake together beautifully in your Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash.
Storing and Reheating Your Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Leftovers are the best, especially when they’re this delicious! Here’s how to keep your Sheet‑Patn Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash tasting great:
| Storage Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Let the stuffed squash cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in a single layer if possible to prevent sogginess. |
| Reheating (Oven) | For the best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You might want to cover them loosely with foil if they start to brown too quickly. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the leftovers. Place the stuffed squash on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness. This method is quicker but might make the squash a bit softer. |
Estimated Nutritional Information for Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
Just so you know, these numbers are an estimate, as everyone’s ingredients can vary a little! But this gives you a good idea of what you’re getting with a serving of our delicious Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash.
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 stuffed squash half |
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4-6g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 10-14g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Cholesterol | 50-70mg |
| Sodium | 400-600mg |
| Sugar | 8-12g |
Amazing Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sheet‑Pan Rotisserie Chicken Stuffed Delicata Squash is a simple and flavorful dish that makes everyday cooking easier and more joyful. This recipe combines tender roasted delicata squash with a savory filling of rotisserie chicken, kale, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup chopped kale (stems removed)
- 1/2 small red onion, finely minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (for gluten‑free)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush cut sides of delicata squash with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Place cut‑side down on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast for 18–20 minutes until just tender.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped kale, minced red onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs or quinoa, the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until cohesive. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Flip the roasted squash cut-side up. Divide the filling evenly among the squash cavities. Bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, until the filling is hot and lightly golden.
- Serve topped with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use cooked quinoa instead of breadcrumbs.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sheet Pan Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Sugar: Approximately 8-12g
- Sodium: Approximately 400-600mg
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4-6g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70mg