Heartwarming Chicken and Squash Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warming comfort swirls through this hearty chicken and squash soup that promises to chase away winter chills.

Cold evenings call for something nourishing and soul-soothing.

Rich, velvety broth cradles tender chicken pieces and sweet roasted squash in a delightful dance of flavors.

Herbs and spices weave their magic, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasonal ingredients merge seamlessly, turning a simple soup into a memorable meal.

Each spoonful delivers wholesome goodness that rejuvenates and satisfies.

Why Chicken Squash Soup Is a Nourishing Favorite

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and chicken, this soup delivers a healthy meal that nourishes your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe uses convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken and requires minimal prep work, making it a stress-free meal solution for hectic days.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to adjust thickness by adding more broth, swap spices, or include different toppings, giving you complete control to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy texture and warm spices create a soul-soothing experience that feels like a hug from the inside, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal.

What You’ll Need for Chicken and Squash Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Rotisserie Chicken: A juicy and convenient protein that adds rich flavor.

• Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato: Sweet and hearty vegetables that create a creamy base.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build deep soup flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that brings the soup together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that enhances the soup's richness.
• Coconut Cream or Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredient that creates a velvety texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the soup's taste.
• Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Warm spices that add complexity.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a fresh garnish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.

• Olive Oil: Versatile oil used for sautéing and roasting vegetables.

Easy Instructions for This Cozy Soup

Step 1: Roast Vegetable Base

Preheat your oven to 450°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread butternut squash and sweet potato chunks across the sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Toss the vegetables to ensure even coating.

Roast for 20-30 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Create Creamy Vegetable Puree

Let roasted vegetables cool for 10 minutes.

Transfer cooled vegetables to a blender or food processor.

• Coconut cream
• Heavy cream

Blend until achieving a silky smooth consistency.

Set puree aside for soup preparation.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin

Stir ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Protein

Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot.

Warm chicken through for approximately 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Combine Soup Components

Pour vegetable puree into the pot with chicken and aromatics.

Stir until completely integrated.

Add chicken broth and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Ladle soup into serving bowls.

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Tips to Get Tender Chicken and Sweet Squash

• Adjust the soup's consistency by adding more or less chicken broth, creating a personalized texture that suits your preference.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika and cumin to enhance the soup's rich, warming profile.
• Ensure even caramelization by spreading squash and sweet potato chunks in a single layer during roasting, preventing steaming and promoting crispy edges.
• Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for a versatile meal adaptation.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add brightness and visual appeal, transforming the soup's presentation and taste.

Storing and Rewarming Chicken Squash Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating when soup reaches desired temperature to prevent overcooking.

What Tastes Great With Chicken Squash Soup

• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a French baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, and toast until golden brown. The crispy texture and buttery garlic flavor complement the soup's creamy, hearty profile perfectly.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to cut through the soup's richness. Its subtle apple and pear notes will enhance the squash's natural sweetness and balance the savory chicken.
• Serve alongside Herb-Roasted Green Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed arugula, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. The bright, zesty greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's warm, comforting character.
• Recommend Sparkling Apple Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, pour a chilled sparkling apple cider. Its effervescence and mild sweetness will cleanse the palate between spoonfuls and echo the soup's subtle squash undertones.

Unique Takes on Chicken and Squash Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace rotisserie chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or white beans for a protein-packed meat-free soup that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a lactose-free version of the soup.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute sweet potato with cauliflower or turnips, and reduce overall vegetable quantity to lower the carbohydrate content while preserving the soup's hearty character.
• Spicy Wellness Boost: Add fresh ginger, turmeric, and a dash of cayenne pepper to enhance immune-supporting properties and introduce a warming, zesty kick to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious meal packed with vegetables like butternut squash and sweet potatoes, lean protein from chicken, and beneficial spices that boost immunity and provide essential nutrients.

• Can I use different types of squash?

Absolutely! Acorn squash, pumpkin, or kabocha squash work great as alternatives to butternut squash in this recipe.

• Do I need a blender to make the puree?

While a blender gives the smoothest result, you can use a potato masher or food processor if a blender isn’t available. Just ensure the vegetables are soft and well-mashed.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free certified.

Chicken And Squash Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and squash soup brings warmth to winter tables with its rich, hearty blend of tender meat and seasonal vegetables. Fragrant herbs and a creamy broth invite you to savor each spoonful of this nourishing, soul-warming meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast, skin removed

Vegetables and Puree:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups squash and sweet potato puree
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, for garnish

Liquids, Seasonings, and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3–4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or red chili pepper flakes for heat)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large stockpot over medium temperature. Gently sauté chopped onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly. Infuse the mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken into the aromatic mixture, warming the meat thoroughly while allowing it to absorb the spice-infused essence.
3. Blend the roasted butternut squash and sweet potato puree into the chicken mixture, stirring until the ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, adjusting the liquid volume to achieve desired soup consistency. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a creamy texture.
5. Allow the soup to simmer gently, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify for approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Distribute squash and sweet potato chunks evenly, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Roast the vegetable chunks for 20-30 minutes until they become tender and caramelized at the edges.
8. Remove roasted vegetables from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to a blender, adding coconut cream or heavy cream, and puree until silky smooth.
9. Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and minimizing added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance nutrient density by adding additional roasted vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the initial roasting stage for extra depth and nutrition.
• Control soup consistency by gradually adding broth and adjusting liquid levels, ensuring desired thickness without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg