If you’re craving something cozy and nourishing, I have a fan-freaking-tastic recipe for you: a Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe that warms you right up from the inside out. This stew is like a big, comforting hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings, and it hits the sweet spot between wholesome and downright delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to fall dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heartwarming Flavors: The combination of butternut squash, cumin, and orange zest creates a cozy, layered flavor you simply can’t resist.
Nutritious and Filling: Quinoa adds protein and fiber, making this stew a meal you and your family can feel good about.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want it with kale, extra spices, or different grains, this stew welcomes your personal touch.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Using rotisserie chicken means minimal prep work without sacrificing homemade goodness.

A wooden spoon lifts a thick soup filled with three main layers: plump white pearl-like grains scattered throughout, soft bright orange chunks of cooked squash, and wilted dark green leafy vegetables mixed in a light golden broth. The soup also contains pieces of shredded pale yellow chicken and small red tomato chunks, with black and white mustard seeds floating on top, all inside a pot sitting on a white marbled surface. The texture looks rich and hearty with a mix of soft and tender ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash, hearty fall chicken stew, healthy chicken and butternut squash stew, comforting quinoa chicken dinner, easy autumn chicken recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe is how well the ingredients work together—each one plays a role in delivering texture, warmth, and that signature fall vibe. When shopping, look for fresh squash with vibrant orange flesh and a firm texture, and pick a good-quality chicken broth for deeper flavor.

Flat lay of vibrant cubed butternut squash, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, a scattering of uncooked quinoa grains, bright green chopped kale leaves, fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, small piles of dried oregano and ground cumin, and a few thin strips of orange zest, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their textures and colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash, hearty fall chicken stew, healthy chicken and butternut squash stew, comforting quinoa chicken dinner, easy autumn chicken recipe

Butternut Squash: I like to peel and seed it myself for that fresh taste, plus roasting brings out its natural sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium is key here so you can control the seasoning easily.
Rotisserie Chicken: The shortcut that makes dinner a breeze while still tasting homemade.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize the veggies.
Yellow Onion: Gives a savory base; finely chopped to blend nicely into the stew.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning; you’ll want to layer it as you cook.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the flavor significantly.
Dried Oregano: Adds an herby, earthy note that complements the squash beautifully.
Ground Cumin: Brings a subtle warmth and depth.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch brightens the stew with a hint of cozy spice.
Diced Tomatoes (14oz can): Use petite diced for even texture throughout the pot.
Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend or Quinoa: Provides a hearty bite; quinoa keeps it gluten-free and protein-packed.
Orange Zest: I add this right at the end for a fresh, citrusy lift that surprises you.
Kale (optional): Adds a pop of green and a nutrient boost.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, for that final flavor kick.
Flat-Leaf Parsley: Fresh and minced, its bright flavor lightens the whole dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe is—once you nail the base, it’s easy to switch things up to fit your cravings or pantry state. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped the rotisserie chicken for hearty chickpeas and used vegetable broth—still just as comforting and satisfying.
Grain Swap: I sometimes use brown rice or barley for a nuttier texture, and it’s terrific.
Extra Veggies: Adding diced carrots or celery gives it another layer of crunch and color that my family loves.
Spice Level: On chilly nights, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring up the heat softly.

How to Make Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash to Bring Out Sweetness and Texture

Start by tossing your peeled, seeded, and chopped butternut squash pieces with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast at 400°F. After about 15 minutes, you’ll remove half the squash pieces and set them aside—these provide the chunkier texture in the stew. Then roast the remaining squash for another 15 minutes until very tender. Mash these soft pieces with a fork. I discovered that roasting in two stages like this gives the perfect balance between texture and creaminess in the stew.

Step 2: Build Layers of Flavor with Onions, Garlic, and Spices

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, warm your olive oil, then add the finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent—about 8 to 10 minutes. This slow cooking draws out sweetness and depth. Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, nutmeg, and kosher salt, and cook everything for an additional minute to bloom those spices and aromas. I always find this step crucial; it really sets the tone for the whole stew.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer to Perfection

Add the diced tomatoes, both the whole butternut squash pieces and the mashed squash to the pot, stirring to blend. Pour in your chicken broth and stir in the uncooked quinoa along with the optional chopped kale if you’re using it. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until the quinoa turns translucent—about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the grains have softened but still hold their shape. This long simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Finish With Chicken, Orange Zest, and Fresh Herbs

Stir in your chopped rotisserie chicken, orange zest, and black pepper, and simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until everything’s heated through. The orange zest is a game-changer here—adding a fresh brightness that cuts through the warmth. Finally, sprinkle in the fresh parsley right before serving to add a burst of color and herbal brightness. I always add the parsley last so it stays vibrant and flavorful.

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Pro Tips for Making Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe

Roasting Twice for Texture: Separating the squash roasting time makes all the difference between silky and chunky—try it, you’ll love the texture.
Use Rotisserie Chicken Wisely: Add protein right at the end to avoid drying out the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.
Orange Zest Brightness: Don’t skip this—it lifts the whole stew with a fresh citrus note that’s unexpected but delightful.
Watch Your Quinoa: Cooking quinoa too long can make it mushy; simmer just until translucent and tender for the best bite.

How to Serve Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe

A gray bowl filled with a thick soup showing several layers of textures and colors: bright orange chunks of vegetables, white small grains, leafy dark green pieces, and scattered red roasted vegetable chunks, all mixed in a golden orange broth with specks of black pepper and herbs on top. The bowl sits on a white plate with some seasoning marks on it, and a large silver spoon rests next to the bowl against a rustic wooden surface. A blurred white plate with torn bread is visible in the background along with a small green sprig. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash, hearty fall chicken stew, healthy chicken and butternut squash stew, comforting quinoa chicken dinner, easy autumn chicken recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish this stew with a generous sprinkle of fresh flat-leaf parsley—it adds that vibrant pop of green and a fresh herbal note that makes every spoonful sing. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy or want extra texture, I add toasted pumpkin seeds on top for crunch and a bit of nutty flavor. A lemon wedge on the side is also a fun way to add some extra zing if you want.

Side Dishes

This stew shines all on its own, but I often serve it alongside crusty bread or a warm baguette to sop up every last delicious drop. Also, a simple green salad dressed lightly with apple cider vinaigrette complements the richness and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this stew in individual rustic bowls set on wooden chargers with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil. Another favorite is to ladle it into edible bread bowls for an extra comforting vibe that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge—it’s great for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so if you can resist, the next-day leftovers taste even better. Just make sure your container is well-sealed to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When I thaw it, I usually pop it in the fridge overnight and then gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally. The quinoa can sometimes absorb liquid when freezing, so check the consistency and add a splash of broth or water if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the stew slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the quinoa and drying out the chicken. Adding a little extra broth during reheating keeps the texture perfect. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this stew?

Absolutely! If using raw chicken, cook it first by sautéing diced chicken breasts or thighs until browned and cooked through before adding to the stew. You may want to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Is quinoa necessary, or can I use another grain?

You can swap quinoa for other grains like brown rice, barley, or even farro. Keep in mind, cooking times and liquid amounts may vary, so adjust accordingly. Quinoa is a great choice because it cooks relatively fast and adds protein.
Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty beans like chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The butternut squash and spices make the stew just as flavorful without meat.
What if I don’t have butternut squash? Can I use something else?

You can substitute with other winter squashes like acorn or delicata squash. Sweet potatoes also work well, though the flavor and texture will be a little different but equally delicious.
Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready, gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Fall Chicken Stew with Quinoa and Butternut Squash Recipe comes together—it’s got that perfect balance of cozy comfort and wholesome nourishment that I crave in the colder months. I remember the first time I made it, my whole family practically begged for seconds (and leftovers didn’t last long). Whether you’re cooking just for you or feeding a hungry crowd, this stew feels like the ultimate fall hug in a bowl. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become part of your seasonal rotation as it has mine!