Healthy Harvest Chicken Hash – Cozy Fall Dinner Packed with Flavor

Your Fall Favorite: Healthy Harvest Chicken Hash

Hey there! If you’re looking for the perfect cozy fall dish that warms you from the inside out, then you’ve landed in the right place. This Healthy Harvest Chicken Hash is not only packed with flavor but also super simple to whip up. Plus, the combination of chicken, butternut squash, and crispy Brussels sprouts will make your taste buds dance with joy. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

Nutritional Benefits

One of the best things about this dish is how nutritious it is! The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building muscles and keeping your energy levels up. The butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A and C, keeping your immune system strong, while the Brussels sprouts bring in a healthy dose of fiber, which is awesome for digestion. Plus, this meal is colorful and full of goodness from all those veggies!

Fun Adaptable Variations

• Go Veggie-Heavy: Want to make this dish vegetarian? Just skip the chicken and bacon! You can replace it with chickpeas for that protein punch.
• Beef It Up: Instead of chicken, you can use beef or turkey. Just adjust the cooking time according to how thinly you’ve cut the meat.
• Spice it Up: Add some kick to your hash! Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

Easy and Delicious Harvest Chicken Hash Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon gold)
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by prepping all your ingredients: peel and dice the butternut squash, dice the potatoes, and halve the Brussels sprouts. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. (I find it helps to lay everything out before you begin!)
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. If you’re using bacon, add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook it until crispy. This step adds such a nice depth of flavor! Once crispy, take out the bacon pieces but leave the rendered fat in the pan.
4. Add in the diced chicken, seasoning it with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until they’re softened and fragrant—this typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
6. Now it’s time to add the diced butternut squash and potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine everything nicely with the onion and garlic. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the veggies are tender and lightly browned.
7. Add the halved Brussels sprouts back into the skillet along with the cooked chicken and the bacon, if you’re using it. Mix well so all flavors meld together.
8. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps to soften those Brussels sprouts just right!
9. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley for that touch of color.
10. Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful fall dinner!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• For even easier prep, you can buy pre-diced butternut squash and frozen Brussels sprouts—this will cut your cooking time down a bit!
• If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be delicious for up to 3 days.
• This dish also makes a great meal prep option. Just divide the hash into meal prep containers, and you’ll have ready-to-go lunches!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make this tasty dish! Here’s a quick list of what you’ll want to have handy:

• A large cast-iron skillet (or a sturdy sauté pan)
• A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping
• A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons for spices

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add in veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to mix it up.
2. Can I make this hash ahead of time? Yes! You can prep and cook it ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. How do I reheat leftovers? You can reheat it in the microwave, or for extra crispiness, heat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this hash is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure your spices are certified gluten-free.
5. What can I serve this with? It’s great on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a side of greens or a warm slice of bread!

Join the Conversation!

I hope you enjoy making and relishing this squashy, savory chicken hash as much as I do! If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on Pinterest. Let’s spread the joy of healthy cooking together!