Butternut Squash and Chicken Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, roasted butternut squash, and a velvety herb sauce for a hearty weeknight meal. This american-inspired chicken (dairy-free) ready in about 70 minutes blends (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts, (2 lb) butternut squash, creamed mushroom soup into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch pieces) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix creamed mushroom soup, cream cheese, minced garlic, thyme, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper until smooth. Stir in roasted squash.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken on a casserole dish, top with squash mixture, and dot with remaining 1 tbsp butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Butternut Squash and Chicken Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Butternut Squash and Chicken Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Butternut Squash and Chicken Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Butternut Squash and Chicken Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Butternut Squash and Chicken Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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