This Pomegranate & Chicken Stuffed Acorn Squash is loaded with texture and savory flavor. It’s an insanely satisfying, cozy, simple meal that has a fancy feel.
A couple weeks ago, I was listening to The Federalist Radio Hour (which I love), and Mary Katherine Ham talked about her experience at her alma mater’s football game the prior week. It was a perfect day and it looked like the Bulldogs were going to win… and in a crushing last-minute twist, they didn’t.
Of course, that’s insanely frustrating. And if you’re a fan of any sports team, you know that losses (and wins) feel very personal. After a loss, you probably think, “Why me?” I certainly do.
Well, a person Mary Katherine met the game told her that someone needed that win more than she did on that particular night.
Maybe someone needed that win more than you. @mkhammer #fitfluential Share on X
I am really not a person who says, “Everything happens for a reason.” I don’t believe that there’s a magic force that’s deciding who needs what particularly badly at any given time. Despite that, I think it’s a nice thought, and it makes me a little more patient and understanding.
This past week was the first week since coming back to school I’ve been able to stream the Ohio State football game in my room (because my wi-fi is finally fixed). I was all curled up in bed studying for my midterm today and editing pictures and eating snacks galore – and the Buckeyes were winning.
And then they weren’t. Ugh. I was texting my parents, who were watching at home, and silently quietly cursing and asking why this was happening.
…I get a little worked up over nothing sometimes if you couldn’t tell.
The Buckeyes lost on Saturday night. I was annoyed and exhausted. Nighttime football games go past my bedtime. I was just about to click out of the livestream when I stopped to listen to the Penn State coach’s interview. He said his niece and nephew lost their dad earlier last week and that the win was for them.
Okay, yeah. They needed that boost more than I did.
Getting to cook some on Friday afternoon was my boost for the weekend. See, I’ve been living on leftovers, which is great for efficiency, but not quite as great for creativity. So when I got home from discussion and study group on Friday, I started chopping. What did I get? This soup (amazing) and this squash (wonderful).
Inspired by the deliciousness I shared on Ellie’s blog earlier this month, I stuffed a roasted acorn squash with shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms and onions, wilted spinach, and tangy pomegranate seeds. It was a great choice, and makes for an utterly satisfying meal that has a ton of flavors and textures. It’s as excellent for allowing chance to craft your bites as for building them yourself.
And now I officially want to eat all my food out of squash bowls.
- 1 small acorn squash
- 1 t. coconut oil
- 1/3 c. chopped onion
- 2 c. sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1/4 t. black pepper
- 1/8 t. oregano
- 2 T. white wine
- 6-8 oz. chicken, cooked and shredded (about 3/4 c. shredded)
- 1/2 c. pomegranate seeds
- 3 c. spinach, chopped
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut acorn squash in half and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Place squash in the oven to roast until you can pierce the skin with a fork, about 35-40 minutes.
- While squash is roasting, melt coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add garlic and onions to skillet and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the garlic and onions and cook about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add white wine and chicken to the skillet and mix. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add pomegranate seeds to the chicken mixture. Feel free to pierce some to release the juices better.
- Toss chopped spinach with the chicken mixture to wilt and remove from heat.
- Remove squash from the oven and flip the halves over to cool slightly.*
- Divide chicken mixture between squash halves and enjoy. You'll have extra filling, but that's okay. There's nothing wrong with overflow!
- *Be careful with this - the squash are going to be very hot. I recommend using paper towels or some oven mitts.
- Cooking for more than 2? This is easily multiplied!
- Cooking for 1? The halves store well in the fridge for about 3 days. I usually reheat them in the microwave for a total of 2 minutes, with a break after 1 minute to release some steam. You could also put them in the oven until heated through. Or eat them cold - I've done that and actually really like it.
Nutrition facts for this will vary a ton depending on the size of your squash and how much of it you eat. Regardless, it’ll be delicious and packed with potassium, protein, and produce.
I want to eat all my meals out of squash bowls. #bgbcommunity #fitfluential Share on X
Pin for later:
It’s week 5 of the Autumn Produce Challenge with Kayla and Priya. Celebrate with us by linking up your best winter squash recipes below! And don’t forget to join us next week – Halloween – with your favorite pumpkin recipes!
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Your turn:
Are you a sports fan? Yes! College football and NHL hockey are my favorites, but I’ll watch anything. I generally don’t care about baseball, but I’m still excited about the World Series.
How do you give yourself a boost? Cooking, blogging, yoga, working out, and talking to people who lift me up come to mind.
Want need must have. YUM
I sometimes have to be creative with my boosts–likely I”ve already run or whatever, or I feel like I don’t have time blah blah blah. So maybe I watch the Real Housewives and realize that I am a better person than them, at the very least 😀
I know what you mean. I’d been running out of ideas lately but I might give that Real Housewives thing a try.
Scheduled to pin! I’ve been waiting for these beauties ever since I saw them on your Instagram story!!! Looks SO SO SO GOOD! And PS I do believe everything happens for a reason 🙂
Thanks so much, Chrissa!!! I think that’s a lovely thing to think 🙂
Those look beautiful! Love the pom seeds in there! Thanks for the linkup
Thanks, Deborah! The pom seeds make it for me 🙂
Edible bowls are just the best 😉
Truth.
This looks so good. I’ve been loving all of your seasonal recipes lately! Definitely putting this in our meal plan soon. 🙂
Cooking, blogging, and long conversations with friends all make me happier! So does gardening, although it’s not really the season for that anymore, haha.
Thanks, Claire! I’ve been having a lot of fun with it!
Haha yeah. Starting to get a little chilly for gardening.
I am sooo envious of you and the delightfully creative dishes you prepare. I am still preparing things from 50 years ago. I need to shape up.
Yes—big disappointment at Happy Valley. Now just tell me that you have not become a Cubs fan.
Your food is delicious, though! And I’m actually excited for both the Cubs and the Indians…I’ll still root with the Indians though ?
love the pomegranate seeds! and i am all about leftovers too, but currently over it. my parents visted last weekend and brought enough food for 1-2 meals for the whole week (because I was gone for a conference all weekend, and had exams all week). now i just want fresh food!
Ahhh it must be nice to have them relatively close ❤️
You sound just like me streaming the Eagles games when I lived in Miami. That or I went to a local sports bar to watch. I have to get creative (and experiment) when it comes to giving myself a “boost” lately. No running will do that for ya (insert eye roll emoji…I know you get it). Just going for a walk outside helps though!
And this looks awesome! Pomegranates are my new favorite thing.
Gotta watch the game somehow! ? And yes, I know the feeling all too well. Getting outside does help for sure.
Thanks, Emily! I adore pomegranates!
Uh I couldn’t believe that Ohio State game! I didn’t hear the coaches interview though, I like the thought that they needed the win more. And I first cooked acorn squash a little while ago and fell in love, it’s so delicious!
I totally thought we were gonna win ? Oh, well. It happens.
And yes, I love acorn squash! It’s so sweet and delicious.
That squash looks great!
On Ohio State, Urban Meyer has never won a championship without one loss earlier in the season that he uses to motivate the team going forward. We’re really spoiled to have him as our coach because of the idea that a loss is unthinkable. That was Penn State’s first win over a ranked team in five years.
I’m not sure if I think everything happens for a reason, but that everything that happens in life is part of our story and we get to decide how it fits into the narrative.
Thanks, Leah! LOL yes. I’m conditioned to have OSU be great, but yes, it’s totally okay to occasionally lose.
I love that thought. I’m going to keep that in mind.
Ooh this looks delicious! I’ve never actually tried pomegranate seeds before – I wonder if I could eat them now! Hmm!
I’m not a sports fan at all. I don’t watch it or follow any teams and I never have!
Oooh you should try them if you can. They’re so sweet and crunchy! Love them.
Wow what an intense game… I’m kind of the same as Kristy; I just never really got into watching sports.
And this squash. Wow, I’ve never had acorn squash, but this fall produce challenge you are doing is increasing my appreciation for all of these unique delicious squashes.
I’ve only had acorn squash a few times this year and I loveeee it. It’s super soft and sweet!
LOVE this recipe so much! I definitely have to make it soon.
To give myself a boost, I usually work out, listen to some uplifting music (usually pop — totally guilty haha) or listen to a fun/funny podcast.
Thanks, Aya! I hope you love it 🙂
Haha I listen to pop (and even pop country sometimes) for a boost, too.
This looks delicious and beautiful photos! I love adding pomegranate seeds to my squash, too!
Thank you! I love adding pomegranate seeds to pretty much everything 🙂