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Chicken Enchilada-Stuffed Acorn Squash

This tasty chicken enchilada-stuffed acorn squash recipe is a healthier way to enjoy the flavors you love for a fraction of the calories, fat, and sodium!
Author: Diabetic Foodie
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 2 small acorn squash, (halved and seeded)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, (divided)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • ½ medium onion, (diced)
  • 1 small fresh poblano chile pepper, (seeded and minced)
  • 1 clove garlic, (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper or Hot Shot, (combination of black pepper and cayenne)
  • 15 ounces red enchilada sauce, (1 can)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, (shredded)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese, (4 ounces)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream, (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, (chopped — optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Place the acorn squash halves, flesh side up, in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Brush each half with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    2 small acorn squash, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Pour enough water in the baking dish to barely cover the bottom, then cover with foil, place in the oven, and bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
  • In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Add the onion and poblano, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and look translucent, about 3 minutes.
    ½ medium onion, 1 small fresh poblano chile pepper
  • Add the garlic, cumin, and pepper, then cook an additional 3 minutes.
    1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper or Hot Shot
  • Add the enchilada sauce and cooked chicken to the saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
    15 ounces red enchilada sauce, 2 cups cooked chicken breast
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Mix about 1/3 of the cheese into the chicken mixture, then divide the chicken mixture among the squash halves. Top with the remaining cheese.
    1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
  • Serve with Greek yougurt and cilantro
    Greek yogurt or sour cream, Fresh cilantro

Notes

This recipe is for 4 servings. Nutritional information does not include optional sour cream or greek yogurt topping.
To cook the squash faster, place it in the microwave, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for about 15 minutes instead of baking it in the oven.
Squash and sauce (minus chicken) can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated. When you're ready to eat, reheat the sauce, add the chicken, then stuff the squash and bake.
To lower the sodium and fat, you can substitute the canned enchilada sauce for a homemade version.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Enchilada-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Serving Size
 
1 squash half
Amount per Serving
Calories
384
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
16.1
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
 
6.1
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3.9
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4.9
g
Cholesterol
 
63.3
mg
21
%
Sodium
 
876.8
mg
37
%
Potassium
 
1052
mg
30
%
Carbohydrates
 
36.6
g
12
%
Fiber
 
4.3
g
17
%
Sugar
 
5.3
g
6
%
Protein
 
24.6
g
49
%
Vitamin A
 
0
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
0
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0
mg
0
%
Net carbs
 
32.3
g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.