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Warm Harvest Grain Bowl with Chicken & Squash

Introduction

Few dishes capture the comfort and heartiness of fall like a Warm Harvest Grain Bowl with Chicken & Squash. This recipe is packed with nourishing whole grains, tender roasted chicken, and caramelized butternut squash for a one-bowl meal that’s both satisfying and naturally beautiful. Balanced with fresh greens and a zingy maple-mustard dressing, it’s a surefire crowd pleaser that’s remarkably simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners delicious and stress-free.

Why You’ll Love This Warm Harvest Grain Bowl

What sets this grain bowl apart is its vibrant mix of textures and flavors. Sweet roasted squash, juicy chicken breast, savory grains, and crisp greens come together for a comforting yet refreshing meal. Nutty grains provide sustained energy, while a homemade dressing ties everything together. This dish works well for meal prep, family dinners, or even hearty lunches that keep you fueled all afternoon.

Choosing and Cooking the Perfect Grains

The foundation of a great grain bowl lies in the grain selection. Farro, brown rice, or quinoa each bring their own flavor and texture—choose based on your preference or what you have on hand. Cook your grains until tender but not mushy, then toss with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Keeping the grains warm ensures they soak up the flavors from the roasted chicken and squash more completely.

Roasting Chicken and Squash for Maximum Flavor

Cut butternut squash into bite-sized cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay chicken breasts alongside the squash on a sheet pan, season well, and roast everything together for maximum efficiency and the best melding of flavors. The high-temperature roast brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and ensures the chicken is juicy. Allow ingredients to cool slightly before assembling your bowls.

How to Assemble a Warm Harvest Grain Bowl

To build your bowl, layer warm grains at the base, then top with roasted butternut squash and sliced chicken breast. Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for freshness, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, and a generous drizzle of maple-mustard vinaigrette. Customize with add-ons like dried cranberries or goat cheese—flavors that complement the autumnal profile of the main ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Grain Bowl

Present each bowl garnished with extra herbs (think parsley or fresh thyme) and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve immediately for a warming, nourishing meal that’s just as at home on a weeknight as on a festive table. Pair with a crisp apple cider or light white wine for a truly seasonal touch.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 filling grain bowls. Each serving includes lean protein, hearty grains, and vitamin-rich squash, roughly tallying up to 450-550 calories depending on grain choice and optional toppings. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, this bowl is as wholesome as it is inviting.

Warm Harvest Grain Bowl with Chicken & Squash (Recap)

The magic of this recipe is in its versatility and depth of flavor—roasted squash and chicken paired with nutty grains and a punchy dressing for a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice (your favorite grain)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed

2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups baby spinach or arugula

1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or crumbled goat cheese

Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
In a medium saucepan, cook the grains according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil; season lightly with salt.
Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on one half of the prepared sheet pan.
Brush chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place on the other half of the sheet pan.
Roast for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and squash is tender and caramelized. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice.
While everything roasts, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
To assemble, divide the cooked grains between four bowls. Top with roasted squash, sliced chicken, greens, and pumpkin seeds. Add optional cranberries or goat cheese if desired. Drizzle with vinaigrette and enjoy warm.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is ideal for batch prepping and weekly meal organization. Save and schedule this recipe so you can plan which days to enjoy it and easily generate streamlined shopping lists for your week.

Planning Benefits:

Automatically calculates ingredient quantities based on your planned meals
Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section for easier, faster trips
Reduces the risk of forgotten ingredients or unnecessary repeat purchases
Makes prepping lunches and dinners more structured and less stressful

Pro tip: Schedule your grain bowl and other recipes together to see overlapping ingredients—helping you buy exactly what you need while cutting down on food waste.