Sautéed Squash Accompanied by Creamy Chipotle Chicken Thighs

Why This Recipe Is So Easy To Love

This dish combines tender, flavorful chicken with a smoky, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the light and fresh taste of sautéed squash. It’s both comforting and vibrant, making it a great choice for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Simple Cooking Tips

- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender meat.
- Cook the squash just until tender to keep a slight bite and avoid mushiness.
- Adjust the chipotle seasoning to your preferred spice level to balance creaminess and heat.

Step 1

Bring a pot of water to a boil with a quartered onion and a tablespoon of bouillon. Add the chicken thighs and let them cook until they’re no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear, about 30 to 40 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F near the bone. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside, but don’t toss the cooking water—reserve a cup of it for the sauce.

Step 2

Blend together Mexican crema, chipotle peppers, the reserved cooking water, two tomatoes, another quarter onion, a garlic clove, and the remaining tablespoon of bouillon until you get a smooth sauce. Pour this sauce into a frying pan, add the chicken thighs back in, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes so the flavors come together.

Step 3

While the chicken is simmering, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in a quarter onion and the remaining garlic clove, cooking until they soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the bell pepper and cook for another few minutes until tender. Stir in the squash, season with salt and pepper, and sauté everything until the squash is nicely cooked through, which should take around 5 minutes.

Step 4

For a fresh touch, slice the last tomato. Heat the last tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the tomato slices and the final quarter onion, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Spoon this over the chicken and serve alongside the sautéed squash for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Serving Inspiration

Serve this meal over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside warm tortillas to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would also complement the rich flavors nicely.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. Avoid freezing the creamy sauce as it may separate upon thawing.