Looking for a comforting dinner idea that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Try this Ground Chicken and Salsa Verde Soup with Butternut Squash! This recipe combines sweet butternut squash with spicy salsa verde, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will warm you up on a chilly night. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in no time!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful soup:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 5 scallions, trimmed and minced (white and green parts kept separate)
- 7-ounce can diced green chilies
- 16-ounce jar salsa verde
- 6 cups water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup dry orzo (or rice if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, optional, for serving
Grocery List
To make shopping easier, here’s your grocery list:
- Ground chicken
- Neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Scallions
- Diced green chilies (canned)
- Salsa verde (jarred)
- Butternut squash (fresh or pre-cut)
- Dry orzo or rice
- Salt and pepper
- Sour cream (optional)
Estimated Cooking Costs
The estimated cost for this recipe is around $15-$20, depending on local prices and whether you opt for fresh or pre-cut butternut squash. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken (1 lb) | $4.00 |
| Neutral oil | $0.50 |
| Chili powder | $0.30 |
| Garlic powder | $0.30 |
| Cayenne pepper | $0.10 |
| Scallions (5) | $1.00 |
| Diced green chilies | $1.00 |
| Salsa verde | $3.00 |
| Butternut squash | $2.00 |
| Dry orzo | $1.00 |
| Salt and pepper | $0.10 |
| Sour cream (optional) | $1.50 |
Cooking Time
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to create your soup:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 8–12 minutes, breaking it up until fully cooked.
- Add Spices:
- Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and the white parts of the scallions.
- Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the diced green chilies and salsa verde.
- Pour in the water or chicken broth and add the butternut squash.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Finish with Orzo:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use the back of a spoon to mash some of the squash for a thicker broth.
- Bring back to a boil, add the orzo, and cook until tender (about 10–12 minutes).
- Serve:
- Stir in half of the minced scallion greens just before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining scallion greens and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 409 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
Side Tips and Notes
- For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water.
- If you prefer more heat, use spicy salsa verde or add fresh jalapeños.
- This soup can easily be made vegetarian by substituting ground chicken with canned chickpeas.
Join Our Kitchen Companion Membership!
For more delicious recipes like this one, join our kitchen companion membership! Get access to exclusive recipes, cooking tips, and more to elevate your culinary skills.
Enjoy your cozy night in with this flavorful Ground Chicken and Salsa Verde Soup with Butternut Squash! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table!
