Calabaza squash: This star ingredient is a sweet, nutty-flavored winter squash with vibrant orange flesh. When cooked, it softens beautifully, releasing its natural sweetness and adding a rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor that is truly the heart of this comforting dish. Be sure to peel and cube it before cooking.

Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Their inherent tenderness and rich flavor make them ideal for quick cooking methods, ensuring they remain moist and juicy, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the squash.

Olive oil: A crucial component for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Use a good quality olive oil, which adds a subtle richness and a pleasant, slightly peppery note to the dish, enhancing its overall savory depth.

Salt: A fundamental seasoning that elevates and balances the natural flavors of all the ingredients. Proper salting is key to bringing out the best in both the chicken and the squash, ensuring a well-rounded taste.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild, fragrant heat and a delightful depth of flavor, providing a subtle counterpoint to the sweetness of the calabaza and the savoriness of the chicken.

Garlic: Minced garlic is the aromatic cornerstone of this recipe, providing a pungent, fragrant, and savory base. Its robust flavor infuses the broth and vegetables, creating an irresistible aroma and taste.

Chicken broth: This liquid gold is essential for adding moisture, creating a flavorful cooking medium, and building a savory depth to the dish. It helps to gently simmer and cook the squash until tender, while also infusing the entire meal with a rich, umami flavor.

When you’re browning the chicken thighs, one of the most vital steps to achieving maximum flavor and a pleasing texture is to ensure you do not overcrowd your skillet. Overcrowding the pan dramatically lowers the temperature, which can prevent the chicken from developing that desirable golden-brown, crispy crust. Instead of browning, the chicken will steam in its own juices, resulting in a less flavorful and somewhat rubbery texture. To guarantee each piece gets that beautiful Maillard reaction and a deep, rich flavor, make sure to cook the chicken in small batches if necessary, allowing ample space around each thigh. This method ensures consistent heat and leads to a perfectly seared exterior that locks in moisture and boosts the overall deliciousness of your dish.

• calabaza squash – Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash is a fantastic and widely available alternative. It has a very similar sweet and nutty flavor profile, along with a comparable texture when cooked, making it an excellent and nearly seamless replacement for calabaza in most recipes.

• calabaza squash – Substitute with pumpkin: Cooking pumpkin (not decorative gourds) offers a comparable flavor profile and a satisfying consistency once cooked. It’s particularly suitable for recipes where you want that earthy, subtly sweet squash taste, making it a good stand-in for calabaza.

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are a leaner cut and can certainly be used in place of thighs if you prefer. Keep in mind they may cook a bit faster and could be slightly less juicy or rich in flavor, so adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent drying out.

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Substitute with turkey thighs: For a slightly different but equally robust flavor, turkey thighs provide a similar texture and richness to chicken thighs. They stand up well to simmering and will absorb the savory broth beautifully, making them a great alternative.

• olive oil – Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it a suitable and cost-effective replacement for olive oil, especially for high-heat browning where you don’t want the oil to impart a strong flavor.

• olive oil – Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another excellent neutral oil known for its very high smoke point, making it ideal for searing and cooking at higher temperatures. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a light, clean-tasting alternative to olive oil.

• salt – Substitute with sea salt: Fine or coarse sea salt can be used in the same quantity as regular table salt, offering a similar level of saltiness and often a slightly cleaner, more nuanced flavor. Adjust to taste.

• salt – Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and often a less intense salty flavor by volume compared to table salt, so you might need to use a slightly larger amount (approximately 1.5 times more) to achieve the same saltiness. It’s excellent for seasoning.

• black pepper – Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly earthier flavor with less pungency than black pepper. It’s often preferred in lighter-colored dishes for aesthetic reasons but can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper if you desire a subtler spice.

• black pepper – Substitute with cayenne pepper: If you enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is a fantastic substitute. It adds a spicy kick, so use it sparingly and adjust to your preferred level of warmth. It will certainly awaken the flavors of the dish.

• minced garlic – Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder is a concentrated form of garlic. When substituting, use a smaller quantity—typically 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh minced garlic—as it is more potent. It provides convenience and a consistent garlic flavor.

• minced garlic – Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter, and more delicate garlic-onion flavor, making them a wonderful substitute in a pinch. They contribute a sophisticated aromatic base without overpowering the other ingredients.

• chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: For a vegetarian-friendly option or simply if you prefer, vegetable broth provides a similar savory base. Ensure it’s a good quality broth to maintain the depth of flavor in the dish.

• chicken broth – Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth will impart a richer, deeper, and more robust flavor to the dish, slightly altering its taste profile but creating a wonderfully hearty and intensely savory meal. It’s an excellent choice for a more substantial flavor.

• Allow the calabaza squash and chicken dish to cool down completely to room temperature before attempting to store it. This critical step prevents unwanted condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to a soggy texture, promote bacterial growth, and significantly shorten the shelf life of your delicious meal.
• Once thoroughly cooled, transfer the dish into an airtight container. For optimal freshness and to protect against freezer burn or refrigerator odors, it’s highly recommended to use containers that are specifically designed for food storage, ensuring a tight seal.
• If you intend to enjoy the dish within 3-4 days, store the sealed container securely in the refrigerator. This method keeps both the chicken and squash at a safe, cool temperature, effectively preserving their flavors and quality.
• For longer-term preservation, carefully place the dish in a freezer-safe container or robust, heavy-duty freezer bags. Crucially, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing to prevent the formation of ice crystals and dreaded freezer burn, which can degrade texture and flavor.
• Always remember to label the container or bag clearly with both the date it was prepared and its contents. This simple practice helps you keep accurate track of how long the dish has been stored and ensures you consume it while it’s still at its absolute best quality and taste.
• When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle, gradual thawing process is essential as it helps to maintain the desired texture and full flavor profile of both the calabaza squash and the chicken, preventing them from becoming mushy or dry.
• Reheat the thawed dish in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If opting for the skillet, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to keep the dish wonderfully moist and prevent sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap to help retain moisture and ensure even heating.
• Remember to stir the dish occasionally while reheating, regardless of the method, to ensure even warming throughout and to prevent any parts from drying out or burning, especially around the edges.
• Finally, savor every moment as you enjoy your perfectly reheated calabaza squash and chicken dish, appreciating the delightful meld of flavors that have beautifully developed and deepened over time.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. To revitalize your leftovers, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of fresh chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan; this helps prevent the dish from sticking and adds moisture.
  2. Carefully add the leftover calabaza squash and chicken mixture to the preheated skillet, spreading it evenly.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even distribution of heat, until the entire dish is thoroughly warmed through and steaming.

• Oven Method:

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). This ensures gentle and even reheating, preventing the chicken from drying out.
  2. Transfer the calabaza squash and chicken to a suitable oven-safe dish, ensuring it’s spread in an even layer.
  3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for retaining moisture and preventing the chicken and squash from drying out during the baking process.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is heated through to your satisfaction, checking periodically to ensure it’s warmed evenly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. For a quick reheating option, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of plastic wrap, making sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for an initial 2-3 minutes, stirring the contents halfway through the cooking time. Continue heating in 30-second intervals if necessary, until the calabaza squash and chicken are piping hot throughout.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. This method is ideal for reheating larger batches gently. Transfer the cooled leftovers to your slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of extra chicken broth or water to the slow cooker to keep the dish wonderfully moist and prevent it from drying out over the extended heating period.
  3. Set the slow cooker to its low setting and allow it to heat for 1-2 hours, or until the calabaza squash and chicken are thoroughly warmed through and ready to serve.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a heatproof dish that fits comfortably inside your steamer basket. This ensures indirect heat for gentle reheating.
  2. Add a few inches of water to the bottom of your steamer pot and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
  3. Carefully place the dish containing the leftovers into the steamer basket, cover it tightly, and steam for approximately 10 minutes. Continue steaming until the calabaza squash and chicken are heated through and tender.

• Large skillet: A spacious, heavy-bottomed pan, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, is indispensable for this recipe. It’s perfectly designed for efficiently browning the chicken thighs to achieve that crucial caramelized crust and provides ample surface area for cooking the squash and garlic evenly.

• Tongs: A pair of sturdy kitchen tongs is incredibly useful. They provide excellent control and make it effortless to turn the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece achieves beautiful, even browning on all sides without tearing the meat.

• Cutting board: A robust and stable surface is essential for safely and efficiently peeling and cubing the calabaza squash, which can be quite firm, as well as for preparing the chicken and mincing the garlic.

• Chef’s knife: A sharp and reliable chef’s knife is your best friend in the kitchen. It is absolutely essential for the precise cutting of the chicken into desired pieces, peeling and dicing the squash, and expertly mincing the garlic cloves.

• Measuring spoons: Accuracy is key in cooking, and a set of measuring spoons is necessary for precisely measuring out smaller quantities of ingredients such as the olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring balanced flavors.

• Measuring cup: A liquid measuring cup is specifically used to accurately measure the chicken broth, ensuring you add the correct amount to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor for your dish.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring. Its gentle nature prevents scratching non-stick surfaces, and it’s perfect for sautéing the garlic, stirring the squash as it cooks, and combining all the ingredients in the skillet.

• Lid: A well-fitting lid is crucial for covering the skillet. It helps to trap steam and heat, allowing the squash to become tender and the chicken to cook through efficiently, infusing all the flavors together.

• Plate: A simple plate is needed for the temporary task of setting aside the browned chicken thighs. This keeps them warm and allows you to continue cooking the other elements of the dish without overcrowding the pan.

• Garlic press: While optional, a garlic press can be a real time-saver. It’s incredibly helpful for mincing garlic cloves quickly and efficiently, especially if you’re dealing with multiple cloves, saving you from tedious hand chopping.

Pre-cut ingredients: To significantly streamline your cooking process, take the initiative to peel and meticulously cube the calabaza squash and thoroughly season the chicken thighs well in advance. This preparation can be done hours or even a day before you plan to cook, saving you valuable time during the actual cooking phase.

Use a food processor: For a rapid and effortless way to prepare your aromatics, mince the garlic quickly and uniformly with the help of a food processor, rather than undertaking the more time-consuming task of chopping it by hand.

One-pot cooking: Embrace the efficiency of one-pot cooking! By cooking everything in a single large skillet, you not only consolidate your cooking but also dramatically reduce the amount of dishes and cleanup time required afterwards, making your meal prep much simpler.

Simmer efficiently: To accelerate the cooking process and ensure that the squash becomes tender and the flavors meld effectively, always use a tightly fitting lid to cover the skillet while the ingredients are simmering. This traps heat and moisture, speeding up cooking.

Batch cooking: Consider doubling the recipe when you cook. Enjoy one portion for dinner now, and freeze the remaining half in an airtight container for a wonderfully quick, convenient, and wholesome meal later in the week or month, ready to be reheated at your leisure.