BUFFALO CHICKEN STUFFED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

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You know when you make a recipe that’s just so incredibly amazing and you don’t want to leftovers to end? This is one of those. Especially for all of you Buffalo-sauced anything lovers (present company included).

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has ever hidden leftovers in the fridge. You know, as in tucked them way in the back of the crisper drawer under the parnsips and celery to prevent husbands/partners/roommates/teenagers from devouring them before you do.

If you’re still reading this and haven’t jumped immediately to the recipe, I’m amazed. Thanks for hanging in there. I have to say that the directions for this recipe look a little daunting BUT it’s actually quite simple to prepare. While the squash is roasting you’ll cook the chicken (I give you instructions for both Instant Pot and stovetop so you’ve got options) and dice up the celery, green onions, and red pepper. And when the chicken is done you’ll toss it all together with the Buffalo sauce before mounding it back into the squash shells. At this point, feel free to eat it as is or pop it back into the oven until it’s heated through. I’ve done it both ways and I can say they’re equally delicious.

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This is for the Buffalo chicken lovers who want a dish they can really tuck into and enjoy without any guilt. Drizzling the twice-baked squash with creamy ranch dressing or a sprinkling of blue cheese (sorry, not Whole30) takes it over the top.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved (about 2– 2 ½ lbs.)
  • 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup Tessemae’s Mild Buffalo Sauce (or make our easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce)
  • Optional: ¼ cup Tessemae’s Creamy Ranch Dressing or Homemade Paleo Ranch Dressing
  • Optional: ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (omit for Whole30).

Instructions

To roast the squash:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Slice both ends from squash and discard.
  4. Stand squash up on one of its cut ends and use a large knife to cut the squash in half lengthwise.
  5. Scoop seeds and stringy insides out using a large spoon.
  6. Place squash cut-side down on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until squash is tender. Baking time will depend on the size of your squash, larger squash requiring a longer cook time. When squash is tender, allow to it cool slightly before using a fork to gently scrape the squash into a large bowl. Reserve the squash shells.
  8. While squash is roasting, cook the chicken.
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To cook the chicken:

  1. Directions for Instant Pot: Insert the rack into the inner pot. Add 1 cup water or broth. Lay chicken on the rack. Secure lid and select ‘Poultry’ setting and increase time to 17 minutes (19 if the breasts are really thick). At the end of the cooking time, allow pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes then flip the vent valve and release the remaining pressure. Move chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
  2. Directions for Stovetop: Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp. avocado or coconut oil and swirl pan to coat with the oil. Add chicken and ½ cup water. Once the water begins to simmer, reduce heat and cover. Cook chicken for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through. Move chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
To assemble the stuffed squash:
  1. Place squash shreds, chicken, celery, onions, peppers and Buffalo sauce in a large bowl. Toss well to coat. Spoon squash mixture into the squash shells. Return the stuffed shells back to the baking sheet and place in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
  2. Serve with Tessemae’s Creamy Ranch Dressing (for Whole30) or crumbled blue cheese, if desired.