Name: Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1 ½ – 2 pounds); 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted); 2 ½ tablespoons Honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard; 1 teaspoon Curry Powder; 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin; 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger; ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt; To taste Ground Pepper; 1 large Spaghetti Squash, halved lengthwise and seeded (about 4 pounds); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper to taste; ¼ cup Unsalted Butter; 2 teaspoons Curry Powder; 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger; ¼ cup Honey; About 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon); Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish); Optional: Pumpkin Seeds; Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes; Optional: Lemon Wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 67 reviews

There is something truly magical about the blend of warm spices and comforting textures in this Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe. It’s a bright, flavorful dish that balances the delicate strands of roasted spaghetti squash with tender, juicy chicken breasts all bathed in a luscious honey curry sauce. Whether you’re aiming for a health-conscious meal or simply craving a cozy dinner packed with vibrant colors and aromatic spices, this recipe pulls everything together beautifully and promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds four raw chicken pieces layered neatly, with each piece pale pink and smooth. To the right of the plate, there is a bunch of fresh green cilantro and a bright yellow lemon beside it on the white marbled surface. Below the lemon, a clear glass cup filled with golden honey sits clearly visible. A full stick of butter with white wrapping lies near the bottom-left corner, next to a small glass bowl of yellow mustard. Next to the mustard, two small glass bowls contain ground spices: one with a mix of light brown powder and white salt, the other with darker yellow curry powder. On the bottom right corner, a large, round yellow spaghetti squash with few brown spots rests on the white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy curry powder to the sweet honey and fresh lemon juice, everything works harmoniously to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These provide a lean, juicy protein that’s delicious when marinated and baked.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the curry sauce and marinade.
Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the spices and mustard.
Dijon Mustard: Offers tanginess that brightens the marinade flavor.
Curry Powder: The heart of the dish, delivering warm, aromatic spice.
Ground Ginger: Adds a lively, zesty note that’s essential in curry dishes.
Ground Cumin: Provides a smoky undertone to round out the spice profile.
Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Spaghetti Squash: A fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta with a subtly sweet flavor and unique texture.
Olive Oil: Used to roast the squash and add a delicate fruitiness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish with fresh acidity.
Chopped Cilantro: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor.
Optional Garnishes: Pumpkin Seeds, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Lemon Wedges: These give added texture, heat, and brightness if you like.

How to Make Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter, then whisk it together with honey, Dijon mustard, curry powder, cumin, ground ginger, and salt to create a luscious marinade. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in this mixture, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight marinating is best for maximum flavor penetration, letting the spices and sweetness seep into every bite of chicken.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Arrange your oven racks to the top and bottom thirds and preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure an easy cleanup and perfect roasting surface.

Step 3: Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Cut-side down, drizzle each spaghetti squash half with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast on the bottom rack for 15 minutes. Cooking cut side down caramelizes the squash just enough to keep it moist and flavorful without drying it out.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken for Baking

While the squash roasts, remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the second baking sheet. Brush the chicken tops with any remaining marinade for extra flavor, then discard the rest of the marinade for food safety.

Step 5: Bake Chicken and Finish Roasting Squash

After the initial 15 minutes of squash roasting, swap the squash pan to the top rack and place the chicken on the bottom rack. Roast both for an additional 30 minutes, switching their positions halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be perfectly safe and juicy.

Step 6: Make the Curry Sauce

Gently melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, then stir in curry powder and ground ginger until fragrant, about one minute. Add the remaining honey and lemon juice, seasoning generously with salt and a pinch of pepper. Reduce the heat and keep the sauce warm while the chicken and squash finish baking.

Step 7: Assemble Your Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe

Use a fork to shred the roasted spaghetti squash into delicate strands. Toss it with chopped cilantro and half of the curry sauce. Plate the squash, topping it with the baked chicken breasts, then sprinkle with optional pumpkin seeds and crushed red pepper flakes for an added crunch and spice kick. Serve alongside lemon wedges and the remaining curry sauce for a perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bed of bright yellow shredded squash, topped with slices of cooked chicken arranged in a neat line down the center. The chicken has a golden spice coating and is garnished with small green herbs and scattered light green pumpkin seeds. Two lemon slices are placed at the bottom left edge of the chicken for decoration. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth beside it and additional lemon wedges off to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling pumpkin seeds onto the finished dish adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender squash and chicken. Crushed red pepper flakes introduce a smoky heat that livens up the flavors. Don’t skip a squeeze of lemon juice at the table; its bright acidity helps balance the richness of the curry sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or lightly dressed steamed vegetables. Think blanched green beans with garlic or a crisp cucumber salad, which add refreshing textures and keep the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the curried chicken and spaghetti squash in hollowed-out spaghetti squash shells—perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests. For a family-style meal, present the spaghetti squash in a large serving bowl with the chicken sliced on top, letting everyone spoon on their preferred amount of honey curry sauce and garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can easily be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully, so reheating the dish intensifies the curry’s aromatic warmth. Be sure to store the sauce separately if you prefer to control how much moisture is maintained when reheating the squash.

Freezing

While the chicken and squash can be frozen, the texture of the squash changes slightly after thawing due to its high water content. If you do freeze, portion it out in freezer-safe containers with sauce on the side to preserve maximum freshness, and consume within 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to rewarm the sauce evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the squash needs a bit more moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and to prevent drying out the spaghetti squash strands.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and juiciness, which complements the curry sauce beautifully. Just watch the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to reach the proper internal temperature.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify that your curry powder and Dijon mustard do not contain any gluten additives. It’s a perfect option for gluten-sensitive diners!

Can I prepare the curry sauce ahead of time?

You can make the honey curry sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to bring out the aromas and flavors again. This helps streamline your cooking on the day you want to serve the dish.

How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done roasting?

The spaghetti squash is ready when you can easily pierce the skin with a fork, and the flesh pulls apart into spaghetti-like strands without resistance. Its edges should be lightly caramelized but still moist.

Can this dish be made spicier?

Certainly! Adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the curry sauce will up the heat level. You can also incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers for a fiery kick tailored to your taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with warm spices, juicy chicken, and the unique charm of roasted spaghetti squash, the Curried Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Bowls Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve when guests come over. Give it a try—you might just find your next go-to meal that earns a special spot in your recipe collection.