Baked Pumpkin with Chicken and Paprika: Global Main Course

Chef Nisha and Priya’s Baked Pumpkin with Chicken and Paprika: Global Main Course

Welcome to another delicious and easy recipe here on **MyPhonePaintings**! If you're in the mood for something cozy, flavorful, and healthy, this **Baked Pumpkin with Chicken and Paprika** is your answer. It combines tender chicken with sweet roasted pumpkin and the perfect kick of paprika. Nisha and Priya are here to guide you step-by-step—let's dive right in!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Serves: 4 people

Country of Origin: Global twist on a cozy meal

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
• 1 medium pumpkin, peeled, deseeded, and cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is best!)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional for extra brightness)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Nisha: "Alright, Priya, let’s start by preparing our chicken. We’ll season it well before cooking, so we get that perfect balance of flavor."

Priya: "Definitely, Nisha! I love adding a good amount of paprika to give the chicken a nice smoky flavor. Let’s rub it with the olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. You want to coat every inch of the chicken!"

1. Season the Chicken: "Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors." - Nisha

Priya: "Now, let’s get our pumpkin ready. We’ll drizzle it with olive oil and season with a bit of salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika will give it a nice color and flavor!"

2. Prepare the Pumpkin: "Place the pumpkin cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly." - Nisha

Priya: "Perfect! Now let’s bake. We’ll roast the pumpkin first so it gets all tender and caramelized before adding the chicken."

3. Roast the Pumpkin: "Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned pumpkin on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, turning halfway through." - Nisha

Priya: "After 20 minutes, add the chicken to the baking sheet, and continue roasting everything together until the chicken is cooked through and the pumpkin is golden and tender."

4. Bake the Chicken: "Continue roasting for another 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)." - Nisha

Priya: "Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. You can squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for a touch of brightness!"

5. Serve & Enjoy: "Now, slice your chicken, plate it alongside the roasted pumpkin, and garnish with fresh parsley. Dig in!" - Priya

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Pumpkin with Chicken and Paprika:

• Nisha: "Make sure your chicken is well-seasoned. You can even marinate it for a few hours to enhance the flavors!"
• Priya: "For a crispy finish, broil the chicken and pumpkin for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. It’ll get that perfect char!"
• Nisha: "If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix!"
• Priya: "Feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more color and flavor!"

Optional Variations:

• Vegan Version: "Swap the chicken for chickpeas or a plant-based protein, and keep everything else the same!" - Priya
• Extra Veggies: "Add onions, carrots, or sweet potatoes to the baking sheet for more flavor and texture." - Nisha
• Spicy Version: "Add a touch of chili flakes or chili powder to the seasoning mix for some heat!" - Priya

Dietary Considerations:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made paleo by skipping the cumin and garlic powder.
• If you're looking for a lighter version, you can opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a light green salad for a refreshing meal.
• Serve with quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and a hearty meal.
• For extra crunch, add roasted nuts or seeds to your dish.

Did You Try This Baked Pumpkin with Chicken and Paprika Recipe?

We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know how your **Baked Pumpkin with Chicken and Paprika** turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who could use a cozy, easy dinner idea. And of course, subscribe to our newsletter for more mouth-watering recipes like this—straight to your inbox!

Happy Cooking from Nisha and Priya at MyPhonePaintings!