Green chili chicken is stuffed into roasted spaghetti squash and finished with gooey melted pepper jack cheese for a flavorful, naturally gluten-free fall meal.
Fall is prime squash season, and this green chili chicken stuffed spaghetti squash is a cozy, satisfying way to enjoy it. The dish combines roasted spaghetti squash “noodles” with shredded chicken tossed in zesty green chilies, lime and cilantro, then topped with pepper jack cheese for a melty finish. It’s naturally gluten free, simple to prepare, and makes a great weeknight dinner or weekend comfort meal.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Nutrition Facts
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 oz canned diced green chilies
- 1/4 cup lime juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded (Monterey jack or cheddar can be substituted)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional topping)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside of each half with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend into each squash half and reserve the remaining spice mix for the chicken.
Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and separates easily into strands with a fork.
While the squash roasts, combine the shredded chicken with the remaining seasoning mix, diced green chilies, lime juice and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
When the squash is done, remove it from the oven and use a fork to gently pull the flesh into spaghetti-like strands while still in the shell. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the two squash halves and top each with shredded pepper jack cheese.
Return the stuffed squash to the oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with diced avocado and additional fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Cooking the spaghetti squash: you can roast it in the oven as directed, or cook it in the microwave or air fryer for a quicker option. Microwaving halves on high for 8–12 minutes can shorten cook time—pierce easily with a fork to confirm tenderness.
- Make it ahead: roast the squash and prepare the chicken filling in advance. Reassemble and bake briefly to melt the cheese before serving.
- Protein options: swap the shredded chicken for cooked turkey or a plant-based shredded chicken alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version (omit cheese or use vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free).
- Cheese alternatives: Monterey jack, mild cheddar or a blend work nicely if pepper jack is too spicy.
- Spice level: add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken mix for more heat, or use mild green chiles for a gentler flavor.
- Serving ideas: serve with lime wedges, a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate nutrition per recipe (serves 2):
- Calories: 833 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 60 g (Saturated fat: 25 g)
- Sodium: 2157 mg
- Fiber: 17 g
- Potassium: 1235 mg
- Vitamin A: 2369 IU (approx.)
- Vitamin C: 37 mg
- Calcium: 1002 mg
- Iron: 5 mg
Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 55 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2
More spaghetti squash recipe ideas
If you enjoy stuffed spaghetti squash, try variations like turkey chili with squash, jalapeño popper-style squash, caprese-style squash with tomatoes and basil, squash tossed with a white cheese sauce, or a Mexican-inspired vegetarian stuffed squash. These styles showcase how versatile spaghetti squash can be as a comfort-food base.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful fall-ready dish—simple to prepare, packed with bright green-chile flavor, and finished with melty cheese for comfort in every bite.