Baked Patty Pan Squash with Chicken, Rice, and Bacon

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and nutrient-packed dinner that turns heads and satisfies every craving, this Baked Patty Pan Squash is exactly what you need. With its colorful presentation and savory filling, this dish bridges rustic home cooking with wholesome ingredients—perfect for a family meal, dinner party, or a creative way to use garden-fresh squash.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during late summer, when my local farmer’s market had a beautiful spread of golden-yellow patty pan squash. I was inspired to stuff them, not with the usual cheese and breadcrumbs, but with something heartier: seasoned rice, savory fried chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh bell peppers. The result? A satisfying, oven-baked entrée that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.

If you love cooking with vibrant vegetables and nutrient-dense ingredients, this one’s for you.

Why Make This Baked Patty Pan Squash?

There are plenty of reasons this recipe belongs in your regular dinner rotation:

1. Nutrient-Dense and Balanced

Stuffed patty pan squash delivers a beautiful blend of lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables. You get plenty of fiber, vitamins (like A, C, and K), and minerals (such as potassium and iron) from the squash and bell peppers.

2. Flavor-Packed

Between the crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and aromatic rice, this recipe hits every flavor note—savory, slightly sweet, smoky, and herby.

3. Visually Stunning

Patty pan squash is uniquely shaped like a flying saucer, and when stuffed, it becomes a centerpiece-worthy dish that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.

4. Customizable

You can easily make this dish vegetarian or lower in carbs, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.

5. Power Food Potential

Squash, leafy greens, and herbs are all power foods—rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and gut-friendly fiber. If you’re into healthy eating with serious flavor, this recipe delivers.

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Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious baked patty pan squash dish:

For the Squash:

• 4 medium patty pan squash

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped (pan-fried or roasted)

• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh spinach leaves

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: shredded cheese, lemon wedges, hot sauce

Read More: Easy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold the squash.

2. Prepare the Patty Pan Squash

• Wash the squash and cut off the tops (like a lid).

• Scoop out the center flesh and seeds with a spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch of wall thickness.

• Lightly salt the hollowed squash and rub with olive oil. Place them cut-side down on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

3. Cook the Filling

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or bacon fat) over medium heat.

• Sauté onions and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until soft.

• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Stir in chopped chicken, cooked rice, crumbled bacon, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

• Toss well and cook for another 3–4 minutes to meld flavors.

4. Stuff the Squash

• Carefully flip the roasted squash upright.

• Spoon the rice-chicken-bacon mixture into each cavity, mounding it generously.

• Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, uncovered, until the tops are golden and squash is fork-tender.

6. Serve

• Plate each squash with a bed of fresh spinach leaves and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Add a lemon wedge or hot sauce on the side if you like an extra zing.

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Tips and Substitutions

This dish is adaptable and can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs, preferences, or pantry situations.

✅ Make It Vegetarian

• Skip the chicken and bacon, and instead use sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives like tempeh or tofu.

• Add nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese for extra umami.

✅ Swap the Grain

• Instead of rice, try:

  • Quinoa – for more protein and a nutty flavor

  • Farro or bulgur – for a hearty texture

  • Cauliflower rice – for a low-carb option

  • Orzo or couscous – for Mediterranean flair

✅ Protein Substitutes

• Don’t have cooked chicken? Try:

  • Shredded turkey

  • Leftover rotisserie chicken

  • Canned tuna (for a quick version)

  • Chickpeas or black beans (vegetarian)

✅ Extra Veggies

• Mix chopped spinach, zucchini, shredded carrots, or corn into the filling for even more color and nutrients.

✅ Spice It Your Way

• For a spicier kick, add:

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

  • Diced jalapeños

  • Chipotle powder

• Prefer it herby? Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil.

✅ Allergy-Friendly Tips

• For dairy-free: omit cheese or use a dairy-free version.

• For gluten-free: use gluten-free grains and ensure your bacon and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Read More: Stuffed Chicken Breast with Veggies

Recipe Variations

This recipe lends itself to plenty of creative variations. Here are a few delicious alternatives to keep things interesting:

1. Mediterranean Style

• Swap rice for cooked couscous or quinoa.

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and fresh oregano.

• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side.

2. Tex-Mex Inspired

• Use brown rice or black beans with corn, chili powder, cumin, and a little salsa.

• Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.

• Top with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

3. Italian Style

• Replace chicken with Italian sausage or white beans.

• Mix in tomato paste, garlic, basil, and Parmesan.

• Serve with a side of warm marinara or garlic bread.

4. Asian-Inspired

• Use jasmine rice, cooked ground turkey or tofu, grated ginger, and soy sauce.

• Add sautéed mushrooms and sesame oil.

• Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

5. Low-Calorie Garden Veggie

• Fill the squash with chopped spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and a spoonful of cottage cheese or ricotta.

• Season with fresh dill, lemon zest, and black pepper.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Read More: Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

• Freeze baked and cooled stuffed squash (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with:

  • Lemony spinach salad

  • Garlic-roasted green beans

  • Grilled asparagus

• Add brightness with:

  • A drizzle of lemon juice

  • A spoonful of pesto

  • A sprinkle of grated Parmesan

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Common Questions

Can I use another type of squash?

Yes! Acorn squash, zucchini (cut lengthwise), or even bell peppers work well for stuffing. Adjust roasting time based on the size and type of vegetable.

How do I know when the squash is fully cooked?

The squash should be fork-tender but still hold its shape. If it collapses or turns mushy, it’s overcooked.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The savory flavors and soft textures are usually a hit with kids. You can adjust the seasonings and mix in a little cheese to boost appeal.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. The filling can be made 1–2 days ahead and refrigerated. The squash can also be pre-roasted, then assembled and baked fresh.

Conclusion

This baked patty pan squash stuffed with rice, chicken, and bacon is more than just a beautiful plate—it’s a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense recipe that brings real satisfaction. Whether you’re trying to eat more whole foods, impress dinner guests, or sneak in more veggies for your family, this dish does it all.

Cooking should be both nourishing and joyful—and with ingredients like patty pan squash, fresh herbs, and lean proteins, it’s easy to achieve both.

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