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Healthy Fall Dinners

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4 from 135 reviews

Autumn warmth meets weeknight ease! Roast savory chicken thighs, sweet butternut squash, and red onion on one pan for a simple, healthy meal. Full instructions and nutrition facts included.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 8 wedges
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, red onion wedges, and chicken pieces. Drizzle with the olive oil, kosher salt, and dried thyme, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer across the prepared sheet pan, ensuring pieces are not overlapping excessively to allow for proper roasting.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 20 minutes; then, carefully flip the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the vegetables and return the pan to the oven.
  5. Step 5: Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the squash is tender and caramelized. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Leftovers keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days stored tightly in the fridge; for longer storage, the cooled mixture freezes well, though the squash texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
  • To restore the crispiness lost during cooling, reheat the dish uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than using the microwave, which can make the chicken rubbery.
  • Balance the rich, sweet flavors of the roast by serving it alongside a generous handful of baby spinach or arugula tossed simply with lemon juice and a touch of extra olive oil.
  • For maximum caramelization and crisp edges on the squash, ensure your sheet pan is not overloaded; if your vegetables and chicken are piled high, use two separate pans.
  • Author: Marlon Zuniga
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American