Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with sweet, roasted winter squash? Look no further! This American-style one-pan wonder is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender chicken thighs with perfectly crisp skin nestled alongside caramelized squash cubes, all infused with fragrant thyme and a touch of olive oil. It's a meal that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 small winter squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme leaves on both sides.
- Peel the winter squash and cut into 1-inch cubes, ensuring relatively uniform size for even cooking.
- In a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe roasting pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and add cubed winter squash around the meat in the pan.
- Sprinkle remaining thyme over the squash and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the chicken thighs with roasted winter squash and serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful golden searing
- Choose a winter squash like butternut or acorn for the most consistent flavor and texture
- Don't skip the resting period after cooking - it helps redistribute the juices for more tender meat
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or sage
- Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness
- Cut squash pieces uniformly to guarantee even roasting
- If you prefer less fat, you can remove the chicken skin before cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
