Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite autumn dinner. This Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe is the ultimate one-pan meal, delivering cozy, savory flavors with minimal effort and cleanup. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken roasted to perfection alongside sweet, caramelized butternut squash, all seasoned with aromatic herbs. It’s the kind of comforting dish that makes any weeknight feel special.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your cooking journey, this recipe is designed for success. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions come together to create a meal that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive in!
Why This Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy evenings. Here’s why you’ll have it on repeat all season long.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan. That means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious meal. If you’re a fan of easy cleanup, you might also love these easy sheet-pan pancakes for breakfast.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of earthy butternut squash, savory chicken, and a simple blend of herbs like sage and thyme creates a depth of flavor that tastes like it took hours to develop.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a complete meal you can feel great about serving to your family.
- Perfectly Versatile: This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also easy to customize. You can add different vegetables, switch up the herbs, or even add a sprinkle of cheese at the end.
The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. We’re using a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create something truly special.
For the Chicken and Squash:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs will yield a slightly more juicy result due to their higher fat content.
- Butternut Squash: The heart of the dish! Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size with no soft spots. You’ll need one medium squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil helps everything roast to a perfect golden brown.
- Herbs & Spices: We use a classic combination of dried sage, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. A touch of garlic powder and onion powder elevates the savory notes.
Optional Add-ins:
- Onion: A red onion, cut into wedges, adds a lovely sweetness as it roasts.
- Cranberries: A handful of dried cranberries tossed in during the last 10 minutes of baking adds a festive, tangy pop of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe
This simple process guarantees a delicious result every time. Follow these steps for a perfect one-pan meal.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup.
- Prepare the Squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the dried herbs. Spread it in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub them with the remaining olive oil and season generously on all sides with the rest of the herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange on the Pan: Place the seasoned chicken pieces amongst the butternut squash on the baking sheet. Make sure there’s a little space between the pieces to ensure everything roasts instead of steams.
- Roast to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving whole. This helps lock in the juices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Result
Want to take your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For that perfect browning and caramelization, make sure your ingredients are in a single layer with some space to breathe. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
- Uniform Cuts: Cut your butternut squash into uniform, 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and are perfectly tender at the same time the chicken is done.
- Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to know if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great canvas for creativity.
- Add a Sweet Glaze: Whisk a tablespoon of maple syrup with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and brush it over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a gentle kick of heat. For another delicious chicken dish, try this creamy garlic butter chicken.
- Incorporate More Veggies: Feel free to add other hearty vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli florets to the pan. Just be sure to toss them in oil and seasonings as well. This reminds us of a comforting winter vegetable casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash cubes to save on prep time. Do not thaw them before use. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the roasting time to ensure they are fully cooked and caramelized.
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Allow the chicken and squash to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the best texture.
This dish is a wonderful one-pan meal on its own, but it also pairs nicely with quinoa, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to soak up any pan juices.
You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier due to a higher fat content, but breasts work wonderfully and are a leaner option. Ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking.
Share Your Culinary Creations!
We are so excited for you to try this incredibly easy and flavorful Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe. It’s a true celebration of seasonal flavors and simple cooking. If you make this dish, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it with us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe
Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe (Easy & Flavorful!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the thyme, half of the sage, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the seasoned squash in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season all over with the remaining thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken on the baking sheet among the squash cubes, ensuring nothing is too crowded.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the squash is tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the butternut squash is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
