Description
A simple, one-pan dinner featuring crispy chicken thighs and caramelized delicata squash, all roasted together with fragrant sage. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5–3 pounds)
- 2 medium delicata squash
- 15–20 fresh sage leaves
- 4–5 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for squash)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, for squeezing
- Optional: flaky sea salt, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Let chicken thighs sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Wash the delicata squash, trim off the ends, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. Slice crosswise into ½-inch thick half-moons.
- In a large bowl, toss squash slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Spread on one half of a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper (about ¾ teaspoon total).
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the other half of the sheet pan, not touching each other or the squash. Tuck smashed garlic cloves around the pan.
- Roast for 20 minutes undisturbed.
- Remove pan from oven. Using tongs, flip chicken thighs skin-side up. Scatter fresh sage leaves over chicken and squash.
- Roast for another 15-20 minutes, until chicken skin is deep golden brown and crispy, internal temperature reaches 175°F, and squash is tender and caramelized.
- Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Don’t flip chicken too early; let it cook for full 20 minutes before flipping. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For best results, use a meat thermometer; chicken thighs are done at 165°F but are more tender at 175-180°F. If squash slices are too thin, they may burn; stick with ½-inch slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 c
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 4.5
- Protein: 37
Keywords: sheet pan dinner, chicken thighs, delicata squash, sage, one-pan meal, fall recipe, weeknight dinner