Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Butternut Squash is a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures. Tender chicken thighs paired with caramelized, flavorful squash make for an easy and satisfying sheet pan dinner.

Ingredients

• 2.5-3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce or omit if sensitive to spice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a rimmed baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Trim the chicken thighs and peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken and squash in a large bowl.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, brown sugar, Kosher salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
5. Step 5: Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and squash, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Arrange the chicken and squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, keeping the chicken skin-side up.
7. Step 7: Roast at 400 degrees for 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Stir the squash halfway through the cooking time.
8. Step 8: Serve your sweet and spicy chicken alongside the caramelized butternut squash. Optional: garnish with dried parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Variations

• Add another vegetable, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts, to the sheet pan for more variety and color.
• Line your baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup, though scrubbing by hand works fine as well.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to suit your heat preference or leave it out for a milder dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in a 350-degree oven to keep the chicken skin crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness earlier, around 30-35 minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your brown sugar and spices are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

This Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Butternut Squash is a flavorful, easy-to-make sheet pan meal featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs roasted alongside caramelized butternut squash. The combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne delivers a perfect balance of sweet heat, making it a comforting and delicious dinner option.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2.5–3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs

Vegetables

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed

Seasoning and Oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce or omit if sensitive to spice)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spray a rimmed baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Peel the butternut squash and cut it into cubes of uniform size to ensure even cooking.
3. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until well blended.
4. Toss Chicken and Squash: Place the chicken thighs and butternut squash cubes in a large bowl. Pour the seasoning mixture over them and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the mixture.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the chicken and squash out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, placing the chicken skin-side up to allow the skin to crisp during roasting.
6. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, stir the squash gently to ensure even caramelization, while leaving the chicken in place.
7. Check Doneness and Serve: Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and serve the sweet and spicy chicken alongside the caramelized butternut squash. Optionally, garnish with dried parsley.

Notes

• You can add more vegetables to the sheet pan for variety or extra greens.
• Line the baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup, though the pan can be cleaned with some scrubbing.
• Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: Sweet Spicy Chicken, Butternut Squash, Sheet Pan Dinner, Roasted Chicken Thighs, Easy Weeknight Meal