Roasted Chicken Winter Squash Salad (Printable Version)

Juicy roasted chicken combined with caramelized winter squash and crisp greens on a single pan.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.1 lbs)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1.5 lbs winter squash (butternut or acorn), peeled, seeded, cut into ¾-inch cubes
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into wedges
04 - 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)

→ Marinade and Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
06 - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

13 - ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
14 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
15 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Place chicken thighs in a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and let rest for 10 minutes.
04 - Arrange squash cubes and red onion wedges evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
05 - Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables on the sheet pan.
06 - Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping vegetables halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and squash is tender and caramelized.
07 - Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
08 - In a large bowl, toss roasted vegetables with mixed baby greens and half of the remaining marinade.
09 - Divide salad among plates, top with sliced chicken, toasted pecans, crumbled feta (if using), and chopped parsley. Drizzle with additional dressing as desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick prep and minimal clean-up
  • Nutritious, gluten-free, and easily adaptable for allergies
02 -
  • Omit feta for dairy-free, or swap for plant-based cheese
  • Substitute sweet potato for squash if needed
03 -
  • Use parchment for easy clean-up
  • Slice chicken after resting for juicier results
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