Roast chicken with butternut squash is a delightful dish that beautifully fuses the savory taste of roast chicken with the sweet and earthy flavors of butternut squash. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a wholesome and hearty meal, with a touch of elegance and sophistication. The dish is also highly nutritious, packed with proteins from the chicken and a wealth of vitamins and fibers from the butternut squash.
Photos of Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your local supermarkets. However, butternut squash might not be available all year round in some places. When buying, look for butternut squash that is heavy for its size with a hard, smooth skin free from cuts or bruises. The sage is also an essential ingredient which adds a unique flavor to the dish. It's usually found in the spice aisle.
Ingredients for Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
Chicken: This is the main protein of the dish. You can use any part of the chicken but quarters are perfect for roasting.
Olive oil: This will be used to coat the chicken and squash for roasting, giving them a nice golden color and adding a subtle flavor.
Salt: An essential seasoning to bring out the flavor of both the chicken and the squash.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the dish.
Butternut squash: It has a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin and is packed with vitamins.
Sage: This herb adds a deep, woody flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.
Water: This will be used to deglaze the pan after roasting, forming the basis of the sauce.
One reader, Cedric Sanchez says:
This roast chicken with butternut squash recipe is a game-changer! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the butternut squash was the perfect complement. The combination of sage and olive oil made the dish incredibly aromatic. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious meal.
Techniques Required for Roasting Chicken with Butternut Squash
How to roast the chicken: The chicken quarters should be coated with oil, salt, and pepper, and arranged in a roasting pan before being cooked in a preheated oven at 450 degrees F.
How to prepare the butternut squash: The butternut squash cubes should be tossed with oil, salt, pepper, and sage before being added to the roasting pan with the chicken.
How to make the sauce: After removing the chicken and squash from the pan, the fat should be poured off, and the pan should be set over moderate heat. Water should be added and brought to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any brown bits. The sauce should be boiled until reduced to approximately 2 tablespoons, and any accumulated juices from the chicken should be added before spooning the sauce over the chicken.
How To Make Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
This deceptively simple roast chicken always comes out juicy with a crisp skin outside. The butternut squash gives a nice caramelisation to the dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbschicken
- 3tbspolive oil
- ¾tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 2¼lbsbutternut squash
- 1tspsage,dried
- 3tbspwater
Instructions
-
Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
-
Coat the chicken quarters with 1 tablespoon of the oil, salt and pepper.
-
Arrange the chicken quarters, skin-side up, in a large roasting pan
-
Toss the cubes of butternut squash with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, and sage.
-
Add the cubes of squash to the roasting pan
-
Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring the squash occasionally, until the chicken breasts are just done.
-
Remove the pan from the oven and remove the breasts from the pan
-
Tilt the roasting pan and spoon off most of the fat from the pan
-
Return the pan to the oven
-
Continue cooking for 10 minutes more until the chicken legs and the squash are done.
-
Remove the chicken and squash from the pan
-
Pour off the fat from the roasting pan
-
Set the pan over moderate heat and add the water
-
Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any brown bits
-
Boil until reduced to approximately 2 tablespoons
-
Add any accumulated juices from the chicken
-
Spoon the sauce over the chicken
Nutrition
- Calories: 938.29kcal
- Fat: 61.70g
- Saturated Fat: 16.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 28.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.17g
- Carbohydrates: 30.35g
- Fiber: 5.42g
- Sugar: 5.63g
- Protein: 65.92g
- Cholesterol: 255.15mg
- Sodium: 685.13mg
- Calcium: 172.41mg
- Potassium: 1550.81mg
- Iron: 5.11mg
- Vitamin A: 1498.87µg
- Vitamin C: 59.24mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
When roasting chicken and butternut squash, it's important to remember that they may not cook at the same rate. To ensure even cooking, consider cutting your squash into smaller, uniform pieces. This will allow them to cook more quickly and evenly alongside the chicken. Additionally, stirring the squash occasionally during roasting can also promote even cooking and prevent any pieces from becoming overly charred.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Roasted Chicken Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the butternut squash and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan cooking: Use a large roasting pan to cook both the chicken and butternut squash at the same time, saving time on cleaning up.
Sharp knives: Use sharp knives to easily and quickly cut the butternut squash into cubes, making the prep work more efficient.
Multitask: While the chicken and squash are roasting, use that time to prepare a simple side salad or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken in this recipe. It has a similar texture and can be roasted with butternut squash for a delicious dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in roasting the chicken and butternut squash.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the roasted chicken and butternut squash.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash can be used as a substitute for butternut squash, providing a similar sweet and nutty flavor when roasted.
sage - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for sage, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the roasted chicken and butternut squash.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used to add more flavor to the dish instead of water, enhancing the overall taste of the roasted chicken and butternut squash.
Presenting Your Roasted Chicken and Butternut Squash
Elevate the plating: When presenting the roast chicken with butternut squash, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Arrange the chicken quarters and butternut squash cubes in a way that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by incorporating fresh herbs as garnishes. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken and butternut squash to enhance the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the main components of the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and instead, strategically position the roast chicken and butternut squash to create a visually striking presentation.
Consider plate shape and size: Select a plate that complements the colors of the dish and allows the roast chicken and butternut squash to take center stage. Opt for a plate that provides ample space for artistic arrangement.
Highlight the sauce: Drizzle the reduced sauce from the roasting pan over the chicken and butternut squash with precision. Use a small spoon to create elegant swirls or patterns, adding a final touch of finesse to the presentation.
Emphasize texture: Incorporate elements that add textural contrast to the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a light dusting of finely grated parmesan cheese to enhance both the visual appeal and the overall dining experience.
Temperature contrast: Consider incorporating a complementary element with a different temperature, such as a small side of chilled cucumber salad or a warm bread roll, to create an engaging and dynamic dining experience.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate for a pristine presentation, ensuring that every aspect of the dish reflects precision and artistry.
Essential Tools for Making Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for roasting, baking, and heating food.
- Roasting pan: A deep, sturdy pan used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and turning food during cooking.
- Knife: A cutting tool used for slicing and carving ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure dry or liquid ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting items.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
- Let the roast chicken and butternut squash cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place the chicken and squash in separate airtight containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate the chicken and squash for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the roast chicken:
- Remove the meat from the bones and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- To freeze the roasted butternut squash:
- Place the cooled squash in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw the squash in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- To reheat the chicken and squash:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken and squash in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and squash in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Roast Chicken and Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roast chicken and butternut squash in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken and squash are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
If you have a microwave-safe dish with a lid, you can reheat the roast chicken and butternut squash in the microwave. Place the leftovers in the dish, cover it with the lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken and squash are heated through. Stir the squash halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat the roast chicken and butternut squash in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent the leftovers from sticking and to add moisture. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken and squash are heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a crispy texture to the leftover roast chicken, you can remove the skin and heat it separately in a skillet over medium-high heat. This will help to crisp up the skin while the chicken and butternut squash are being reheated using one of the above methods.
To add extra flavor to the reheated roast chicken and butternut squash, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage over the top before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil can also help to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a good source of fiber, potassium, and several other key nutrients.
Is Making Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this roast chicken with butternut squash recipe is quite high. Chicken and butternut squash are generally affordable and readily available ingredients. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four, with leftovers for the next day. The approximate cost for this recipe would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for households. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8 out of 10, considering its simplicity, delicious flavors, and cost-effectiveness.
Is This Roasted Chicken and Butternut Squash Dish Healthy?
The roast chicken with butternut squash recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein from the chicken and fiber-rich carbohydrates from the butternut squash. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the sage adds a flavorful touch without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used to coat the chicken and squash, as it adds extra calories. Instead, try using a cooking spray or a smaller amount of oil to lightly coat the ingredients.
- Remove the skin from the chicken before cooking to reduce the overall fat content of the dish. While the skin adds flavor, it is also high in saturated fat.
- Include additional vegetables, such as onions, garlic, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density of the recipe. These vegetables will add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
- Consider using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water when creating the sauce. This will add more flavor without relying on excessive salt.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the taste without adding extra calories. For example, rosemary, thyme, or paprika could be delicious additions to this recipe.
The Editor's Take on This Roasted Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe
The roast chicken with butternut squash recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of sage adds a warm and earthy aroma to the dish, while the butternut squash provides a sweet and nutty contrast to the savory chicken. The cooking method ensures that the chicken is tender and juicy, while the squash caramelizes beautifully. The reduction sauce adds a final touch of richness and depth to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it a wonderful choice for a comforting and elegant meal.
Enhance Your Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Roasted Chicken and Squash
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash
Why trust this Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe:
This roast chicken with butternut squash recipe is a delightful combination of succulent chicken and flavorful butternut squash. The use of olive oil and sage enhances the natural flavors, while the high-temperature roasting method ensures a crispy skin and tender meat. The addition of water creates a delicious pan sauce that perfectly complements the dish. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to deliver a satisfying and comforting meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Roast Chicken Recipe
Lemon & Rosemary Roast Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe
All-in-one roast chicken & veg recipe Recipe
Maple roast chicken with potatoes & thyme Recipe
Simple Roast Chicken Recipe
Quick Roast Christmas Chicken & Sticky Veg Recipe
Roast Sticky Chicken-Rotisserie Style Recipe
Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Spring One-Pot Roast Chicken Recipe
Lemon, broccoli & sesame roast chicken Recipe
Rosie’s Roast Chicken Recipe
