Apple Glazed Chicken with Squash

American autumn tables often pair orchard apples with roast chicken for easy weeknight warmth. This sheet-pan version glazes bone-in thighs with maple, cider, and Dijon beside caramelizing butternut squash and Honeycrisp wedges.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 45 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 485 cal
• 34g protein
• 32g carbs
• 24g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 lb bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 medium (about 2 lb) butternut squash
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 6 fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
2. 2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels so the skin will crisp, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. 3Peel the squash, scoop out the seeds, and cut into 1-inch cubes; core the apples and slice into thick wedges, leaving the skin on for color and structure.
4. 4Toss the squash and apple wedges on the sheet pan with olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, and most of the thyme sprigs until everything is lightly coated and glossy.
5. 5Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up among the squash and apples, spacing them so air can circulate and the skin browns evenly.
6. 6Whisk together the apple cider, Dijon, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth, then brush half of the glaze over the chicken skin and drizzle a little over the produce.
7. 7Roast for 25 minutes, then brush the remaining glaze over the chicken and give the pan a gentle shake so the squash edges caramelize.
8. 8Continue roasting 15 to 20 minutes more until the chicken skin is deep golden, the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
9. 9Rest the pan 5 minutes so juices settle, then scatter chopped parsley and the remaining fresh thyme leaves over the top.
10. 10Transfer to a large platter for sharing, spooning the pan juices and sticky apple bits over everything before serving family-style.