Brown Butter Sage Chicken Thighs with Delicata Squash
Golden-brown chicken thighs nestled beside caramelized delicata squash, all kissed with nutty sage-infused brown butter—autumn on a plate.
Total: 50 minPrep: 15 minCook: 35 minServes 4Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (125+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 medium delicata squash, sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 2 Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes, then flip and transfer to oven.
- 3 Roast for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 4 Remove chicken from skillet. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until browned.
- 5 Add sage leaves to the brown butter, cook briefly, then add squash slices, roasting in the oven with chicken for the last 10 minutes.
- 6 Melt remaining tablespoon of butter in skillet, cook briefly to brown, then drizzle over chicken and squash before serving.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Baking sheet
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Add a handful of cranberries for a festive twist.
Substitutions
- If delicata squash isn't available, use butternut or acorn squash instead.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a hearty Pinot Noir.
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
30g fat
Carbs:
20g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
4g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before browning the butter.
- Delicata squash skin is edible when tender; no need to peel!
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, just ensure they're fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.