How To Make Chicken And Squash

To make chicken and squash, you simply season both, roast them together on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the heavy lifting.
 
This combo is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s hearty, healthy, and incredibly forgiving.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken and squash without a fancy recipe or a pile of dirty pots, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make chicken and squash that’s juicy, caramelized, and full of flavor.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How to Make Chicken and Squash: The Simple Method

Learning how to make chicken and squash really comes down to three things: good seasoning, the right cut sizes, and a hot oven.
 
When you make chicken and squash this way, the chicken stays tender while the squash gets golden and sweet.
 
Here’s the basic method for how to make chicken and squash in about 40 minutes.
 

1. Choose the Right Chicken and Squash

To make chicken and squash that turns out well, start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts.
 
Bone-in cuts stay juicier, but boneless thighs work great too if you’re short on time.
 
For the squash, butternut, acorn, delicata, or even zucchini all work when you make chicken and squash.
 
Delicata and zucchini don’t need peeling, which makes learning how to make chicken and squash even easier.
 

2. Cut Everything Into Even Pieces

When you make chicken and squash, size matters more than most people think.
 
Cut your squash into cubes about one inch thick so it roasts at the same rate as the chicken.
 
If you make chicken and squash with bigger chunks, the squash may still be firm when the chicken is done.
 
Smaller, even pieces are the secret to how to make chicken and squash that cooks perfectly every time.
 

3. Season Generously

This is where your chicken and squash really comes alive.
 
Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little smoked paprika or cinnamon.
 
For the chicken, rub it with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
 
A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey also takes chicken and squash to the next level.
 

4. Roast at High Heat

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before you make chicken and squash.
 
Arrange the chicken skin-side up on one side of a sheet pan and spread the squash in a single layer on the other.
 
Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken.
 
When you make chicken and squash at this temperature, the skin crisps up and the squash edges caramelize beautifully.
 

5. Check for Doneness

The chicken is done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
 
The squash should be fork-tender with browned edges.
 
If your chicken finishes first, just move it to a plate and let the squash roast a few minutes longer.
 
That’s really all there is to how to make chicken and squash without stress.
 

Easy Variations for Chicken and Squash

Once you know how to make chicken and squash, you can change it up all season long.
 
Here are a few of my favorite ways to make chicken and squash taste totally different.
 

1. Maple Dijon Chicken and Squash

Whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
 
Brush it over the chicken and squash before roasting for a sweet-tangy glaze.
 

2. Mediterranean Chicken and Squash

Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives to the pan.
 
Finish your chicken and squash with crumbled feta and fresh oregano.
 

3. Spicy Harissa Chicken and Squash

Toss everything with harissa paste, cumin, and a little olive oil.
 
This version of chicken and squash has a warm kick that pairs great with yogurt.
 

4. One-Pan Chicken and Squash with Apples

Add cubed apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the pan.
 
The apples soften and sweeten the chicken and squash in the best way.
 

Tips for the Best Chicken and Squash Every Time

A few small habits make a big difference when you make chicken and squash.
 
First, pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the skin gets crispy.
 
Second, don’t crowd the pan when you make chicken and squash, or everything steams instead of roasts.
 
Third, let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving.
 
And finally, save the pan drippings to spoon over your chicken and squash at the table.
 

So, How Do You Make Chicken and Squash?

You make chicken and squash by seasoning both, roasting them on one pan at 425°F, and letting the oven bring out their natural sweetness.
 
It’s a simple, flexible meal that works any night of the week.
 
Whether you’re learning how to make chicken and squash for the first time or you’ve made it a hundred times, the formula stays the same.
 
Grab your sheet pan, pick your squash, and make chicken and squash tonight.