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Quick Honey Garlic Chicken with Perfect Butternut Squash

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This quick honey garlic chicken with butternut squash is a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in under 45 minutes. The sticky, sweet-savory sauce coats juicy chicken thighs and caramelized squash for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle.
  2. Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  6. Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat in pan drippings.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling among the squash. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over everything and toss gently to coat.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and squash is fork-tender. Stir halfway through.
  9. Remove from oven and stir in 1 tablespoon butter until melted and glossy.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

If the squash isn’t tender after 25 minutes but the chicken is done, remove the chicken to a plate and return the squash to the oven for 5 more minutes. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. To prevent burning, check the dish at 18 minutes if your oven runs hot.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, butternut squash, quick dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan, fall recipe

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/quick-honey-garlic-chicken-with-perfect-butternut-squash/