Roasted Chicken Winter Squash Salad (Printable)

A hearty blend of roasted chicken, caramelized squash, and crisp greens for an effortless wholesome meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.1 lbs)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1.5 lbs winter squash (butternut or acorn), peeled, seeded, and cut into ¾-inch cubes
03 - 1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges
04 - 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)

→ Marinade & Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
06 - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

13 - ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
14 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
15 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Method:

01 - Set oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
03 - Place chicken thighs in a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of the marinade, toss to coat, and let rest for 10 minutes.
04 - Arrange squash cubes and red onion wedges on the prepared sheet pan, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
05 - Nestle marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables on the sheet pan.
06 - Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping vegetables halfway, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and squash is tender and caramelized.
07 - Remove chicken from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
08 - In a large bowl, toss roasted vegetables with baby greens and half the remaining marinade.
09 - Arrange salad on plates, top with sliced chicken, toasted pecans, optional feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-sheet pan makes preparation and clean-up simple
  • Packed with bold, seasonal flavors perfect for colder weather
02 -
  • Omit feta cheese or use dairy-free alternative for allergy-friendly version
  • Swap sweet potato for squash to change up flavors and textures
03 -
  • For extra crunch, toast pecans just before serving
  • Prepare marinade a day ahead for deeper flavor
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