Roasted Chicken Winter Squash Salad (Printable format)

Juicy roasted chicken with caramelized winter squash and fresh greens, all baked together for easy prep.

# List of ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 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, thinly sliced into wedges
04 - 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)

→ Marinade & Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
06 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - ½ teaspoon 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 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
03 - Place chicken thighs in a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
04 - Spread the squash cubes and red onion wedges on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat.
05 - Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables on the sheet pan.
06 - Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the vegetables halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the squash is tender and caramelized.
07 - Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
08 - In a large bowl, toss the roasted vegetables with the mixed greens and half of the remaining dressing.
09 - Plate the salad, topping each portion with sliced chicken, toasted pecans, crumbled feta (if using), and chopped parsley. Drizzle additional dressing as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One-pan approach simplifies clean-up
  • Nutritious, filling, and gluten-free
02 -
  • Feta can be replaced for dairy-free diets
  • Pecans are optional for nut-free versions
03 -
  • Try sweet potato instead of squash for a different flavor
  • Toss salad just before serving to keep greens crisp
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