Maple-Cider Chicken with Delicata & Apples

Maple-cider chicken roasts alongside caramelized delicata squash and apples for an easy New England-inspired dinner celebrating Washington’s early-October harvest.

  • Total time: 50 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $8
  • Calories per serving: 550 cal
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs
    12 ounces $5.99
  • Organic delicata squash
    1 small squash, about 1 pound $1.66
  • Organic Fuji apple
    1 medium apple, about 6 ounces $2.77
  • Yellow onion
    1 small onion, about 4 ounces $1.49
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Pure maple syrup
    1 tablespoon
  • Apple cider vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Dried thyme
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt
    1 3/4 teaspoons

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper-middle position. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment. Scrub 1 small delicata squash (about 1 pound), halve lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice into 1/2-inch half-moons; leave the skin on. Peel 1 small yellow onion (about 4 ounces) and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.

  2. Pat 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs dry, unfold them, and season both sides with 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Let stand while you prepare the vegetables and glaze.

  3. Toss the squash and onion on the sheet pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Spread into a single layer and roast for 10 minutes.

  4. Core 1 medium Fuji apple (about 6 ounces) and cut into 1/2-inch wedges, leaving the peel on. Toss the apple wedges with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl.

  5. Mix the maple-cider glaze in a small bowl:

    • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Stir until combined.

  6. Turn the squash and onion, then add the apple wedges. Clear spaces for the chicken so the thighs lie flat against the pan rather than on top of the vegetables. Add the seasoned chicken and spoon the maple-cider glaze over it. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the squash is tender, the edges are browned, and the chicken reaches 175°F in its thickest part.

  7. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes. Divide the chicken, squash, apples, and onion between two plates, then spoon the pan juices over the chicken.

Drink pairing: Dry apple cider complements the roasted apples and balances the maple glaze.