A cozy, smoky-sweet weeknight sheet-pan dinner: juicy chicken drumsticks roast over caramelizing apples, onions, and wedges of acorn squash. Everything gets glossy with a mustard-maple pan glaze—big flavor, minimal dishes.
Details
Ingredients
- Simple Truth® Natural Fresh Chicken Drumsticks 1 lb (about 4 small drumsticks) $2.99/lb
- Organic Acorn Squash ~1 lb (1 small squash) $1.99/lb
- Simple Truth Organic® Fuji Apples (bag) 1 large apple (about 8 oz), cored and cut into 8 wedges $3.99/2 lb
- Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion 1/2 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges $1.49/lb
- Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 2 cloves, minced $1.99
- Dijon mustard 1 1/2 tbsp
- Maple syrup or honey 1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice 1 tbsp
- Olive oil 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika 1 tsp
- Dried thyme (or rosemary) 1/2 tsp
- Kosher salt 1 tsp (plus more to taste)
- Black pepper 1/2 tsp
- Optional: baby kale or spinach (for a quick wilted green side) 2 packed cups $2.79 (Organic Lacinato Kale, 1 ct) or $2.79 (Organic Spinach, 1 ct)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- Prep the squash: halve 1 small acorn squash (~1 lb), scoop seeds, and cut into 1-inch wedges. Leave the skin on (it softens).
- Prep the fruit and aromatics: core 1 large Fuji apple and cut into 8 wedges. Cut 1/2 large yellow onion into 1/2-inch wedges. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Make the glaze: in a small bowl whisk 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey), 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Toss the vegetables: on the sheet pan, toss the acorn squash wedges and onion wedges with about 1/3 of the glaze (re-whisk first). Spread into a single layer.
- Season the chicken: pat dry 1 lb chicken drumsticks (about 4). Toss with about 1/3 of the glaze until coated.
- Roast: nestle drumsticks among the squash/onions, leaving space for browning. Roast 20 minutes.
- Add apples: toss the apple wedges with the remaining 1/3 glaze, then scatter onto the pan. Roast 15–20 minutes more, until drumsticks hit 175°F at the thickest part and squash is tender and browned on edges.
- Optional quick green: while the pan finishes, wilt 2 packed cups kale or spinach in a skillet with 1 tsp oil and a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes.
- Rest and serve: rest chicken 5 minutes. Plate drumsticks with roasted squash, onions, and glazed apples (plus the wilted greens if using).
Health notes: ~650–800 kcal per serving (depends on drumstick size and added oil/maple). Healthiness: Balanced and nutrient-dense (protein + high-fiber squash + fruit). Keep it lighter by using 1 tsp oil and going easy on maple; leave skin on for best juiciness or remove after roasting to reduce fat.
Drink pairing: Wine: go for a bright, medium-bodied red with gentle tannin or an aromatic white that can handle mustard and roast sweetness. Washington picks are excellent here. Local bottle ideas (WA): Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling (off-dry) or Hedges CMS Red Blend. Beer alternative: a malty amber ale works great with the roast apple/squash.