Delicata - the summer squash cross!
Hello, VOH Buddies!
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather! Here at View of Heaven, we’re working hard to prepare our fall crops for you to enjoy. As the air becomes cooler and crisper, we’re excited to introduce a seasonal favorite: delicata squash!
If you haven’t tried delicata squash before, you’re in for a treat. This sweet winter squash has an elongated shape, creamy-colored skin with green and orange stripes, and a tender, edible rind. That’s right—there’s no peeling necessary!
This past week, my family picked up two beautiful delicata squash and headed into the kitchen to try a delicious, comforting fall recipe featuring maple-glazed chicken. The combination of tender chicken, naturally sweet squash, fresh lemon, aromatic herbs, and maple syrup makes this dish a wonderful addition to your autumn menu.
We doubled the recipe for our family, and we were delighted to have leftovers to enjoy the following day. It’s a simple, flavorful way to bring seasonal vegetables to your dinner table!
Maple-Glazed Chicken with Delicata Squash
Adapted from The New York Times
Prep time: 45 minutes, including marinating
Cook time: Approximately 35–45 minutes
Oven temperature: 425°F
Servings: 4
Ingredients
½ lemon, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, and thinly sliced crosswise
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1½ pounds)
½ tablespoon ground sage or 1 tablespoon freshly chopped sage
1½ tablespoons coriander seeds, lightly crushed or ground
1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup maple syrup
A pinch of Italian red pepper flakes or chili powder
3 tablespoons butter
1-2 medium delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced into ¼-inch-thick pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
¼ cup thinly sliced scallions or your favorite fresh VOH herbs
Optional: ¼ cup white wine
Instructions
1. Prepare the lemon.
Bring a small saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lemon slices and cook for 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Season and marinate the chicken.
In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the lemon slices, sage, coriander, black pepper, approximately ½ teaspoon of the salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash the delicata squash, cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice it into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Arrange the squash in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and season with some of the remaining salt and a light drizzle of olive oil.
4. Prepare the maple-butter glaze.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, butter, a pinch of salt, and the red pepper flakes or chili powder. Simmer gently for approximately 3 minutes, stirring until the butter melts and the ingredients are combined. Remove from the heat.
5. Assemble the dish.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs over the squash and distribute the lemon slices throughout the pan. Pour the maple-butter glaze over the chicken and squash. If desired, add the white wine to the baking dish.
6. Bake until golden and tender.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Add the sliced scallions or fresh VOH herbs, then continue baking for another 20–30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in its thickest part, away from the bone. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving. Spoon some of the delicious maple-butter sauce over the chicken and squash, and enjoy a comforting meal filled with the flavors of fall!
My VOH Buddies, I think this recipe deserves a spot on your fall dinner rotation! The sweetness of the maple glaze pairs beautifully with the delicata squash, while the lemon and herbs add a lovely burst of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. Every new ingredient is an opportunity to discover a new family favorite!
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen. Until next time, keep cooking, keep exploring with our VOH bounty, and keep enjoying the wonderful harvest of the season!
Sincerely,
Your Farm Writer,
Victoria
