One pan chicken and butternut squash is the kind of meal I never knew I needed until one of those chaotic weeknights hit. You know the kind. The fridge is half empty, energy is low, and takeout feels like the only option. That’s exactly when this dish came to life in my kitchen.
It started with a few ingredients I always seem to have lying around. Chicken breast, half a squash from the weekend, some leftover bread, and a few shallots. I tossed everything onto a sheet pan and hoped for the best. What came out was golden, crispy, and full of warm, fall flavor.
Now it’s one of my go-to meals. It feels cozy but fresh, simple but satisfying. Plus, there’s barely any cleanup. Just one pan and maybe a mixing bowl.
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food without the fuss, this recipe might be exactly what you need. I’ll walk you through the steps, share my tips, and show you how to make it yours.
Let’s get started.
Explore more warm and wholesome Fall Chicken Dinner Ideas perfect for weeknights.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipe
Let’s be honest. We all have a few recipes we keep coming back to. This one pan chicken and butternut squash dinner is one of mine. It is not just the simplicity that makes it a winner. It is how it delivers comfort, flavor, and texture without demanding much in return.
The roasted butternut squash turns perfectly soft and slightly caramelized. The chicken comes out juicy with just enough crisp around the edges. Then there are those golden sourdough croutons, soaking up the vinaigrette while still holding their crunch. Each bite is layered, satisfying, and just a little addictive.
This dish works because it respects your time. You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need culinary school knife skills. And best of all, cleanup is minimal. Just one pan. That is it.
It also fits just about any weeknight mood. Feeling lazy? It has your back. Want to impress someone with minimal effort? This dish quietly flexes. The balance of savory chicken and sweet squash feels comforting but still fresh enough to avoid heaviness.
And yes, it actually tastes as good as it looks.
One Pan Chicken and Butternut Squash
Ingredients
For the sheet pan
- 3 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sourdough bread cubes
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 whole garlic cloves peeled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
For the vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine cubed butternut squash, one tablespoon of olive oil, sliced shallots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Line one third of a sheet pan with parchment. Spread the squash mixture on the remaining two thirds. Roast for 10 minutes.
- While the squash is roasting, toss bread cubes in the remaining olive oil. Brush both sides of the chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- After 10 minutes, remove the pan. Add the bread cubes and garlic cloves around the squash. Place chicken breasts on the parchment-lined side. Return to the oven and roast for 25 more minutes.
- While it cooks, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl or shake in a jar until combined.
- Once roasted, slice or shred the chicken. Squeeze a garlic clove into each bowl. Top with vinaigrette and parmesan. Toss gently and serve.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Ingredients for This Healthy Butternut Squash Chicken Dinner
Before you start tossing everything onto the pan, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this one pan chicken and butternut squash recipe is how it makes simple ingredients feel special. You probably have most of what you need already.
- Butternut squash
Choose fresh over frozen if possible. The edges caramelize better, giving you that tender texture with a touch of crisp. Pre-cut cubes from the store are totally fine if you want to skip the peeling. - Chicken breast
Boneless and skinless works best. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just adjust the cook time slightly. - Crusty bread
Sourdough gives the best crunch and flavor, but any rustic bread will do. This is what transforms the dish into something like a warm salad with texture. - Shallots and garlic
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates depth. - Olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper
These basics add balance and round out the flavor. - Parmesan and vinaigrette
These final touches pull everything together without overpowering the main elements.
Each ingredient in this one pan chicken and butternut squash meal plays a role. Together, they create something that tastes far more complex than it looks on paper.
How to Make One Pan Chicken and Butternut Squash (Step-by-Step)
This one pan chicken and butternut squash dinner comes together in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off while the oven does the work. The key is timing each layer just right so everything roasts evenly and finishes together.
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, thinly sliced shallots, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread it across a large sheet pan, leaving room for the other ingredients you’ll add later.
Step 2: Give the squash a head start
Roast the squash alone for about 10 minutes. It needs this time to soften before the bread and chicken go in. This step helps avoid burnt croutons and dry chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the bread and chicken
While the squash is roasting, toss your bread cubes in olive oil. Then brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. When the timer goes off, add the bread cubes and whole garlic cloves to the pan, followed by the chicken on one side.
Step 4: Finish roasting
Return the pan to the oven and roast everything together for another 25 minutes. By the end, the bread will be crisp, the squash tender, and the chicken fully cooked.
This simple method lets each ingredient shine. It is what makes this one pan chicken and butternut squash dinner so satisfying without being fussy.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Nutrition Highlights
- Butternut squash provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin A. It also contributes natural sweetness without added sugar.
- Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that helps keep the meal satisfying and balanced.
- Olive oil and parmesan add richness and heart-healthy fats.
- Sourdough bread brings texture and slow-digesting carbs.
For more detailed nutrition data on individual ingredients, visit the USDA FoodData Central database, a reliable source for food composition information.
Simple Vinaigrette to Finish This Butternut Chicken Dinner
What makes this one pan chicken and butternut squash recipe feel complete is the vinaigrette. It is not complicated, but it adds just the right amount of acidity and depth. Think of it as the final layer that ties the whole dish together.
You only need a few ingredients to make it. Start with sherry vinegar and Dijon mustard as your base. Add finely minced shallots, a pinch of ground pepper, and olive oil. That is it. You can whisk it in a bowl if you want, but honestly, shaking it up in a small mason jar is easier and less messy.
Once the chicken, squash, and bread cubes are done roasting, divide them into bowls. Then comes the fun part. Squeeze in one of those roasted garlic cloves for a rich, mellow bite. Drizzle the vinaigrette on top, then sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan. Toss gently and serve right away.
This dressing balances the sweetness of the squash and the savoriness of the chicken. It makes every bite feel fresh without taking away that comforting warmth.
Tips for Prep, Storage and Leftovers
One of the best parts about this one pan chicken and butternut squash recipe is how well it fits into real life. Whether you are cooking for one, saving time for tomorrow, or just hate soggy leftovers, there are a few tricks to make this dish work even better for you.
Prep ahead when you can
You can cube the butternut squash and cut the bread a day or two ahead. Just store the squash in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the bread loosely covered at room temperature so it stays dry and crisp. Even the vinaigrette can be made in advance and kept chilled until you are ready to serve.
Keep those croutons crisp
If you are planning to save a serving for later, it is best to store the roasted squash, garlic, and chicken separately from the bread. This keeps the croutons from turning soggy. Reheat the chicken and squash gently in the oven or a skillet, then toss in fresh bread cubes just before serving.
Freezing and reheating tips
You can freeze the roasted chicken and squash together, although the bread does not hold up well in the freezer. When reheating, warm everything in the oven to maintain texture. Add fresh vinaigrette and Parmesan right before serving for that same just-cooked taste.
This one pan chicken and butternut squash dish stays just as comforting the second time around, as long as you keep these small storage tricks in mind.
More Easy Butternut Squash Recipes for Fall
Once you try this one pan chicken and butternut squash dinner, it might just unlock a new obsession with fall-inspired meals. The flavor combo of sweet squash and savory meat is something you can build on in so many creative ways. If you are in the mood to explore beyond this recipe, here are a few easy butternut squash recipes worth keeping on your radar.
Try a stuffed squash dinner
Instead of cutting the squash into cubes, roast halved squash and fill them with a mix of quinoa, spinach, cranberries, and leftover shredded chicken. This creates a cozy, individual meal that feels comforting and a little impressive.
Go meatless with a butternut squash casserole
Layer cooked squash with creamy ricotta, wilted greens, and crunchy breadcrumbs for a baked dish that is warm and satisfying. This is one of those butternut squash dinner ideas that even meat lovers appreciate.
Add squash to your pasta night
Roast chunks of squash and toss them with spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle with parmesan and cracked pepper. You can also blend it into a creamy sauce for a lighter spin on mac and cheese.
Soup lovers, don’t skip this one
If you have extra squash, you are halfway to a perfect fall soup. A simple roasted butternut squash soup with chicken , garlic, and herbs pairs beautifully with toasted sourdough or a grilled cheese.stock
These ideas give you options to stretch that seasonal produce a little further while keeping your meals creative. Whether you are sticking with one pan chicken and butternut squash or branching into other directions, there are so many ways to make butternut shine on your dinner table.
Final Thoughts: Why This One Pan Chicken and Butternut Squash Dinner Belongs on Your Table
By now, you have seen how one pan chicken and butternut squash can turn a handful of everyday ingredients into something that feels thoughtful and comforting. It is not flashy or complicated. It is real food, made with real life in mind.
Whether you are cooking for yourself, a partner, or just trying to break out of your dinner rut, this recipe checks all the boxes. It is fast enough for a busy weeknight and satisfying enough to keep you from reaching for takeout. More than that, it brings that cozy seasonal feeling without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Give it a try and see how it fits into your own dinner rotation. If you make it, let someone know. Leave a comment, snap a quick photo, or just bookmark it for the next time you are standing in front of your fridge wondering what to cook.
Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that start with what you already have.
Our full [Fall Dinner Ideas Guide] is coming soon — packed with comforting recipes for every autumn night. Stay tuned!
Fall-inspired ideas you’ll love:
• Try [Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs] for crispy sweetness.
• [Roasted Chicken with Autumn Vegetables] if you love vibrant veggies.
• Creamy and fast: [Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta].
• Sweet and tender: [Apple Cider Braised Chicken].
FAQ: Chicken and Butternut Squash Recipes
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash, but the texture will be a little different. Fresh squash tends to caramelize better in the oven, which gives this one pan chicken and butternut squash dish that perfect roasted flavor. If you use frozen, try to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I swap the chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs work well and add extra richness. Just keep in mind that they may take a few minutes longer to cook, depending on their size. Use a meat thermometer if you are unsure, and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Is there a gluten-free option?
You can easily make this gluten-free by swapping the sourdough bread for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Look for a brand that holds up well when baked so you still get that satisfying crunch.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this one pan chicken and butternut squash recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to use two sheet pans instead of crowding everything onto one. This helps everything roast instead of steaming.
