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Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash

There are dinners that leave you satisfied, and then there are dinners that feel like a warm hug on a plate. This Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash belongs to the latter category. The combination of sweet maple, smoky-spicy harissa, and tender roasted butternut squash makes every bite both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, while looking as beautiful on the plate as it tastes.

Imagine juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sticky, spiced maple-harissa sauce roasting in the oven alongside cubes of golden butternut squash. The chicken develops a rich, caramelized crust while the squash roasts to sweet perfection. The contrast of spicy heat from the harissa and the mellow sweetness of maple and squash creates a balance that dances on your taste buds. This recipe is comforting, yet elegant — perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients, comes together in one sheet pan, and requires minimal hands-on time. Yet, it tastes like you’ve spent hours creating something restaurant-worthy. There’s a rhythm to roasting the chicken and squash, letting the flavors mingle, and finishing with a drizzle of maple-harissa glaze that elevates the entire dish. It’s healthy, hearty, and full of flavor — a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

If you’re ready to enjoy a dinner that is bold, sweet, spicy, and comforting all at once, this Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash is the perfect recipe. Let’s get started.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavor combination
  The smoky harissa, sweet maple syrup, and roasted butternut squash create a balanced, crave-worthy flavor.
• One-pan dinner
  Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and satisfying
  Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrient-rich squash for a complete meal.
• If you love roasted chicken recipes, this one delivers tender, juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Meal prep-friendly
  Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunches or dinners.
• Customizable heat
  Adjust the harissa to your preferred spice level.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken & Squash

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  Juicy and flavorful; skin crisps beautifully in the oven.
• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
  Roasts to tender, caramelized perfection.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  Helps crisp the chicken and coat the squash.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  Season generously for best flavor.

For the Maple Harissa Glaze

• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  Adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze.
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  Smoky, spicy, and aromatic; adjust to your heat preference.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  Enhances depth and smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  Adds savory warmth.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  Brightens the glaze and balances sweetness.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Toasted pumpkin seeds
• A drizzle of extra maple syrup

These ingredients combine into a flavor-packed, visually stunning dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting.

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How to Make Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Tip: Using foil makes cleanup much easier and helps prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Tip: Dry skin ensures maximum crispiness when roasting.

3. Prep the butternut squash

Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Tip: Uniform cubes roast evenly and develop golden edges.

4. Make the maple harissa glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, harissa paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
Tip: Taste and adjust — more harissa for heat, more maple for sweetness.

5. Glaze the chicken

Brush chicken thighs generously with half of the maple harissa glaze. Reserve the rest for drizzling after roasting.
Tip: Don’t skimp on glaze; it caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

6. Roast the chicken and squash

Place chicken thighs on the baking sheet alongside the squash. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the squash is tender and caramelized.
Tip: Turn squash halfway through roasting for even browning.

7. Broil for extra crispiness (optional)

For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Tip: Watch carefully — broiling happens fast and can burn quickly.

8. Serve with remaining glaze

Drizzle the remaining maple harissa glaze over the chicken and squash. Garnish with chopped parsley or toasted pumpkin seeds.
Tip: A little fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish just before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin.
• Uniform squash cubes roast evenly and caramelize beautifully.
• Adjust harissa for your preferred spice level — mild, medium, or fiery.
• Use a high-quality maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — air circulation ensures the chicken and squash roast properly.
• Turn the squash halfway through roasting for golden edges.
• Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after roasting to lock in juices.

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Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Maple Harissa Chicken

Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the glaze for extra heat.

Sheet-Pan Version with Vegetables

Add red onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the pan for a one-pan roasted vegetable medley.

Chicken Breast Option

Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reduce roasting time to 25–30 minutes.

Sweet Potato Substitute

Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a slightly different sweetness.

Herb-Infused Version

Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the pan for aromatic flavor.

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What to Serve With Maple Harissa Chicken and Butternut Squash

• Steamed or roasted rice
  Absorbs the flavorful glaze perfectly.
• Quinoa or couscous
  Adds a light, nutty grain base.
• Simple green salad
  Balances the richness and adds freshness.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
  Complements the sweetness of the squash.

This dish shines on cozy weeknights, elegant dinners, or special occasions alike.

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Storage and Reheating

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze chicken and squash separately for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Microwave: 2–3 minutes, checking halfway.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to retain moisture.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 410 mg

High in protein, nutrient-rich squash, and naturally gluten-free. A balanced, wholesome dinner.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not drying the chicken skin — results in soggy skin.
• Cubing squash unevenly — leads to uneven cooking.
• Skipping glaze — glaze adds caramelization and depth of flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan — prevents proper roasting and caramelization.
• Broiling too long — chicken skin can burn in seconds.

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FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes and watch carefully to prevent drying.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely. Increase harissa or add cayenne pepper to the glaze.

Can I prep ahead of time?

Yes. Cube the squash and mix the glaze ahead of time; roast when ready to eat.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes. Honey works well but may produce a slightly different caramelization.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I cook this on two sheet pans?

Yes. Just ensure each pan has space for air circulation.

Why did my glaze burn?

High sugar content caramelizes quickly. Keep an eye and brush glaze towards the end.

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Conclusion

This Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash is the ultimate balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Juicy chicken, tender roasted squash, and sticky, flavorful glaze make it a dish you’ll want to serve again and again. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with flavor — perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

If you loved this recipe, try my Fondant Sweet Potatoes With Honey Butter and Halvah or Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe next — both are full of bold flavors, easy to make, and comforting.

Enjoy your flavorful, perfectly roasted dinner.