Crispy Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash and Escarole

Name: Crispy Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash and Escarole
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (approximately 2 1/2 pounds); Salt and pepper (preferably kosher salt and freshly ground pepper); 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (around 4 cups); 2 leeks (white and light green parts only), halved lengthwise, sliced 1/2 inch thick, and thoroughly rinsed; 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped sage; 1 large head of escarole, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

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By AprilPublished Aug 14, 2023

Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more?

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Crispy Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash and Escarole

Prep: 40 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
Servings: 4

Method

Place a baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Arrange the chicken thighs on the hot baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece and ensuring that the skin side is facing up.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until it is fully cooked and the skin becomes crispy. This should take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the squash, leeks, and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet.
Cover the skillet and cook the mixture until the squash becomes almost tender and the leeks are softened. This should take around 6 to 7 minutes.
Add the sage, escarole, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet.
Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Cover the skillet and cook the mixture until the escarole becomes wilted. This should take approximately 6 to 7 minutes.
Gently stir in the mustard and maple syrup into the skillet.
Season the mixture with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the cooked chicken with the squash and escarole.

About this recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than this recipe for crispy chicken thighs with butternut squash and escarole. This mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, and slightly bitter escarole is a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends singing your praises.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy chicken thigh, its golden-brown skin giving way to juicy, succulent meat. As you take your first bite, you're greeted with the comforting sweetness of roasted butternut squash, its creamy texture complementing the tender chicken. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, the slightly bitter notes of the escarole come in to balance out the dish, adding a refreshing and vibrant element.

The Secret to Crispy Chicken Thighs

So, what's the secret to achieving that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs? The key lies in a simple but effective technique - start with a dry brine. By generously salting the chicken thighs and letting them sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, you draw out excess moisture, resulting in a beautifully crispy skin when cooked. It's a small step that makes a big difference in the final dish.

The Versatility of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is not only delicious, but it's also incredibly versatile. Whether roasted, pureed, or used in soups and stews, it adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture to any dish. In this recipe, the roasted cubes of butternut squash serve as the perfect accompaniment to the crispy chicken thighs, enhancing the overall flavor profile and providing a satisfying element of comfort.

In Conclusion

With its crispy chicken thighs, sweet butternut squash, and refreshing escarole, this dish is a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?: Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Make sure to adjust accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
. Can I substitute kale for escarole?: Absolutely! If you can't find escarole or prefer the taste of kale, feel free to make the substitution. Kale adds a slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the dish.
. Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?: Of course! This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. Consider adding vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even parsnips to create your own unique twist.
. Can I make this dish vegetarian?: While this particular recipe features chicken thighs, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the meat. Simply increase the amount of butternut squash and escarole and add some additional seasonings for flavor.
. How can I make the dish spicier?: If you're a fan of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken thighs before cooking. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
. Can I use other types of squash?: Absolutely! While butternut squash works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of squash, such as acorn squash or delicata squash, to add a different flavor and texture to the dish.
. Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the butternut squash and escarole ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the chicken thighs and reheat the vegetables before plating.
. What can I serve with this dish?: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.