Best 7 Braised Chicken Thighs With Butternut Squash Recipes

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Embark on a culinary adventure with our exploration of the art of braising chicken thighs and butternut squash, a delectable combination that promises an explosion of flavors and textures. Discover the secrets to creating a succulent and tender dish, where the chicken thighs bask in a rich and savory braising liquid, while the butternut squash melts in your mouth, exuding its natural sweetness. Let us guide you through the process of selecting the finest ingredients, preparing them with care, and cooking them to perfection, resulting in a heartwarming and satisfying meal that will tantalize your taste buds.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BRAISED CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND CRANBERRIES



Braised Chicken with Butternut Squash and Cranberries image

Delicious on its own, this dish is also great served over couscous. Use the other half of your butternut squash to make Butternut Squash Soup with Shrimp.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large butternut squash (3 pounds), peeled, halved, and seeded
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 chicken leg quarters (2 1/2 pounds total), split into drumsticks and thighs
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Steps:

  • Cut half the squash into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Cut remaining squash into 1/2-inch pieces and reserve, refrigerated, to make Butternut Squash Soup with Shrimp.
  • In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper and, in two batches, cook, skin side down, until skin is golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer chicken to a plate; pour off fat from pot.
  • Add 1 tablespoon oil, reserved squash, and onion to pot and cook until vegetables are beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add sage, flour, coriander, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add broth and cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon, 1 minute. Nestle chicken, skin side up, in squash mixture, add cranberries, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and squash is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460 g, Fat 24 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 6 g

CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND ESCAROLE



Crispy Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash and Escarole image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
2 leeks (white and light green parts only), halved lengthwise, sliced 1/2 inch thick and rinsed well
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 large head escarole, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

Steps:

  • Place a baking sheet on the top oven rack and preheat to 475 degrees F. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper; arrange skin-side up on the hot baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the squash, leeks and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook until the squash is almost tender and the leeks are softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the sage, escarole and 1/4 cup water; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and cook until the escarole is wilted, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Gently stir the mustard and maple syrup into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the chicken with the squash and escarole.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560, Fat 31 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Cholesterol 216 milligrams, Sodium 647 milligrams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 41 grams, Sugar 8 grams

BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH SQUASH AND MUSTARD GREENS



Braised Chicken Thighs with Squash and Mustard Greens image

Don't have an acorn squash for this chicken thighs recipe? Use butternut. Not into mustard greens? Use kale, Swiss chard, or spinach.

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Categories     Bon Appétit     Chicken     Braise     Leafy Green     Mustard Greens     Squash     Ginger     Hot Pepper     White Wine     Sesame     Sesame Oil     Dinner     Winter

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 12), patted dry
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 scallions, white and pale green parts sliced into 1-inch pieces, dark green parts thinly sliced
4 dried chiles de árbol
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 acorn squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 bunch mustard greens, tough stems removed, leaves torn
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Cooked white rice (for serving)

Steps:

  • Lightly season chicken thighs all over with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Working in 2 batches and pouring off all but 2 Tbsp. fat between batches, cook chicken, skin side down, until skin is browned and crisp, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, placing skin side up (chicken will not be cooked through at this point).
  • Cook white and pale green parts of scallions, chiles, and ginger in same pot, stirring often, until scallions and ginger are golden, about 3 minutes. Add wine, bring to a simmer, and cook until reduced to about 3 Tbsp., 5 minutes. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and 1 cup broth and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Return chicken to pot, placing skin side up and overlapping if needed. Partially cover pot, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 25-30 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  • Add squash and remaining 1 cup broth to pot and push in squash so it's mostly submerged. Arrange greens on top. Bring to a simmer, partially cover pot, and cook until squash is barely fork-tender and greens are wilted, 10-12 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium, and continue to cook until liquid is reduced by about two-thirds and has the consistency of thin gravy, 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove pot from heat and drizzle vinegar over vegetables. Taste sauce; it should be plenty salty, but season with more salt if needed. Add chicken back to pot, turning to coat in sauce, then scatter dark green parts of scallions and sesame seeds over top. Serve with rice.
  • Chicken can be braised 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat covered over low.

EMERIL'S BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS



Emeril's Braised Chicken Thighs image

"When I'm preparing this dish, it's all I can do to wait until it's finished simmering to get a taste of the awesome gravy. You've simply gotta cook some rice to eat with this, no doubt about it." Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, "Emeril 20-40-60 Fresh Food Fast".

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Thighs

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), trimmed of any excess skin or fat
1 tablespoon Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied in a bundle, or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups chicken stock or canned, low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Steamed white rice, for serving

Steps:

  • Season the chicken all over with the Essence and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Place the 1/2 cup flour in a small bowl, and quickly dredge both sides of each thigh in the flour, shaking to remove any excess. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch flameproof casserole or saute pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter, and when it has melted, place the chicken, skin side down, in the pan. Brown for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, and when it has melted, add the onions, garlic, thyme bundle or rosemary sprigs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon then whisk in the chicken stock and increase the heat to high. Return the chicken, skin side down, to the pan, and bring the stock to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a heavy, tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Uncover the pan, stir the bottom of the pan to prevent scorching, and turn the chicken skin side up. Cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes longer.
  • Stir the bottom of the pan a final time, re-cover, and simmer for 20 more minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and discard the herb bundle or rosemary sprigs. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Add the parsley to the sauce, stir to combine, and then spoon the sauce over the chicken. Serve with steamed white rice.

BRAISED PROVENCAL CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND WHITE BEANS



Braised Provencal Chicken with Butternut Squash and White Beans image

Categories     Bean     Chicken     Herb     Poultry     Tomato     Vegetable     Braise     Squash     Butternut Squash     Fall     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 cups water
1 1/4 cups dried Great Northern beans
1/2 onion, cut into quarters
6 large bone-in chicken thighs with skin
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 1/2 cups 1/3-inch pieces peeled butternut squash
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine 6 cups water, beans and onion in large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Cool in cooking liquid. Drain bean mixture, discarding cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, place chicken in medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, oregano, thyme and rosemary and toss to coat. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook chicken in skillet until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.
  • Pour off drippings from skillet. Add wine and garlic to skillet; simmer until liquid is reduced by half, scraping up browned bits, about 2 minutes. Stir in squash, tomatoes in juice and drained bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through and squash is tender, about 40 minutes. Stir in parsley. Simmer uncovered until sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving bowl. Spoon bean-and-vegetable mixture over.

BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH GREENS AND OLIVES



Braised Chicken Thighs With Greens and Olives image

In this quick and comforting one-pot, stove-top meal, chicken thighs are browned, then simmered with sturdy greens. When they're in season, pleasantly bitter dandelion greens are lovely here. But any structured greens with a tendency to wilt when cooked, like escarole, kale and even Swiss chard, will work here, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Olives and raisins, tossed in at the very end, add some salty and sweet notes. Round out the meal with a loaf of crusty bread - it's perfect to sop up this brothy braise.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     dinner, weekday, weeknight, poultry, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
1/2 red onion or 2 to 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Pinch of red-pepper flakes (optional)
1 to 2 bunches sturdy greens, such as dandelion, escarole, Swiss chard or kale, roughly chopped (about 8 cups)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock, plus more as needed
1/3 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Flaky salt, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Season chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook undisturbed until nicely browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Flip and brown the other side, about 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan and return to medium-low heat. Add red onion, and cook until it begins to soften, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook for 30 seconds more.
  • Add chopped greens to the pan and stir, tossing to coat in the residual chicken fat. It may seem like a lot of greens, but they will cook down. Add the chicken thighs and any juices that have accumulated back to the pan and lay them on top of the greens. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to come up to the chicken about halfway. Bring the chicken to a gentle simmer. Partly cover and allow the chicken to finish cooking through, about 20 minutes more.
  • Stir in olives and raisins and cook uncovered until they are warmed through, and the raisins are nicely plumped, about 1 minute more. Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve. Season with flaky salt, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 518, UnsaturatedFat 26 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 745 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH WINTER SQUASH



Roasted Chicken Thighs With Winter Squash image

Roasted chicken thighs can be the juicy, meaty center of many weeknight meals. Add delicata squash, quickly tossed in a maple syrup-butter glaze, along with slices of lemon and sage, and you have a something more unusual, an interplay of flavors that don't generally meet on the same sheet pan. This recipe is a little too fussy to count as a fast weeknight dish, but there is nothing difficult about any of the steps. And it's a fine introduction to delicata squash, if you haven't cooked with them yet. Unlike many other winter squash varieties, they have a thin skin and don't need to be peeled (just cut them in half and remove the seeds), making them as easy to prepare as they are sweet.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 lemon, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, and thinly sliced crosswise into wedges
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 and 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped sage
1 and 1/2 teaspoons coriander seed
1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Large pinch chile powder
1 delicata or acorn squash (1 and 1/4 pounds), seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rings
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and light-green parts

Steps:

  • Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil; drop in lemon slices and cook for two minutes. Drain well.
  • In a large bowl, toss chicken with lemon slices, 1 tablespoon oil, sage, coriander, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Let stand 30 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine syrup, butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and chile powder. Simmer for 3 minutes. Toss mixture with squash.
  • Spread squash in a 9-by-13-inch pan or on a large rimmed baking sheet. Nestle chicken and lemon on top of squash. Roast for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, toss scallions and remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Scatter over chicken and squash; keep roasting until chicken is no longer pink, about 20 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 488, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 812 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones and skin add flavor to the dish, and the skin will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
  • Sear the chicken thighs before braising them. This will help to brown the chicken and lock in the juices.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in the braising liquid. This will add flavor and color to the dish. Some good options include butternut squash, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
  • Use a flavorful braising liquid. This could be chicken broth, white wine, or even beer. You can also add herbs and spices to the liquid for extra flavor.
  • Braise the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour, or until they are cooked through. The longer you braise them, the more tender they will be.
  • Serve the chicken thighs with the braising liquid and vegetables over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite pasta.

Conclusion:

Braised chicken thighs with butternut squash is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken thighs are tender and juicy, the butternut squash is sweet and creamy, and the braising liquid is flavorful and aromatic. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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