Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection served with roasted butternut squash and garlicky sautéed spinach, perfect for a Whole30 meal. This Whole30 recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, butternut squash for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 3 cups of the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, turning halfway through.
  2. Step 2: While squash roasts, pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs with paper towels. Season both sides with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook 3 minutes on the other side.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 fresh thyme sprigs around the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven to roast for 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and skillet, tent with foil to rest. In the same skillet, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat in the chicken fat and drippings for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and 1/4 cup water or broth to the skillet. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and garlic infuses the greens. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the seared chicken thighs alongside the roasted butternut squash and garlic spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Greens take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Greens?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Greens whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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