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Sheet Pan Chicken and Acorn Squash

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LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Sheet pan chicken and acorn squash are sprinkled with cinnamon, salt, pepper, and olive oil then roasted until golden brown. This simple sheet pan dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

Full view of chicken and acorn squash sheet pan dinner.

We can all use a few more easy, healthy chicken recipes – am I right? This Sheet Pan Chicken and Acorn Squash recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. Versatile, nutritious and oh-so-delicious, you really can’t go wrong with roasting meat and vegetables all on the same pan. And with everything cooked on one pan, you save time on the clean up, too! A few of my other favorite sheet pan recipes include Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes and Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.

Ingredients

  • Acorn squash: A winter squash with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, that cooks to be creamy in texture.
  • Chicken: I prefer to use bone-in chicken for this recipe, for added flavor. You could use an array of drumsticks, chicken breasts, and thighs.
  • Olive oil: Coats the chicken and squash to help the chicken get a nice, crispy skin, and the squash to get wonderfully caramelized.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a wonderful warm, sweet, and spicy flavor to the chicken and squash.
  • Garlic powder: An easy way to add garlicky flavor to the dish while evenly coating all the pieces.

How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken and Acorn Squash

Start your sheet pan chicken and acorn squash by cutting your acorn squash in half and deseeding it. From there, you can cut it into slices about half and inch thick.

Then lay your acorn squash and chicken pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then toss in the oven at 350 and bake for about 35 minutes.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, then serve and enjoy your Sheet Pan Chicken and Acorn Squash!

Easy Substitutions

  • No acorn squash? No problem! Just use butternut squash or sweet potatoes!
  • Use boneless chicken. You can just as easily make this with boneless chicken breast if that’s what you have or prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook acorn squash with the skin on?

Yes, and I usually do! The skin of the acorn squash isn’t very tough or bitter, so I prefer to leave it on.

Why does my chicken come out dry?

You’re likely overcooking your chicken if it comes out dry. This is why I love to use a meat thermometer when cooking any protein. Get your chicken to 165, then take it out.

What kind of squash is the healthiest?

All squash is good for you and are chalk full of nutrients, but the most nutritious is butternut squash.
Chicken and acorn squash sheet pan dinner up close.

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Liz eating chicken and acorn squash sheet pan dinner.

An easy and mess free dinner, my sheet pan chicken and acorn squash will satisfy the whole family.

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Chicken and Acorn Squash Sheet Pan Dinner

4.49 stars average
Liz Della Croce
Chicken and acorn squash are sprinkled with cinnamon, salt, pepper, and olive oil then roasted until golden brown. This simple sheet pan dinner recipe is perfect for busy week nights!
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 40 minutes
TOTAL: 50 minutes
Pin
Servings4

Ingredients
 

  • 1 acorn squash (seeded and sliced (skin-on))
  • 1 pound split chicken breasts (bone-in)
  • 4 chicken drum sticks
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place chicken pieces and acorn squash slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  • Brush chicken and squash with olive oil then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast until chicken reaches internal cooking temperature of 165 degrees or higher (about 35-40 minutes.) 

Last Step:

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Liz’s Notes

Nutrition facts do not include the skin of the chicken. This sheet pan dinner is very versatile and can be made with any winter squash including butternut squash or even sweet potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.8g | Protein: 37.8g | Fat: 7.2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 799mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 0.1g


4.49 from 33 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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23 responses to “Sheet Pan Chicken and Acorn Squash”

  1. k Avatar
    k

    Tried this unusual combination of spices and it turned out well. DId not. use the exact measurements, just what felt right. The squash was really tasty.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m glad you enjoyed it! While it may seem unusual, a lot of Middle-Eastern recipes use cinnamon in savory dishes. If you liked this one, check out my Lebanese recipes!

  2. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    First-1Tbs of cinnamon is way too much. I would cut this to a tsp and add some cumin. As it was, kind of ruined the meal. Also used boneless breasts cut into thirds and it took 45 minutes to cook the squash and chicken completely. Won’t be making this again.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Sorry you weren’t a fan of the cinnamon, but I do love the idea of adding cumin to the mix! When you say you cut the chicken into thirds, did you make the chicken breasts thinner? 45 minutes does seem kind of long.