Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash – Sweet, Spicy & Cozy One-Pan Dinner

by

Introduction

If there’s one recipe that truly celebrates the beautiful balance of sweet heat, cozy autumn vibes, and effortless cooking, it’s Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash. This dish is everything a busy cook dreams of: one pan, minimal cleanup, bold flavors, and a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—even when you absolutely didn’t.

I discovered this combination during a fall dinner with friends. The leaves were turning gold, the table was cozy with candlelight, and someone brought a dish that smelled so intoxicating I followed the aroma like a cartoon character floating toward a pie. It was sweet from the maple syrup, smoky and spicy from the harissa, and perfectly balanced by the tender, caramelized butternut squash. One bite and I knew I had to recreate it… and then make it even better.

The beauty of this dish is its unexpected harmony. Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash hits every flavor note—sweet, spicy, savory, and earthy—while staying warm and comforting. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for a holiday table or dinner party centerpiece.

Let’s dive into this flavor-packed, oven-roasted masterpiece.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste (mild or spicy!)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
  • Optional: 1 red onion, cut into wedges for extra sweetness and color

Substitution Ideas

Healthy Options

  • Replace chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying.
  • Use light maple syrup or halve the amount if reducing sugar.
  • Add more vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.

Vegan Options

To make this recipe vegan:

  • Substitute chicken with cauliflower steaks, tofu cubes, or chickpeas.
  • Reduce roasting time to about 30–35 minutes, or roast vegetables longer for extra caramelization.
  • Keep the seasoning and glaze the same—harissa and maple work beautifully with plant-based proteins.

Gluten-Free Options

This dish is naturally gluten-free!
Just ensure your harissa paste and seasoning blends contain no wheat fillers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven. Place them in a large bowl or directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Tip: Dry chicken = crispier skin = happier cook.

2. Season the Squash

In a separate bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet around the chicken, but not on top—this ensures even roasting.

3. Mix the Maple Harissa Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Harissa paste
  • Maple syrup
  • Olive oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper

This glaze is pure magic—sweet, smoky, fiery, and sticky in all the right ways.

4. Coat the Chicken

Pour or brush the harissa maple glaze generously over the chicken thighs. Make sure to get into all the crevices and under the skin too. Drizzle any remaining glaze onto the squash for good measure.

5. Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until:

  • Chicken skin is crispy and deep golden
  • Butternut squash is caramelized
  • Internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)

Halfway through roasting, give the squash a little stir so it cooks evenly and absorbs more of the chicken’s delicious juices.

6. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional

If you’re a crispy-skin fanatic, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye on it!

7. Garnish and Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Extra Tips

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over couscous, rice, or quinoa to soak up the incredible sauce.
  • Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top to balance the spice.
  • Pair with:
    • A light green salad
    • Roasted vegetables
    • Warm flatbread or crusty bread

Storage & Reheating

  • In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Use a skillet or oven for best texture. Microwaving is fine, but the skin won’t stay crispy.
  • Make ahead: Marinade the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
  • Freezing: Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, thaw overnight, and reheat in the oven.

Ingredient Variations

More Heat

Add:

  • Calabrian chili paste
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Extra tablespoon of harissa

More Sweetness

Stir in:

  • A splash more maple syrup
  • Roasted apples or pears

More Texture

Add:

  • Chickpeas
  • Toasted almonds or pine nuts
  • Feta cheese crumbles for salty contrast

Earthy Twist

Swap butternut squash for:

  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Carrots

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: ~28 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~26 g
  • Fat: ~22 g
  • Fiber: ~4 g
  • Sugars: ~10 g

(Values vary based on chicken size, amount of maple, and added vegetables.)

FAQ Section

How long does Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash take to make?

About 45–55 minutes total, including prep and roasting time. It’s a fantastic weeknight option because most of the magic happens in the oven.

Can I substitute the butternut squash?

Definitely! Try sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, or a mix of root vegetables.

Can I substitute the chicken thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even turkey thighs work well. Just adjust cooking time to avoid drying out lean cuts.

Can I freeze Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash?

Absolutely. Freeze fully cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Is it spicy?

It depends on the harissa you use. Mild harissa gives a gentle warmth, while spicy varieties bring more heat. You can always adjust to your preference.

Conclusio

If you’re looking for a dish that feels cozy enough for fall yet bold enough for any season, Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, vibrant, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The sweet-spicy glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, the chicken stays juicy, and the squash becomes tender and golden. It’s the kind of meal that impresses effortlessly.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping lunches, or hosting friends, this recipe will make your table smell incredible and your guests ask for seconds (and the recipe).

If you try this Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, share a photo, or tell me what tasty variations you added.

Happy cooking—and enjoy this sweet and spicy comfort dish! 🍁🔥🍗