Harvest Chicken with Roasted Squash & Apple Kale Salad

01 Oct Harvest Chicken with Roasted Squash & Apple Kale Salad

This autumn-inspired dish brings together flavors of the season with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Pasture-raised chicken provides clean protein, winter squash delivers beta-carotene to support immune health, and crisp apples paired with kale add fiber and antioxidants. It’s a cozy, satisfying Paleo meal that celebrates fall harvest foods.

INGREDIENTS:

Roasted Chicken Thighs

• 4 Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
  
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
  
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
  
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 1 Medium Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
  
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  
• ½ tsp Cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
  

Apple Kale Salad

• 4 cups Chopped Curly Kale (stems removed)
  
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  
• 1 Large Apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work well)
  
• ¼ cup Toasted Pecans or Walnuts
  
• Optional: 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Seeds

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INSTRUCTIONS:

Roast the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
   
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
   

Prepare the Squash

1. Toss squash cubes with oil, cinnamon, and salt.
   
2. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
   

Make the Salad

1. In a large bowl, massage kale with olive oil and lemon juice until leaves soften.
   
2. Add apple slices, nuts, and pumpkin seeds if using. Toss well.

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Assemble and Serve:

Plate the roasted chicken with a generous side of caramelized butternut squash, then serve it alongside the fresh apple kale salad for the perfect balance of warm, savory comfort and crisp, refreshing flavor.

This meal is grounding, immune-boosting, and rich in fall colors. It is Paleo-friendly, nutrient-packed, and perfect for October dinners when you want something both cozy and energizing.