Country Chicken Skillet with Cider-Sage Gravy, Crunchy Pretzel Stuffing and Roasted Squash
American Food
Intermediate

Country Chicken Skillet with Cider-Sage Gravy, Crunchy Pretzel Stuffing and Roasted Squash

An original American-inspired recipe: browned chicken thighs served over a savory pretzel-herb stuffing with roasted squash and a silky apple cider-sage gravy. Cozy, crisp, and perfect for a hearty dinner.

25 minPrep
45 minCook
70 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (secados with papel of cocina)
  • 8 g salt (divided)
  • 3 g black pepper (freshly ground, divided)
  • 4 g smoked paprika
  • 3 g garlic powder (divided)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 450 g delicata or butternut squash, small diced (without semillas)
  • 180 g yellow onion (chopped diced small, divided)
  • 100 g celery (chopped)
  • 45 g unsalted butter (divided)
  • 6 g fresh sage (chopped, divided)
  • 2 g fresh thyme (hojitas solamente)
  • 140 g hard pretzels (troceados en pieces small)
  • 170 g rustic bread (diced of 2 cm, lightly dry)
  • 480 ml chicken broth (divided)
  • 180 ml non-alcoholic apple cider (divided)
  • 16 g all-purpose flour
  • 10 g Dijon mustard
  • 15 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 8 g fresh parsley (chopped)

Nutrition facts

per serving

640 kcal
Calories
37 g
Protein
43 g
Carbs
35 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
39 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyCeleryMustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender and browned at the edges.

  2. 2

    While the squash roasts, pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the smoked paprika.

  3. 3

    Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until nicely colored. Transfer to a plate; it will finish cooking later.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add two-thirds of the onion and all the celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until softened. Stir in half of the sage, the thyme, and the remaining garlic powder; cook for 30 seconds.

  5. 5

    Add the broken pretzels and cubed rustic bread. Pour in 360 ml / 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 60 ml / 1/4 cup apple cider. Mix well to moisten, then fold in the roasted squash and half of the parsley. Cook for 1 minute and level the mixture into a rustic stuffing base.

  6. 6

    Nestle the browned chicken thighs on top of the stuffing. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 200°C / 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the center reaches at least 74°C / 165°F.

  7. 7

    Meanwhile, make the gravy. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  8. 8

    Gradually whisk in the remaining 120 ml / 1/2 cup chicken broth and remaining 120 ml / 1/2 cup apple cider. Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and remaining sage. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly thickened and smooth.

  9. 9

    Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Taste the gravy and adjust with an extra pinch of salt or black pepper if desired.

  10. 10

    Serve the chicken over the crunchy pretzel-squash stuffing, spoon the cider gravy over the top, and finish with the remaining fresh parsley.

Chef tips

For the best texture, use day-old bread and thick pretzels so the stuffing stays crisp on top and tender inside. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the stuffing and chicken to a baking dish before baking.

Substitutions

You can swap the squash for diced sweet potato. Thyme can be replaced with a smaller amount of rosemary. If you do not have non-alcoholic apple cider, use unsweetened apple juice with an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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