Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash & Fennel

Craving a delicious, one-pan meal that combines sweet and savory flavors? This Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken is the perfect choice! With tender, juicy chicken legs brushed with a flavorful maple-dijon glaze and roasted alongside seasonal vegetables and red grapes, this dish brings comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

The glaze is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, featuring honey, Dijon mustard, and the freshness of orange zest. The glaze enhances the chicken, while the butternut squash, fennel, and red grapes bring a balance of sweetness and savory depth. Plus, roasting everything on one pan means easy cleanup!

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roast:

• 6 bone-in chicken legs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced
• 2 small fennel bulbs, cored and sliced
• 2 cups (300g) red grapes

How to Make Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for roasting.

2. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, orange zest, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the glaze aside.

3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken legs, ensuring even coverage.

4. Arrange the Vegetables and Grapes: On a large baking tray, arrange the butternut squash, fennel slices, and red grapes. Drizzle half of the prepared glaze over the vegetables and toss to coat.

5. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken legs on top of the vegetables and brush with the remaining glaze.

6. Roast: Place the baking tray in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the tray, rotate it, and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the squash and fennel are golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the tray from the oven, and let it cool slightly before serving. The dish is best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors to shine.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This roasted chicken dish is packed with nutrition and flavor. Butternut squash offers fiber and vitamins A and C, fennel adds a subtle licorice flavor along with antioxidants, and the grapes provide natural sweetness that complements the savory glaze on the chicken. It’s a perfect dish for autumn or winter nights when you want something comforting yet simple.

Storage Tip: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

This Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with seasonal vegetables and grapes is bound to be a hit, bringing a balanced blend of flavors to your table. Enjoy the ease of this delicious one-pan meal!