Skillet Suppers
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[Photographs: Yasmin Fahr]

Note: Chopped fresh rosemary can be used in place of the sage.

About the Author: Yasmin Fahr is a food lover, writer, and cook. Follow her @yasminfahr for more updates on her eating adventures and discoveries, which will most likely include tomatoes. And probably feta. Happy eating!

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About This Recipe

Yield: serves 4
Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves (see note above)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium homemade or store-bought chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon

Procedures

  1. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken legs, skin-side down and cook without moving until golden brown and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. Transfer to a large plate and set aside.

  2. Add the cubed squash to the fat in the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring and tossing occasionally, until it begins to brown and soften, about 4 minutes (reduce heat if anything starts to burn). Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the sage and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom. Push the squash to the sides, and add the chicken back in, skin side up. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, until chicken thighs are cooked through (thighs should register at least 170°F on an instant read thermometer) and the stock is reduced to about a half cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Serve immediately.

  3. Off heat, whisk in butter and lemon juice to sauce, swirling to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and pour around the chicken. Serve immediately.