sheet pan

Spanish Sheet Pan Chicken & Butternut Squash Mash

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 1 Comment
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Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken thighs on a plate with Butternut Squash Mash, Olives, and Brussels Sprouts! It's warm, hearty, and smoky.

Warm, hearty, and smoky, this rustic Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken with Butternut Squash Mash and Brussels Sprouts is everything! Tender chicken thighs, brussels sprouts, butternut squash and olives are roasted with a savory spice blend. Then the squash is pureed into a delicious slightly sweet and savory mash for a perfect finish!  

If you have picky kids, do not write this one off!  The olives add fantastic flavor, but can easily be separated or even left out.  The Brussels Sprouts can be substituted with your favorite veggies.  See below for ideas on how to make this fit your family needs.

This recipe was originally developed for my new Cookbook eBook, but I ended up not including it as I narrowed the book down to 30 recipes.  It is soooo good, I just had to share it with you!  

Sheet Pan Dinners Save the Day!

One Pan with everything for the meal that cooks in the oven?  What could be easier than that?  Sheet pan dinners are such a lifesaver when it comes to dinners on a busy weeknight!

Here are some other sheet pan dinners that I love!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Nothing special, just a large sheet pan (I use a 17×11) and a food processor for the butternut squash mash. My go-to mini food processor was perfect for the job.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR YOUR SPANISH SHEET PAN CHICKEN DINNER

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you can prepare ahead to save time on busy nights! (See the full recipe below) 

The prep for this recipe is to rub the chicken and prep the veggies.  You can do these steps 1-2 days ahead and store in the fridge.

Can I use Chicken Breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless and skinless chicken breasts.  You will want to cut them into approximately 4 ounce portions to cook within the same time as the thighs.  Prep them the same way you would the thighs.

Can I swap the brussels sprouts?

The brussels sprouts get a delicious flavor when roasted, but if your family just really doesn’t like them, you can replace them.  For the same cooking time, you can use broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, thin slices of carrots, or other firm veggies instead.  You could also use sliced zucchini, chopped red pepper, sliced kale, or other thin/delicate veggies.  For these more delicate veggies however, I would add them during the last 10 minutes vs. the entire time so as to not overcook them.

COOK YOUR SPANISH SHEET PAN CHICKEN DINNER 

This dinner cooks on high heat – 425 F degrees.  Therefore, if you make any veggie swaps, check above for my recommendations.

To a large sheet pan, add the Brussels sprouts on one side and the cut butternut squash to the other side. Drizzle the olive oil over the veggies and then sprinkle with the salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the oil and seasonings all of the veggies with hands, keeping the 2 veggies separate. Add the chicken thighs onto the pan in the center between the Brussels and squash.  

Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken thighs on a pan with Butternut Squash cubes in one side and Brussels Sprouts on the other! It's warm, hearty, and smoky.

Sprinkle the olives over the chicken and the Brussels sprouts (not over the squash).  Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, just until the squash is fork tender. When the squash is soft, transfer it to a food processor. Put the chicken and Brussels back in the oven for a final 5 minutes.

Blend until a smooth mash. If you need to add a tablespoon of water to help it along, do so.

When the Squash Mash is done, remove the sheet pan from the oven. To serve, scoop a spoonful of the Butternut Squash onto the plate, top with a chicken thigh, olives and then scoop Brussels sprouts on top. 

Can I cook this ahead and reheat it?

Yes, you can roast everything 1-3 days in advance.  It’s best to puree the butternut squash when it first comes out of the oven.  It will blend easier and you’ll get a smoother consistency.  To reheat, you can place everything in the microwave or put the chicken and Brussels sprouts back in the oven covered for 10 minutes on 400 F degrees.  Remove the cover for just the last few minutes.  Covering will hold in the moisture and prevent the chicken and veggies from drying out.  The Butternut squash can reheat in the oven in an oven-safe bowl if pureed.

Can I freeze this?

You can freeze the chicken seasoned and raw or after cooking it.  It will thaw and then cook or reheat nicely.  The butternut squash can be cooked and pureed and then frozen as well.  Finally, the Brussels Sprouts can be frozen as well, though they can get mushy.  To reheat, I recommend uncovering them when you reheat them in the oven to allow the moisture to evaporate and the brussels to get crispy.

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken thighs on a plate with Butternut Squash Mash, Olives, and Brussels Sprouts! It's warm, hearty, and smoky.
Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken thighs on a plate with Butternut Squash Mash, Olives, and Brussels Sprouts! It's warm, hearty, and smoky.
Print

Spanish Sheet Pan Chicken and Butternut Squash

Warm, hearty, and smoky, this rustic Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken with Butternut Squash Mash is everything! Tender chicken thighs, brussels sprouts, butternut squash and olives are roasted with a savory spice blend. Then the squash is pureed for a perfect finish!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Spanish
Keyword butternut squash, chicken, chicken thighs, sheet pan dinner, spanish recipes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

CHICKEN

  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless
  • 1 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoons ground thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper optional
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • 1 tablespoons Olive Oil

OTHER INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound Butternut Squash pre-cut cubes
  • 1 pound Brussels Sprouts
  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 cup Green Olives Stuffed with Pimiento

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. To rub the chicken, add all of the ingredients for the chicken (paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, pepper, water, oil) into a glass container or plastic storage bag. Mix to combine into a thick paste. Add the chicken and rub the paste all around. Set aside.

  2. Cut off the stem end of the Brussels sprouts and then slice in half. Slice the olives in halves or thirds. The butternut squash pieces should be no larger than ½ inch by ½ inch so trim them down as needed. Slice the Olives (I like 3 slices per olive).

Cooking Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F degrees

  2. To a large sheet pan, add the Brussels sprouts on one side and the cut butternut squash to the other side. Drizzle the olive oil over the veggies and then sprinkle with the salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the oil and seasonings all of the veggies with hands, keeping the 2 veggies separate. Add the chicken thighs onto the pan in the center between the Brussels and squash. Sprinkle the olives over the chicken and the Brussels sprouts (not over the squash).

    Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken thighs on a pan with Butternut Squash cubes in one side and Brussels Sprouts on the other! It's warm, hearty, and smoky.

  3. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, just until the squash is fork tender. When the squash is soft, transfer it to a food processor. Put the chicken and Brussels back in the oven for a final 5 minutes.

  4. Blend until a smooth mash. If you need to add a tablespoon of water to help it along, do so.

  5. When the Squash Mash is done, remove the sheet pan from the oven. To serve, scoop a spoonful of the Butternut Squash onto the plate, top with a chicken thigh, olives and then scoop Brussels sprouts on top. Enjoy!

5 Make Ahead Freezer Meals for Busy Families

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment

 

2 Bowls of Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Stew with sour cream and scallion slices as garnish and slow cooker pot in background. It's one of my Prepped Freezer Meal recipes and it's creamy, cozy, hearty, cheesy, and slightly spicy. All ingredients freeze raw, thaw, then cook in the slow cooker or in the oven. It's a stew because it's thick and hearty with bites of chicken, carrots, onion, chipotle peppers, cumin, garlic and tortilla chips that melt down to thicken this delicious stew.

All ingredients in a labeled freezer bag for Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Stew. It is one of my Prepped Freezer Meal recipes and it's creamy, cozy, hearty, cheesy, and slightly spicy. All ingredients freeze raw, thaw, then cook in the slow cooker or in the oven. It's a stew because it's thick and hearty with bites of chicken, carrots, onion, chipotle peppers, cumin, garlic and tortilla chips that melt down to thicken this delicious stew.

Make Ahead Freezer Meals can be a dinner saver for busy families!  You know those days that you are racing home from a late meeting or going from piano to gymnastics and not getting home with the kids until 7pm?  Well, Make Ahead Freezer Meals are great for those nights!  These are frozen meal kits where you put all of the raw ingredients into a freezer storage container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.  Then thaw the day before and either pour into the slow cooker the morning of or onto a sheet pan when you get home.  That’s it, one bag, one cooking vessel, one hot dinner ready to go!!!

“I feel like we are in a dinner rut with 3-4 easy dinners in the rotation”

Sound familiar?  Of course it does!  You are freaking busy!!!!  Do you have a job, kids, activities, or all of the above?  Yes!  You have LIFE going on!  So, you likely turn to what you know and what is easy when it comes to dinners.  However, if you spend 10 minutes throwing all ingredients in a freezer bag, you can try something totally new!!!  I have covered family-friendly flavors across Asian, Moroccan, Mexican, Italian-ish, and American cuisines.

These Make Ahead Freezer Meal recipes meet the most important criteria for busy families:

  1. EASY TO MAKE – Easy to new put the Make Ahead Freezer Meal together in 10 minutes
  2. NEW FAMILY FRIENDLY FLAVORS – the kids will enjoy them too!!
  3. BALANCED MEALS – with protein and veggies
  4. EASY TO COOK – Cooking is either done in a slow cooker so it’s ready when you are or takes 30 minutes on 1 pan in the oven.

Do you have a slow cooker?

Actually, just before I share the recipes with you, I wanted to make sure I shared what I used to cook many of them.  I absolutely love love love my easy and simple (and not expensive) Crock-Pot.  I have the 6-Quart version with 5 settings (low 4-hour, low 6-hour, high 8-hour, high 10-hour, and warm).You can order this today and have it in a few days to start your Slow Cooker Cookin’!

5 MUST-TRY MAKE AHEAD FREEZER MEALS

(Clicks links for full recipes)

1.  Sheet Pan Hoisin Chicken with Ginger & Red Peppers

Hoisin Chicken over rice on a plate with a fork. In back is pan with spatula. This Freezer Hoisin Chicken with Red Peppers, Carrots, Onions, Ginger, and Soy sauce is delicious and so easy to make. You get sweet and savory all in one dish and it's perfect for kids because it's sweet, not spicy at all. Just freeze ahead, thaw, then cook on a sheet pan!

All raw ingredients in freezer bag for Freezer Hoisin Chicken with Red Peppers, Carrots, Onions, Ginger, and Soy sauce is delicious and so easy to make. You get sweet and savory all in one dish and it's perfect for kids because it's sweet, not spicy at all. Just freeze ahead, thaw, then cook on a sheet pan!

This Make-Ahead Freezer Hoisin Chicken with Red Peppers, Carrots, Onions, Ginger, and Soy sauce is absolutely delicious and so easy to make. You get sweet and savory all in one dish and it’s perfect for families with kids because it’s sweet, not spicy at all. All ingredients go into a freezer bag, you thaw the night before, and then cook on a sheet pan…so EASY! Of course, you don’t have to freeze this, you can just make it, but let’s face it, we could all use some meals ready for us on those insanely, crazy, busy nights!

2.  One Pot Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Spinach

Creamy Tomato Soup in a soup pot on napkin on counter with wood spoon on side. It has Ground Chicken and Spinach is creamy and chunky and has a ton of deep flavor. AND it is healthy! It uses all white meat ground chicken that you cook until it is incredibly browned for some serious flavor. Then tomato paste adds the flavor back drop for the soup and a flour roux plus broth creates the amazing creaminess! Finally Spinach is your veggie boost.

This Prep-Ahead Freezer Creamy Tomato Soup with Ground Chicken and Spinach is creamy and chunky and has a ton of deep flavor. AND it is healthy! It uses all white meat ground chicken that you cook until it is incredibly browned for some serious flavor. Then tomato paste adds the flavor back drop for the soup and a flour roux plus broth creates the amazing creaminess! Finally Spinach is your veggie boost. So delicious and so EASY!

3.  5-Ingredient Homemade Chicken Soup with Veggies

5-Ingredient Homemade Chicken Soup in a bowl with spoon and crockpot in background. This soup is thick, creamy, and hearty. It's filled with flavorful broth, meaty shredded chicken, and sweet bursts of bright veggies. You can prepare all of the ingredients ahead and freeze them until you are ready to cook. Then, thaw, pour into the Slow Cooker, set and forget.

5-Ingredient Homemade Chicken Soup ingredients in a labeled Freezer Bag. This recipe is thick, creamy, and hearty. It's filled with flavorful broth, meaty shredded chicken, and sweet bursts of bright veggies. You can prepare all of the ingredients ahead and freeze them until you are ready to cook. Then, thaw, pour into the Slow Cooker, set and forget.

This 5-Ingredient Homemade Chicken Soup is thick, creamy (but, no dairy!), and hearty. It’s filled with flavorful broth, meaty shredded chicken, and sweet bursts of bright veggies. But, this version is also the easiest ever because you prepare all of the ingredients ahead (even months ahead) and freeze them until you are ready to cook this wonderful meal. Then you thaw, pour all of the ingredients into the Slow Cooker, set and forget. Forget until those amazing and comforting aromas remind you that you have a Homemade Chicken Soup waiting for you!

4.  Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Stew

2 Bowls of Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Stew with sour cream and scallion slices as garnish and slow cooker pot in background. It's one of my Prepped Freezer Meal recipes and it's creamy, cozy, hearty, cheesy, and slightly spicy. All ingredients freeze raw, thaw, then cook in the slow cooker or in the oven. It's a stew because it's thick and hearty with bites of chicken, carrots, onion, chipotle peppers, cumin, garlic and tortilla chips that melt down to thicken this delicious stew.

All ingredients in a labeled freezer bag for Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Stew. It is one of my Prepped Freezer Meal recipes and it's creamy, cozy, hearty, cheesy, and slightly spicy. All ingredients freeze raw, thaw, then cook in the slow cooker or in the oven. It's a stew because it's thick and hearty with bites of chicken, carrots, onion, chipotle peppers, cumin, garlic and tortilla chips that melt down to thicken this delicious stew.

This Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Stew is creamy, cozy, hearty, cheesy, and slightly spicy. This Stew is a Prepped Freezer Meal recipe, which means it’s a great option to prep ahead and easily make for dinner on a busy weeknight. Ingredients freeze raw, thaw, then cook in the slow cooker or in the oven. It’s a stew because it’s thick and hearty with bites of chicken, carrots, onion, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for spice, cumin, garlic and lots of tortilla chips that melt down to thicken this delicious stew.

5.  Moroccan Chicken Chili with Chickpeas

Moroccan Chicken Chili in bowl over white rice with a dollop of Cilantro Lime Yogurt on top and in a bowl to the left. The slow cooker is in background with chili. Moroccan Chicken Chili with Chickpeas is loaded with comforting and healthy ingredients and spices. You get warmth from Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, and Coriander. Then tons of hearty flavor from browned ground chicken and Shallots. And creaminess from the Carrots and Chickpeas. You can make it ahead and freeze it until you are ready to cook it!

Final labeled freezer bag of all ingredients for Moroccan Chicken Chili with Chickpeas is loaded with comforting and healthy ingredients and spices. You get warmth from Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, and Coriander. Then tons of hearty flavor from browned ground chicken and Shallots. And creaminess from the Carrots and Chickpeas. You can make it ahead and freeze it until you are ready to cook it!

Moroccan Chicken Chili with Chickpeas and a Cilantro Lime Yogurt is loaded with comforting, healthy, and even healing ingredients and spices. You get the warmth from the Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, and Coriander. Tons of flavor comes from really browned ground chicken and Shallots. And you get creamy heartiness from the Carrots and Chickpeas. Finally, you get the cool and tangy balance from the Cilantro Lime Yogurt. This Moroccan Chicken Chili has so many warm spices and flavors, it will become a favorite. I like to serve this over white rice, but you can definitely eat it by itself.

 

I hope you try these Make Ahead Freezer Meals and if so, please let me know what you thought in the comments!

😍 Carrie