Ready to simplify dinner with a protein-packed dish that’s bold in flavor and easy on clean-up? This One Skillet Chicken with butternut squash, sage, and bacon comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like pure comfort in a pan. High in protein and fiber, it’s a gastric bypass–friendly meal I return to again and again.
When cooler months hit and butternut squash is in season, I start craving this one pan wonder. It's cozy, filling, and naturally gluten-free. But honestly, it’s too good to save for fall—I make it all year. As someone who’s had gastric bypass, protein is my priority.
This meal delivers on both nutrition and flavor without feeling heavy. It also pairs beautifully with dishes like my Kale Butternut Squash Salad With Blueberries or Creamy Spinach Mushroom Risotto for a fiber-rich, nutrient-dense spread.
Jump to:
💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Only 4 Ingredients: No fancy tools or ingredients required—just pantry staples and bacon.
- Customizable: Sweet, spicy, smoky, or nutty—this recipe is a flavor playground.
- Crispy, Glazed Perfection: The sugar caramelizes while baking for the ultimate crunchy-chewy texture.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: I use skinless boneless thighs for their juicy texture and higher protein count. They’re budget-friendly and so forgiving in a skillet.
- Butternut Squash: Roasty and sweet, squash adds natural carbs and fiber that pair well with savory chicken and salty bacon.
- Fresh Sage: Sage is magic with poultry. A little goes a long way to bring warmth and depth, especially when paired with the smoky bacon.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the skillet for some heat.
- Low carb swap: Use zucchini or cauliflower instead of squash for fewer carbs.
- Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free—no tweaks needed unless you want to add cheese!
- Use another oil: Don’t have coconut oil? Use avocado or olive oil—both add richness without overpowering the dish.
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale before baking for extra nutrients and color.
- Need a breakfast twist? Turn leftovers into a hash by cracking an egg over the skillet the next morning.
Craving more skillet inspiration? Try my Skillet Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes or Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for more one-pan goodness.
🔪 How To Make One Skillet Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425. In a large skillet, over medium heat, fry bacon until crispy. Set bacon aside & crumble when cooled.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté cubed butternut squash in bacon grease until soft. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Once squash is soft, remove from skillet & place on a plate.
- Step 3: Add coconut oil to your skillet if the bacon grease looks low. Add chicken thighs, top down in the skillet & cook for 10 minutes. Lightly season the thighs with salt & pepper.
- Step 4: Flip the thighs over, then add your squash back into the skillet all around the thighs.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from the stovetop and place it in your preheated oven. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Carefully remove from oven, top with crumbled bacon & fresh sage.
- Step 6: Enjoy your chicken thighs with butternut squash!
💡 Hint: If your squash is cut into larger cubes, cover the skillet for 5 minutes before baking to help it steam and soften more evenly.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Prep Ahead: Cube the butternut squash and chop the sage the night before to save time.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Crispier Bacon Hack: Use thick-cut bacon and fry it slowly over low heat for the crispiest bits.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but they will take longer to cook. You may need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash, but you might need to sauté it for a few minutes longer until it becomes soft and slightly caramelized. Make sure to thaw it first if using pre-cubed frozen squash.
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Skinless chicken thighs can dry out if overcooked. To keep them juicy, avoid cooking them on high heat for too long. Follow the recipe's timing, and always check for doneness with a thermometer. The oven step helps retain moisture.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Serve this one skillet chicken with:
- Crispy Okra Chips for a salty, crispy side that won’t weigh you down.
- Purple Potato Salad for color and creamy texture.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters for extra veggie crunch.
- Red Cabbage Coleslaw for a crisp, tangy contrast.
- Beetroot Hummus to serve alongside that delicious bacon-sage juice.
🍽 More Tasty Dinner Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
One Skillet Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- ½ lb Bacon
- 6 Skinless Chicken Thighs (boneless)
- 3 Butternut Squash (cubed)
- Coconut Oil (for frying)
- Fresh Sage (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425. In a large skillet, over medium heat, fry bacon until crispy. Set bacon aside & crumble when cooled.
- In the same skillet, sauté cubed butternut squash in bacon grease until soft. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Once squash is soft, remove from skillet & place on a plate.
- Add coconut oil to your skillet if the bacon grease looks low. Add chicken thighs, top down in the skillet & cook for 10 minutes. Lightly season the thighs with salt & pepper.
- Flip the thighs over, then add your squash back into the skillet all around the thighs.
- Remove the skillet from the stovetop and place it in your preheated oven. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Carefully remove from oven, top with crumbled bacon & fresh sage.
- Enjoy your chicken thighs with butternut squash!
Notes
Nutrition
Just made this and wow—so much flavor in one pan! The sage and bacon combo is divine, and the squash gets perfectly soft and sweet. Definitely going in the weekly rotation!