Combine simplicity with a bunch of flavor with this sheet-pan chicken, squash, and halloumi grain bowl is a culinary masterpiece. This recipe transforms a handful of ingredients into a comforting grain bowl, creating a bunch of tastes and textures.
Sheet-Pan Chicken, Squash, and Halloumi Grain Bowl
From zesty chicken thighs to roasty delicata squash, jammy shallots, and crispy halloumi bites, all are placed on a single sheet-pan. Paired with farro, this bowl is not only delicious but also adaptable to your choice of grains. Let’s start crafting this delightful and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this grain bowl create a tasty blend, with each component contributing its unique qualities. Lemony chicken thighs add a zesty touch, while delicata squash brings a sweet and earthy essence. Crisped halloumi cheese acts as a savory counterpoint, and ground cumin introduces a warm and aromatic undertone. The shallots contribute a mellow, caramelized richness, forming a flavorful ensemble that promises a delightful dining experience.
Preparation
The preparation of this sheet-pan meal is as delightful as the flavors it promises. A simple mix of garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper transforms chicken thighs into succulent delights. The squash and halloumi, tossed in a seasoned blend of garlic, cumin, oil, salt, and pepper, prepare them for the oven. The shallots, strategically positioned, become sweet and tender companions to the soon-to-be-cooking chicken thighs.
Dressing
While the main components are roasting, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper combine to create a flavorful dressing. Gradually whisking in olive oil forms an emulsification, creating a dressing that will compliment the roasted ingredients.
Plating
In this bowl, we have farro as the base with the chicken, squash, halloumi, and shallots, freshly tossed in the dressing, on top. Feel free to add some greens, such as kale or spinach, and herbs, such as basil or parsley, as well.
Let’s Cook!
As far as grain bowls go, this sheet-pan chicken, squash, and halloumi grain bowl is super easy to put together and cooks up fast as well. As you savor each bite, just remember how quickly everything came together and to keep it in your back pocket for the next time you need a meal in a pinch.
Sheet-Pan Chicken, Squash, and Halloumi Grain Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, divided
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons plus ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 delicata squash, cut in half, cleaned, and sliced crosswise 1” thick
- 6 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into 1” cubes
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup of farro, cooked
Directions
- Step 1 Preheat to 425°F.
- Step 2 Finely grate half of garlic into a large bowl. Mix in lemon zest, 3 tablespoons oil, 2 teaspoons salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Pat chicken dry and place in the bowl, turning and rubbing to evenly coat.
- Step 3 Place squash and halloumi in another large bowl. Finely grate remaining garlic and mix with 1 tablespoon oil, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Arrange into an even layer on half of a sheet-pan.
- Step 4 Place shallots in separate piles on the other half of the sheet-pan, topping each pile with a chicken thigh. Roast until chicken is cooked through and squash is fork-tender, 30 – 35 minutes.
- Step 5 Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Gradually stream in remaining ⅓ cup oil, whisking until emulsified.
- Step 6 Transfer chicken to a cutting board and thinly slice. Transfer to bowl with dressing, add squash, halloumi, and shallots and toss. Season as needed. Serve with farro.
