Harvest Pumpkin & Chicken Casserole: Your Cozy Fall Dinner

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and the air clears with a chill, I find myself craving casseroles that speak to the season. This dish is a quirky twist on traditional fall meals, featuring roasted pumpkin chunks nestled among golden chicken thighs. The aroma of cinnamon and thyme mingling in the oven creates a cozy aroma that feels like a warm sweater for your senses.

What makes this casserole different is its balance between hearty comfort and surprising seasonal notes. Each bite delivers tender chicken, sweet pumpkin, and a subtle spice kick. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something satisfying yet inventive at the table.

Roasted Pumpkin and Chicken Casserole

This casserole features roasted pumpkin chunks layered with tender chicken thighs and seasoned with cinnamon and thyme. The ingredients are baked until the chicken skin is golden and the pumpkin is caramelized, resulting in a hearty dish with a warm, inviting appearance and comforting aroma.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
• 2 cups pumpkin chunks peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Roasting pan
• Kitchen tongs
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Toss the pumpkin chunks with a tablespoon of olive oil, ground cinnamon, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the seasoned pumpkin evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Place the chicken thighs on the same baking sheet, skin side up, next to the pumpkin pieces. Drizzle them with the remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast in the oven for about 35-40 minutes, until the chicken skin is crisp and golden, and the pumpkin is tender and caramelized.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cooling rack to rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, check that the pumpkin is soft and golden, ready to serve.
7. Serve the crispy chicken thighs alongside the roasted pumpkin chunks, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the casserole before serving.

This casserole captures the fleeting essence of fall, making dinner a vibrant celebration of the season. The combination of simple ingredients baked to perfection turns into a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.

It’s a dish worth trying on a quiet weekend night, letting the flavors deepen and mingle. No matter how many times you make it, the smell alone will remind you that cozy season is here.

Lucas Foster

Hi, I’m Lucas Foster, the cook, writer, and everyday food enthusiast behind Totally in the Zone. This space is where my love for cooking meets my belief that food should fit into real life. Not rushed. Not overcomplicated. Just thoughtful, satisfying, and made with intention.