As summer fades into fall, Bergen County's farm stands begin overflowing with crisp apples, winter squash, fresh herbs and root vegetables. Spend a Saturday morning browsing the Ramsey Farmers Market or stopping by local favorites like Abma's Farm in Wyckoff, Demarest Farms in Hillsdale or River Vale Farmers Market before heading home to make this simple one-pan dinner. It's an easy way to celebrate the flavors grown just minutes from your table.
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 delicata squash, sliced into ½-inch half moons (or substitute butternut squash)
- 2 Honeycrisp or Gala apples, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Maple-Dijon Glaze
- 2 tablespoons local maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Toss the squash, apples, Brussels sprouts and onion with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
- Arrange vegetables around the chicken thighs on the sheet pan.
- Whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic and cinnamon. Brush generously over the chicken.
- Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring the vegetables halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees and the vegetables are caramelized.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh thyme and an extra drizzle of local maple syrup if desired.
Local Ingredient Swap
- Apples: Pick up Honeycrisp, Gala or Jonagold apples from Demarest Farms during apple season.
- Fresh Herbs & Vegetables: Visit Abma's Farm or the Ramsey Farmers Market for freshly harvested Brussels sprouts, onions, herbs and squash.
- Maple Syrup: Look for locally produced New Jersey maple syrup from regional farm vendors.
- Chicken: Purchase pasture-raised chicken from your favorite Bergen County butcher or market for an even more local meal.
Quick Tip!
Don't throw away the squash seeds. Toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika and sea salt, then roast alongside the chicken for about 12 minutes for a crunchy fall garnish.
Editor's Note: One of the best ways to experience Bergen County's food scene is by shopping where local chefs shop. The Ramsey Farmers Market is a seasonal favorite for fresh produce, baked goods and artisan products, while farms like Abma's Farm and Demarest Farms continue generations of family farming, making it easy to bring the flavors of Bergen County home to your own kitchen.