Balsamic Chicken & Roasted Squash

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard the ends of the squash. Halve lengthwise; using a spoon, scoop out and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic (or 4 cloves for 4 servings). Halve, peel, and finely chop the shallot(s). In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water (or 4 tablespoons for 4 servings); season with salt and pepper.

Line a sheet pan with foil. Transfer the squash pieces to the foil. Drizzle with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and arrange in an even layer. Roast 18 to 22 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile, in a medium nonstick pan (or large for 4 servings), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the broccoli; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Carefully add the chopped garlic and 1/4 cup of water (or 1/2 cup for 4 servings). Loosely cover the pan with foil and cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the water has cooked off. Transfer to a bowl. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt, pepper, and the spice blend. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook 6 to 9 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, slice the cooked chicken crosswise.

The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 165°F for chicken.

In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped shallot(s); season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring constantly and scraping up any fond, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. (For a thicker consistency, continue cooking the sauce. For a thinner consistency, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to loosen.) Turn off the heat. Stir in the butter until melted and combined. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the sliced chicken with the cooked broccoli and roasted squash. Top the chicken with the finished sauce. Enjoy!