Skip to main content

Roast Chicken With Sorghum and Squash

This roast chicken with sorghum and squash is a sophisticated take on a high-protein dinner, offering a wonderful balance of textures and autumnal flavours. Nestled alongside tender roasted butternut squash and nutty sorghum, the chicken is roasted until the skin is perfectly crisp. A rich brown butter dressing, spiked with maple syrup and sherry vinegar, ties the dish together, while fresh pomegranate seeds provide a bright, juicy burst of acidity to cut through the savoury elements.

Sorghum is a fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional grains, providing a hearty, chewy base that makes this meal incredibly satisfying. This dish is an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious, wholesome dinner that feels indulgent yet remains balanced. Serve it as a comforting weekend lunch or an impressive midweek meal that naturally packs in the protein and essential vitamins.

Ingredients for Roast Chicken With Sorghum and Squash

  • Kosher salt

  • 230g sorghum

  • 1/2 large butternut squash, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 450g )

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, divided

  • 4 bone-in chicken legs (thigh and drumstick

  • about 1.4kg total)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 120ml low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon (or more) sherry vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley

  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

How to make Roast Chicken With Sorghum and Squash

Bring 1200ml water to a boil in a medium pot, season with salt, and add sorghum. Cover and cook until tender, about 1 hour. Drain well.

Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and set a rimmed baking sheet on lower rack; preheat oven to 204°C. Arrange squash on another rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Place on upper rack in oven. Roast, turning occasionally to recoat with butter, until tender, 40–45 minutes.

Meanwhile, rub chicken all over with oil; season with salt and pepper. Place skin side down on heated baking sheet on lower rack in oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 74°C, 30–35 minutes.

Cook remaining 60ml butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams, then browns (be careful not to let it burn), about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; add sorghum, squash, broth, maple syrup, and vinegar to brown butter and toss to combine. Simmer until liquid is evaporated, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice; season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.

Divide squash and sorghum among plates and top with chicken, parsley, and pomegranate seeds.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.