Herb-Roasted Organic Half Chicken with Caramelized Acorn Squash & Curried Pumpkin Seeds

This hearty, nutrient-packed recipe combines tender herb-marinated chicken, caramelized acorn squash, and crispy curried pumpkin seeds. It’s a satisfying cold-weather meal that delivers robust flavor and supports male fertility with its protein and nutrient-rich ingredients.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Seeds:

• ¾ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Madras curry powder
• 1 tsp salt

Acorn Squash:

• 1 acorn squash, halved, seeds removed, cut into 6 wedges
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Chicken:

• 1 Tbsp chopped rosemary
• 1 tsp chopped thyme
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• 2-3 lb. organic chicken, halved
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Curried Pumpkin Seeds

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil, curry powder, and salt.
3. Spread seeds onto a baking sheet and roast until browned, about 3–5 minutes. Allow to cool and reserve.

Caramelized Acorn Squash

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (or roast alongside the chicken).
2. Arrange squash wedges on a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Roast until tender when pierced with a knife, about 40 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Herb-Roasted Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix rosemary, thyme, pepper, garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add chicken halves, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken skin-side up on a roasting pan.
3. Roast for 20 minutes, then rotate the pan 180 degrees. Continue roasting until skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 15–20 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

To Serve

• Plate roasted chicken with caramelized acorn squash.
• Sprinkle curried pumpkin seeds over the chicken.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and serve with additional lemon wedges.

Tips for Success

• Time Saver: Ask your butcher to halve the chicken for you.
• Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper herb and citrus infusion.
• Squash Swap: Use butternut squash or sweet potatoes as a substitute.

Why This Recipe Supports Male Fertility

• Chicken: High in protein and zinc, crucial for sperm production.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in antioxidants, zinc, and magnesium, supporting hormone health.
• Acorn Squash: Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C to boost overall wellness.

Bring warmth and comfort to your table with this wholesome, fertility-friendly dish. It's more than a meal—it's a culinary prelude to the joys of fall!