Name: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Skillet Spaghetti Squash Gratin
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided; 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme; 2 garlic cloves , minced; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest , plus lemon wedges for serving; 1 (3- to 3½-pound) spaghetti squash , halved lengthwise and seeded; 1½ teaspoons table salt , divided; 8 (5- to 7-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs , trimmed; 1 teaspoon pepper , divided; ¾ cup heavy cream; 1½ ounces Parmesan cheese , grated (¾ cup), divided

Why This Recipe Works

The microwave made quick work of cooking spaghetti squash. After shredding it, we coated the squash with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and browned it briefly under the broiler for the fastest-ever gratin.

Before You Begin

The cooked squash will be very hot; hold it with a dish towel when scraping out the strands to protect your hand. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack 8 inches from broiler element and heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine 2 tablespoons oil, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest in bowl; set aside. Sprinkle cut sides of squash with ½ teaspoon salt and microwave in covered bowl until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly and, using fork, shred squash into colander; discard skins.

Meanwhile, pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add chicken and cook until well browned, about 5 minutes per side. Roast chicken skin side up on rimmed baking sheet until it registers at least 175 degrees, about 15 minutes.

Heat broiler. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and return to medium-high heat. Stir in squash and 1 tablespoon oil-thyme mixture, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in cream, ½ cup Parmesan, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle squash mixture with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan and broil until spotty brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon remaining oil-thyme mixture over chicken. Serve chicken with gratin and lemon wedges.