Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 (3 ½ - pound) pasture-raised whole chicken
- 3 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 large acorn squash, seeded and sliced into wedges
Stuffing
- 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
- 4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 cups white button mushrooms, chopped
- 3 cups baby bella or portobello, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step 1
Start preparing the chicken by patting dry. Stir together the ghee, sage, thyme, lemon zest, and sea salt in a bowl. Massage the ghee mixture over the entire chicken. Cover and place in the fridge while preparing the stuffing. This may be done one day in advance.
Step 2
To make the stuffing, melt the ghee in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Add all of the mushrooms along with the sage and thyme. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes until softened.
Step 4
Season the mushrooms with salt, black pepper, and paprika and cook until all the liquids have evaporated.
Step 5
Remove from the heat. Add the pine nuts and parsley, stir to combine, and set aside.
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the acorn squash wedges on a parchment paper lined baking dish or Dutch oven.
Step 7
Stuff the chicken with the mushroom stuffing and place the stuffed chicken on top of the acorn squash. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Step 8
Cover and roast for about 1 hour. Uncover and roast for an additional 35 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted near the inner thigh (avoiding the bone) reads 165°F. To serve, transfer the acorn squash onto a platter and place the chicken on top.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories: 618, Total Fat: 38g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 195mg, Sodium: 1344mg, Carbohydrates: 11g, Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 3g, Protein: 57g, Net Carbs: 8g