Description
Craving a hearty, soul-warming dinner that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? This Roasted Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake is your answer. A one-pan dinner dream, it combines juicy seared chicken thighs with sweet, caramelized butternut squash and tender leeks, all swimming in a savory herb-infused sauce. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and seasonal ingredients. Great for quick dinner ideas, a healthy yet filling meal, and impressive enough for guests — this easy recipe is a must-have in your collection of go-to food ideas for fall and winter.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
2 large leeks, sliced into rounds (white and light green parts only)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a stovetop-safe skillet with olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear skin-side down for 4–5 mins until golden. Flip and cook 2–3 mins. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté leeks and garlic for 3–4 minutes. Add diced butternut squash, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
4. Stir in chicken broth, cream (if using), and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Nestle chicken on top of the mixture. Transfer skillet to oven (or move to a baking dish if not oven-safe).
6. Roast uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and squash is fork-tender.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For crispy skin, don’t skip the searing step before roasting.
Cleaning leeks thoroughly is essential to avoid grit in your dish.
Letting the dish rest after roasting enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: one-pan chicken dinner, roasted squash, chicken bake, easy dinner, comfort food