Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash is a warm, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, sweet roasted squash, and delicate, buttery leeks. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is rich and inviting, making it ideal for cozy weeknight meals, relaxed family dinners, or comforting cold-season cooking. Furthermore, the combination of vegetables and herbs produces a naturally flavorful sauce that requires minimal effort yet feels wonderfully elegant.
Servings – Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Servings: 4–6 servings
Time Required for Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Main Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts or thighs (approx. 700–800 g), trimmed
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400 g butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes
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2 large leeks (approx. 300 g), cleaned and sliced into thin rounds
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2 garlic cloves, finely minced
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150 ml chicken broth
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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60 g breadcrumbs (panko or traditional)
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Spices & Seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried rosemary
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½ tsp dried sage
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Optional: a pinch of nutmeg to enhance sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Preparing the Base for Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Prepare the vegetables.
Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Meanwhile, place the cubed butternut squash and sliced leeks into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a light pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of the thyme. Mix well so the vegetables are evenly coated.
Create a flavorful layer.
Transfer the seasoned vegetables into a baking dish, spreading them out evenly. This mixture will serve as the aromatic base that supports the chicken while baking, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Season and prepare the chicken.
Next, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Pat them dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, and sage. Additionally, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the chicken and massage the seasoning in to ensure uniform coverage.
Add garlic and broth.
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables. Then, pour the chicken broth evenly around the dish. This moisture will combine with the leeks and squash to produce a delicate, aromatic sauce while the chicken bakes.
Prepare the crust.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and the remaining thyme. Mix until the crumbs are lightly moistened. Then, gently press this mixture on top of each chicken breast to create a golden, crunchy crust.
Bake until tender and fragrant.
Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden brown. Moreover, the vegetables should be soft, sweet, and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Finish and serve.
Finally, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme. In addition, spoon some of the fragrant leek-and-broth mixture over each serving for extra moisture and flavor.
Variations of Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Creamier Version
Add 120 ml of heavy cream or coconut cream to the broth before baking. This will produce a richer, velvety sauce that envelopes the chicken and vegetables.
Spicier Version
Incorporate ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a deeper, warming heat. Additionally, a light drizzle of chili oil before serving enhances intensity.
Autumn Harvest Variation
Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes, parsnips, or carrots for a seasonal twist. These vegetables roast beautifully alongside leeks.
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken with thick slices of cauliflower or tofu. Moreover, increase the broth slightly to maintain moisture.
Mediterranean Twist
Add olives, a splash of white wine, and oregano for a brighter, herb-forward flavor profile.
Tips for Perfect Results – Oven-Baked Chicken with Leeks and Butternut Squash
Slice leeks properly.
Leeks hide dirt between their layers. Always rinse them thoroughly in cold water after slicing. This ensures a clean, delicate flavor.
Balance moisture and browning.
If you prefer a more golden crust, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Choose the right chicken cut.
Chicken thighs remain juicier and more forgiving, especially for beginner cooks. However, breasts work wonderfully if not over-baked.
Enhance aroma.
Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary whole to the dish while baking; remove it before serving to avoid overpowering the flavors.
Storage and reheating.
This dish stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Additionally, reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve the crumb texture.
