Warm, comforting, and beautifully balanced, Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. With tender chicken, sweet roasted squash, and silky leeks baked together in a savory sauce, this recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or effortless entertaining. Simple ingredients, one pan, and rich flavor—this bake truly delivers comfort without complication.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake
One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Naturally gluten-free and adaptable
Perfect balance of protein and vegetables
Ideal for fall and winter, but delicious year-round
Great for leftovers and reheating
This Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all levels while still feeling elegant and nourishing.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake
Below is a detailed ingredient list to ensure the best flavor and texture. Measurements can be adjusted slightly based on taste or serving size.
Main Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
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1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Aromatics & Seasoning
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
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½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional but recommended)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce Base
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¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
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½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
Garnish (Optional)
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Fresh thyme sprigs
Required Kitchen Tools
You don’t need any special equipment to make this Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake, which is part of its charm.
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Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Aluminum foil (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Follow these clearly written steps to ensure perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the chicken to stay juicy while the butternut squash becomes tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
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Peel and cube the butternut squash into evenly sized pieces.
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Slice the leeks lengthwise, rinse thoroughly to remove any grit, then slice into thin half-moons.
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Mince the garlic and set aside.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with:
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Paprika
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A pinch of thyme
Set aside while you prepare the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken pieces and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Leeks and Squash
In the same skillet:
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Add the remaining olive oil and butter.
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Add the sliced leeks and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring gently until softened.
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Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Stir in the butternut squash, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, allowing the squash to lightly brown.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds incredible flavor.
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Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard (if using).
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Assemble the Bake
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet among the vegetables.
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Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
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Ensure the squash is mostly submerged for even cooking.
Step 8: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the squash is fork-tender.
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If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the final 10 minutes.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness if preferred.
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Cut squash evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
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Don’t skip rinsing leeks—they often hide dirt between layers.
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Add cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan during the last 5 minutes for a richer version.
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Make it dairy-free by swapping cream for coconut milk or cashew cream.
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Meal prep friendly: This dish stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake is satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it with:
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Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
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Steamed rice or quinoa
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Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
Values are estimates and may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
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Calories: ~420 kcal
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Protein: ~32 g
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Fat: ~22 g
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Carbohydrates: ~24 g
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Fiber: ~4 g
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Sugar: ~5 g
This balance makes the Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake both hearty and nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, though the cream sauce may slightly change texture. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
Variations to Try
Mediterranean style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Herb-forward: Use fresh sage and rosemary.
Spicy version: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
Low-carb: Replace squash with cauliflower or zucchini.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome, and dependable dinner, Easy Chicken Leek & Butternut Squash Bake deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It combines simple ingredients with rich, layered flavors, all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe offers warmth, balance, and ease in every bite.
