Roasted Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner

Roasted Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake is the type of dish that brings comfort, warmth, and simplicity together in one hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for weekend entertaining, this recipe transforms humble ingredients—chicken thighs, leeks, butternut squash, and onion—into a deeply flavorful and nourishing dinner. With a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and broth that reduces into a silky pan sauce, plus a golden Parmesan topping that melts beautifully over the roasted vegetables, this dish delivers everything you want from a wholesome baked meal.
What makes this recipe so appealing is how effortlessly it comes together. Everything bakes in the same dish, allowing the chicken juices and seasoned broth to simmer with the vegetables as they roast. The result is tender chicken, perfectly roasted squash, soft caramelized leeks, and a flavor base that tastes slow-cooked even though the entire dish comes together with minimal effort. It is both satisfying and nutritious, combining lean protein with vitamin-rich vegetables and aromatic herbs. For families, it’s a comforting all-in-one meal; for meal preppers, it reheats beautifully; and for anyone looking to elevate simple ingredients, it is pure comfort baked in a dish.
Below, you’ll find the complete ingredients list as well as detailed step-by-step instructions to help you create a perfect Roasted Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake every single time. This article also includes common tips, helpful notes, and a fully developed FAQ section so you can confidently prepare this dish no matter your experience level.

Ingredients

For the chicken and vegetables:
low-calorie oil spray
1 1/3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, uncooked
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp dried thyme
salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp salted butter (or olive oil)
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 1/3 lb butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 tsp paprika
3 leeks, cleaned, trimmed, and cut into slices
1 tbsp chopped garlic (or 3 garlic cloves, crushed)
1 cup (8 fl oz) chicken broth (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
For the topping:
3 oz (80 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
fresh parsley leaves, chopped (about a handful)

Preparation Method

Step 1 – Prep the Chicken and Seasonings

Begin by gently patting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning adhere and ensures better browning during roasting. Once dry, lightly spray the chicken with low-calorie oil spray, coating all sides. Season the thighs with dried parsley flakes, dried thyme, salt, and ground black pepper. Set aside while preparing the vegetables so the herbs can begin to infuse into the chicken.

Step 2 – Prepare the Vegetables for Roasting

Peel and slice the yellow onion into thin strips. Peel and dice the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure consistent cooking. Prepare the leeks by trimming off the dark green tops, slicing the remaining white and light green sections into rings, and rinsing thoroughly to remove any dirt trapped between the layers. Place all the vegetables into a large bowl and spray lightly with oil.

Step 3 – Season the Vegetable Mixture

Add paprika, salt, pepper, and the chopped garlic to the vegetable bowl. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the seasonings. The paprika will lend gentle warmth, while the garlic enhances the overall savory depth. Ensure the squash pieces are coated thoroughly, as they absorb flavor beautifully during roasting.

Step 4 – Sauté the Onion and Leeks for Added Flavor

Heat the tablespoon of salted butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the sliced onion and prepared leeks. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Sautéing before baking deepens their flavor and contributes to the rich aroma of the finished dish. Remove from heat once lightly softened.

Step 5 – Assemble the Bake in Layers

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with low-calorie oil spray. Spread the seasoned butternut squash cubes across the bottom of the dish. Add the sautéed onion and leeks over the squash, dispersing them evenly. Place the seasoned chicken thighs directly on top of the vegetables. The chicken juices will drip down during baking, enriching the vegetables with flavor.

Step 6 – Add the Broth for Moisture and Depth

Pour the chicken broth evenly around the chicken and vegetables—not on top of the chicken, but around it—so the meat maintains its browned exterior while still staying juicy. Better Than Bouillon broth creates a richer flavor, but any high-quality broth will work. The broth will help steam the vegetables and form a flavorful pan sauce.

Step 7 – Roast Until Tender and Golden

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 35–40 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender, the butternut squash will soften, and the leeks will caramelize slightly. Check that the squash is fork-tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8 – Add the Parmesan Topping

Once the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire dish. The cheese will melt into the vegetables and form a lightly crisp, golden, savory topping. Return the dish to the oven for 5–7 additional minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and begins to turn golden around the edges.

Step 9 – Finish with Fresh Parsley

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. The parsley brightens the flavors and adds freshness to contrast the rich roasted vegetables and savory chicken. Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.

Step 10 – Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Roasted Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake warm. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, quinoa, rice, or a simple side salad. Each serving will include a tender piece of chicken surrounded by rich vegetables coated in melted Parmesan and infused with herbs, garlic, and broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out. If using breasts, check for doneness at 25–30 minutes and remove early if necessary.

2. Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes. The peel is too tough for this recipe, and peeling ensures a soft, tender texture.

3. Can I substitute sweet potatoes for butternut squash?
Absolutely. Sweet potatoes roast beautifully and will bring a slightly sweeter flavor.

4. What can I use instead of leeks?
Onions, shallots, or green onions can work in a pinch, but leeks give the soft, mellow sweetness that makes this dish special.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

7. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Freeze after cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

8. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, but use a larger roasting dish or two mid-sized ones so the vegetables roast properly instead of steaming.

9. What side dishes pair best with this bake?
Rice, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, quinoa, couscous, or a light green salad pair perfectly.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

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Conclusion

This Roasted Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake stands out as an unforgettable comfort dish that offers convenience, nourishment, and robust flavor. The combination of silky leeks, sweet butternut squash, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and a savory Parmesan topping makes it a meal that satisfies every craving for warmth and home-cooked goodness. Its one-dish preparation makes it ideal for busy cooks, and the naturally balanced ingredients make it a wholesome option for families, meal preppers, or anyone who appreciates rustic, nourishing food made from simple ingredients.
Below is a collection of frequently asked questions to ensure your chicken bake turns out perfect every time.