Introduction

This Chicken Leek and Butternut Squash Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Combining tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, and savory leeks in a creamy sauce, it’s both hearty and satisfying. A crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb topping adds a delicious finishing touch.

A close-up of a dish in a white ceramic bowl filled with a vegetable and chicken casserole. The bottom layer has diced orange carrots and light green celery in a light broth. On top, there are three golden brown, crispy pieces of breaded chicken, showing a crunchy texture. Fresh green herbs garnish the dish, adding a touch of color and freshness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a salt and pepper shaker in the background and silver utensils resting on a gray cloth to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced leeks for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute to release the aromas.
Step 4: Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until it begins to turn slightly golden.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream or crème fraîche, ground nutmeg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Transfer the whole mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, swap half of the heavy cream for crème fraîche or sour cream.
Use fresh thyme for a brighter flavor, or dried thyme for convenience.
Omit breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version, or replace with crushed nuts for added texture.
Try adding a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
To speed up cooking, roast the butternut squash cubes separately until tender before adding to the skillet.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to maintain texture. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce and texture of cooked squash.

How to Serve

A round white bowl holds a colorful dish with three main layers. At the bottom, there are soft orange chunks of roasted squash mixed with translucent cooked onions and small bits of herbs and spices, creating a moist, textured bed. On top, a thick piece of golden-brown seasoned grilled chicken breast sits slightly to the right, covered with bright green chopped herbs. On the left side, a small mound of light yellow mashed potatoes is placed, garnished with a sprig of fresh green herbs. The bowl is set on a beige textured cloth over a white marbled surface, with a glass baking dish filled with a golden brown baked casserole blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will add a richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until fully done before adding to the skillet.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this bake?

You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or cooked chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. The creamy and savory flavors will still make it delicious.