{"id":3754,"date":"2024-01-17T18:29:05","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T23:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/chicken-leek-and-butternut-squash-bake"},"modified":"2025-11-04T21:22:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T02:22:17","slug":"chicken-leek-and-butternut-squash-bake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/chicken-leek-and-butternut-squash-bake","title":{"rendered":"Chicken, Leek and Butternut Squash Bake"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dive into a delicious bowl of this Scrumptious Chicken, Leek, and Butternut Squash Bake! This enticing dish features tenderly seasoned chicken thighs, perfectly roasted butternut squash, and delightfully buttery leeks, all topped off with a cheesy Parmesan layer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It's a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that guarantees every bite is a tasty experience, adding a touch of gourmet delight to your dinner table. This easy-to-make bake is a delicious and satisfying choice to enjoy just on it's own or with some of your favourite sides.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Calories in Chicken, Leek and Butternut Squash Bake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This bake makes 4 filling portions and is 406 calories per serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 400+ calorie recipes<\/a><\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ingredients Needed<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To prepare this yummy recipe, you will need the following ingredients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs<\/strong>: these are the best choice for this recipe as they remain much more tender in a bake and impart a lot of flavour compared to chicken breast. See FAQ for more details<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Seasonings: <\/strong>paprika, dried thyme and dried parsley<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Onion:<\/strong> just a regular onion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Garlic<\/strong>: fresh garlic minced, but lazy or jarred mince garlic is fine also<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Fresh Leeks: <\/strong>trimmed, washed and sliced thinly sliced<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Butternut Squash: <\/strong>I recommend using fresh rather than frozen for this recipe (see my tips below for how to easily peel and chop a butternut squash)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Chicken Stock<\/strong>: It's crucial to use the right ratio of stock cubes for the required amount of stock. Not all stock cubes are the same, and using the wrong amount can result in either a bland and watery broth or an overly salty stock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Butter<\/strong>: specifically salted butter. I highly advise against omitting this, as it contributes fantastic flavor to every element of the dish. Olive oil can however be used as a substitute<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Parmesan:<\/strong> Grating fresh Parmesan introduces a delightful explosion of umami flavor as it bakes and melts, infusing not just the top layer of the bake but also enriching the delectable sauce that loosely coats everything.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Fresh Parsley <\/strong>- it's the perfect finishing touch for the dish. You can skip it if you'd like, but it adds a delightful and healthy touch of green to the overall presentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Salt and Pepper<\/strong> - These basic yet essential flavour enhancers are key for elevating the taste of your dishes. No food will ever be bland when these are used to season to taste.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    See the recipe card for full quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once all the ingredients are prepared, you can get ready to make this easy recipe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    How to peel and chop butternut squash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Butternut squash might initially seem challenging to use in recipes due to its tough, firm skin, making peeling and dicing appear almost daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The secret to effortlessly chopping any robust vegetable lies in the use of a sharp knife, and my personal favorite for the job is the Santoku Japanese Knife. Keeping it sharp ensures it can handle any vegetable with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To tackle butternut squash, place it on a stable surface to prevent slipping. Begin by slicing off the ends and then use a sharp (never blunt) Vegetable Peeler to remove the skin. If you're looking to expedite the process, consider microwaving the whole squash for a minute or two. This brief exposure to heat can soften the skin, making it easier to peel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once the skin is peeled away, cut off the seedless nose section and dice it effortlessly. The remaining bulbous part can be sliced in half, allowing for easy seed removal and subsequent chopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For those looking to simplify the process, ready-peeled and chopped butternut squash is available in fresh packs or frozen bags. However, I personally find that the taste can be a bit peculiar, so I prefer using a fresh butternut squash, peeling, and dicing it myself. (As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For a visual guide, check out this informative post with step-by-step images and video on  HOW TO PEEL AND  CUT BUTTERNUT SQUASH<\/a><\/strong> from GimmeSomeOven<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Mastering Oven Bakes: Choosing the Best Baking Dish for Perfect Results<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Selecting the perfect baking dish is a critical step in ensuring the success of your oven bake. Beyond size considerations, the dish's design plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results. Look for a baking dish that allows your ingredients to form an even layer, promoting uniform cooking and a harmonious blend of flavors. This not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the visual appeal of the final dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It's equally important to consider the capacity of the baking dish in relation to the quantity of ingredients. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, affecting the overall quality of your bake. Opt for a dish with sides high enough to contain any potential bubbling or rising during baking, preventing spills and maintaining a neat cooking space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, choose a baking dish that facilitates easy covering with foil if needed. Certain recipes like this bake may require this step to prevent over browning, and a well-fitted foil cover ensures precise control over the cooking process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Sides for Chicken, Leek and Butternut Squash Bake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While this dish is perfect to enjoy just as it is, if you want to pair it with some additional sides, here are my suggestions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Creamy Mashed Potatoes:<\/strong> Whip up a batch of my Lighter Mashed Potatoes<\/a> <\/strong>using your favourite variety of potatoes. .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Low-Carb Options:<\/strong> For those opting for a lower-carb alternative, consider serving the bake with steamed or roasted cauliflower. Roasting cauliflower enhances its natural nutty flavor, while steaming preserves its crisp texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grilled Asparagus:<\/strong> Grilled asparagus offers a delightful crunch and earthy flavor. Toss the asparagus spears some olive oil spray, season with salt and pepper, and grill until they develop a satisfying char.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rice:<\/strong> If rice is more your thing for dishes like this, it is perfect with just some plain cooked rice or for a side with more flavour this Red Pepper and Coriander Rice<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Potatoes: Love the balance of some crispy potatoes? Try this Crushed Potatoes<\/strong><\/a> or Garlic and Herb Roast Potatoes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cauliflower Mash:<\/strong> Opt for a lighter alternative to traditional mash by serving the bake with this delicious Soured Cream and Spring Onion Cauliflower Mash<\/a><\/strong> - it tastes creamy and delicious while being a lot lower in calories than regular mash <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Experiment with these side dishes to create a well-rounded meal that caters to various preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    More Butternut Squash Recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Butternut Squash as a vegetable is so underrated. I have to buy at least one a week, because they are so versatile and can create many delicious dishes. Some of my favourites recipes are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n