Chicken Leek And Butternut Squash Bake
A wholesome and delicious bake featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic leeks, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thirds
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp salted butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
- 1.3 lbs butternut squash, peeled, diced, and cubed
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 medium leeks, washed, trimmed, and sliced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic or crushed cloves
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 80 g freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C fan)/400°F (200°C)/Gas mark 6.
- Cut the chicken thighs into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Spray a large frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Fry until the chicken is lightly golden, then set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) and add the sliced onions, diced butternut squash, and paprika. Cook until the squash starts to soften, adding small amounts of chicken stock as needed to prevent sticking and to deglaze the pan.
- Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the squash is tender and the leeks are softened and golden.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to an ovenproof dish, spreading it out in a single layer. Place the chicken pieces on top and pour over any juices from the plate.
- Pour the remaining chicken stock over the dish and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Before serving, season with extra salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and color. Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.