Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is a comforting and easy-to-make slow-cooked meal. Tender chicken breasts and sweet butternut squash simmer together in a flavorful sauce made from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and fragrant herbs, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for busy days, this recipe delivers a wholesome and delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
Sauce
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Additional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot to create a solid base for layering.
- Add Butternut Squash: Layer the cubed butternut squash directly on top of the chicken, ensuring even coverage for even cooking.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and butternut squash, allowing the flavors to soak in throughout cooking.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the top of everything to add moisture and enrich the overall flavor profile.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours, or alternatively on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through by the end of this time.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee safe consumption.
- Shred or Serve Whole: At this point, choose to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot for a pulled texture, or serve the breasts whole alongside the squash and sauce.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred; cooking time remains similar.
- Be sure to check the consistency of the sauce toward the end of cooking; if too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and are delicious reheated the next day.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, maple Dijon chicken, butternut squash recipe, slow cooker chicken, gluten free dinner, easy chicken recipe
