Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe
This easy and flavorful Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is a comforting one-pot meal combining juicy chicken breasts with sweet and savory sauce, tender butternut squash, and aromatic herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a convenient, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (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 at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add Butternut Squash: Layer the cubed butternut squash evenly on top of the chicken breasts to allow flavors to meld during cooking.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and squash in the crockpot to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil on top of the sauce and ingredients to add moisture and enhance the flavor profile.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat setting for 4 to 6 hours, or alternatively on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Shred or Serve Whole: You may shred the chicken directly in the crockpot for a pulled chicken style dish or serve the breasts whole alongside the butternut squash and sauce.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh butternut squash peeled and cubed evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Chicken can be substituted with thighs for more juiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, maple Dijon chicken, butternut squash recipe, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken dinner, one pot meal
