Delicious Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash—it was a busy weekday evening, and I didn’t have much time to plan dinner. My kids had just gotten home from school, and I wanted something warm and comforting on the table without complicated steps. That night, this slow cooker chicken recipe saved the day. It filled my home with that cozy, sweet-savory aroma while I finished unpacking the car and helping with homework.

What makes this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash so great is how easy it is to throw everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work. The maple Dijon sauce brings just enough tang and sweetness, while the butternut squash crockpot magic turns tender, absorbing all those flavors. It really is a perfect example of comfort food slow cooker style — dependable, flavorful, and ready when you are.

Since then, it’s become one of my go-to easy chicken dinners. It feels like the kind of dish that welcomes everyone to the table, no fuss, just honest, tasty food. If you’re a home cook like me, looking for something reliable and delicious that doesn’t require babysitting in the kitchen, I’m excited for you to give this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash a try. It’s a recipe you can count on, just like a good friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash

What You’ll Need:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chicken thighs work too if you want a bit more richness)
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 cups peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (look for real maple syrup in the syrup aisle)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (this brings the tangy punch for the maple Dijon sauce)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (regular broth is fine, but less salt keeps it balanced)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds that mild kick, can swap with garlic powder if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing the squash if you like a little roasted flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (just a pinch to season your chicken and squash)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) (I love adding fresh herbs when I have them for a fresh finish)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional, but it adds nice sweetness to the dish)

No worries if you’re missing fresh herbs—I often skip them without a hitch in my Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash. If butternut squash isn’t in season, you can try using sweet potatoes, which roast up just as nicely and soak up the maple Dijon sauce beautifully.

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash keeps costs reasonable because the ingredients are straightforward and often staples. Butternut squash is usually affordable and available fresh or cubed in the produce section. Plus, the slow cooker method means you don’t have to add expensive extras to get great flavor.

When prepping, you can peel and chop the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. That way, everything moves faster after work. The chicken should be dry-patted before adding to the slow cooker for best results.

If you grab chicken breasts from the frozen section, plan for extra cook time. Otherwise, this recipe fits neatly into those busy weekday slots.

Let’s Make It Together:
  1. Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and cut the butternut squash into bite-sized chunks and slice the onion if you’re using it. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and minced garlic. This is your flavorful maple Dijon sauce. Your kitchen will start smelling great the minute this sauce goes into the slow cooker.
  3. Lightly season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If you want, give the butternut squash a quick toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a bit of extra flavor and texture in the slow cooker.
  4. Place the butternut squash (and onions if using) in the bottom of your crockpot. Lay the chicken breasts right on top. Pour the maple Dijon sauce evenly over everything. This layering helps the squash soak up all that savory sweetness.
  5. Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. From start to finish, this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash takes about as long as your workday—meaning dinner will be ready when you walk in the door.
  6. While it cooks, you can set the table or prepare a simple green salad to round out the meal. When it’s done, your chicken should be tender and juicy, and the butternut squash soft but holding its shape nicely.
  7. If your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash looks a little saucy, don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want. It all blends beautifully on the plate.

A kitchen tip: If you like thicker sauce, remove the chicken and squash once cooked and pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken up before serving.

I’ve learned over time that rushing the chopping or skipping seasoning can affect the final dish. Taking a few extra minutes to prep carefully will really pay off in flavor here.

For more cozy slow cooker comfort, check out the 55 Best Crockpot Recipes – Easy Slow-Cooker Dinner Ideas for inspiration.

How to Serve & Enjoy:

Served Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash on a plate with side salad

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is a crowd-pleaser that’s mighty satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side like steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad drizzled with lemon. The freshness balances the rich maple Dijon sauce and sweet squash perfectly.

Sometimes I serve it with a crusty baguette to soak up that delicious sauce. It makes dinner feel a little special without extra effort.

For a casual weeknight meal or a comforting weekend family dinner, this dish fits right in. It even shines when guests are over because it’s easy to make ahead and looks beautiful when plated.

If you want to switch up the flavors a bit, adding a dash of smoked paprika or swapping rosemary for thyme can freshen the dish seasonally. Last fall, I made a version with apple slices tucked into the slow cooker along with the squash—I love that little fruity twist.

My friends always ask for seconds when I serve this, kind of like they’re all arguing over who gets the last bite.

If leftovers happen (they rarely do), I like using the chicken and squash over rice or even tossing it into a warm wrap for a quick lunch the next day.

This dish reminds me of recipes like my Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash or the cozy Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey for varied butternut squash ideas in your weeknight rotation.

Your Questions Answered:

Can I make this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often prep it the night before, then start the slow cooker in the morning. Or you can make it completely ahead and reheat gently. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What’s a good substitute for butternut squash?
Sweet potatoes or even carrots work well and take on the sauce nicely. Keep similar cooking times in mind so they finish tender.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs stay juicy and add richness. I recommend skinless for easier cleanup, but skin-on can add flavor too.

How do I adjust this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash for more people?
You can double the recipe easily, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough. If you have a smaller slow cooker, cook in batches.

Do you have a faster option?
If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken and squash separately on the stovetop but it won’t have the same slow cooker comfort flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Any tips on the maple Dijon sauce?
If you prefer less sweet, cut back to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Some readers also like adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.

If you want to explore similar simple chicken dishes with few ingredients, check out these thinly sliced chicken breast recipes with few ingredients.

For a slightly different spin on maple Dijon chicken in the crockpot, I found this recipe on Overtime Cook very helpful: Maple Dijon Crockpot Chicken Dinner – Overtime Cook.

Final Thoughts:

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s one of those meals I can rely on, no matter how busy I am. It’s simple, uses everyday ingredients, and always delivers that cozy, homey feeling at dinner time.

My Best Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash Tips:
– Don’t skip seasoning your chicken and squash; it brings out the best flavor.
– Use fresh butternut squash or cubed pre-cut for convenience and timing.
– Layer the ingredients with squash on the bottom to soak up all the sauce.

Over time, I’ve tried a few variations: roasting the squash separately before adding it, adding fresh apples for sweetness, and switching out chicken thighs for breasts. The version that gets requested most is the classic maple Dijon sauce with thyme and butternut squash right in the crockpot. It’s just a done-and-done kind of meal.

I encourage you to make this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash your own. Try tweaking the sauce or adding your favorite herbs. That’s the fun of home cooking—making a comforting slow cooker chicken recipe your family loves.

I hope your kitchen will soon fill with the warm, inviting smell of this easy chicken dinner. Happy cooking, friend! If you want more seasonal favorites, don’t miss the Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake as a sweet finish to your butternut squash celebrations.

Here’s to many cozy meals ahead with your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash. Trust me, this one won’t let you down.

Print

Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal combining tender chicken, sweet maple, tangy Dijon mustard, and roasted butternut squash for a hearty, wholesome dish.

  • Author: Carrisa Monroe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chicken broth, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the cubed butternut squash at the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the squash.
  4. Pour the maple Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken and squash.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and squash is tender.
  6. Before serving, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve hot, spooning sauce and squash alongside the chicken.

Notes

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This dish pairs well with steamed green beans or a fresh green salad.

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