Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash Recipe
A comforting and flavorful Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with tender butternut squash, infused with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy chicken breasts that cook perfectly alongside sweet, soft squash for a wholesome, hearty meal.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken & Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
Sauce & Seasonings
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
- Add Butternut Squash: Layer the cubed butternut squash evenly on top of the chicken breasts to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing 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 breasts and butternut squash in the crockpot to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the top to enhance moisture and impart a subtle richness.
- 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, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Choose to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot to mix with the sauce and squash, or serve the breasts whole alongside the squash and sauce.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot model; always check chicken temperature for doneness.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan before adding them to the crockpot (optional).
- You can substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes or carrots if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adjust the level of Dijon mustard or maple syrup to suit your desired balance of sweetness and tang.
Keywords: Crockpot chicken, Maple Dijon chicken, Butternut squash recipe, Slow cooker dinner, Easy chicken recipe, Gluten free crockpot meal