Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash Recipe
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with sweet butternut squash, all simmered in a rich maple Dijon sauce. Perfect for a comforting and easy-to-make meal, this recipe uses minimal ingredients and requires just a few hands-on minutes before slow cooking to perfection.
- 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
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a base layer for the dish.
- Add Butternut Squash: Layer the cubed butternut squash evenly on top of the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring even 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 thoroughly combined.
- Pour Sauce Over: Drizzle the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and butternut squash in the crockpot to infuse the flavors.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil on top of the sauce and ingredients to add moisture and enhance flavor during cooking.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat 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 ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Serve the chicken breasts whole alongside the squash and sauce, or shred the chicken directly in the crockpot for easier serving.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add color and a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- The recipe allows flexibility: shred the chicken for a pulled chicken style or serve whole for a classic presentation.
- Adjust seasoning salt and pepper to taste before cooking if preferred.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but enhances visual appeal and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, maple Dijon chicken, butternut squash recipe, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, gluten free chicken recipe
