Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash

The tantalizing aroma of sweet maple syrup mingling with tangy Dijon mustard will fill your home as this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash slowly simmers to perfection. This comforting dish combines tender chicken thighs with velvety butternut squash in a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when your slow cooker did all the work. You’ll learn how to create this effortless yet impressive meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash recipe will quickly become a family favorite for multiple reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable – simply prep your ingredients, add them to the crockpot, and return hours later to a complete meal. The combination of tender, juicy chicken that practically falls off the bone paired with the creamy, caramelized butternut squash creates a delightful textural contrast in every bite.

The maple Dijon sauce is truly the star, with its perfect balance of sweetness from real maple syrup and the sophisticated tang of Dijon mustard. This sauce creates a glossy coating that seeps into both the chicken and butternut squash, unifying the dish with its complex flavor profile.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s elegant enough for entertaining guests yet simple enough for a Monday night dinner. The seasonal ingredients make it especially perfect for autumn and winter meals when butternut squash is at its peak and you’re craving something comforting and warming.

Ingredients

For this soul-warming Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds/900g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup – real maple syrup offers an authentic flavor that’s worth the investment)
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The butternut squash should be firm and unblemished for best results. When selecting chicken thighs, look for pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking.

Pro Tips

Prep Your Butternut Squash Efficiently: Cutting butternut squash can be challenging, but here’s a game-changer – microwave the whole squash (pierced with a fork) for 2-3 minutes before peeling and cutting. This softens it just enough to make peeling and cutting significantly easier, while saving your hands from strain. Cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

Brown For Flavor: While you could simply toss everything in the slow cooker, taking just 5 minutes to brown the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding them to your crockpot will dramatically improve your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken dish. This extra step creates a flavor-packed fond (those browned bits on the pan) and helps the chicken maintain better texture during slow cooking.

Layer Strategically: Place the butternut squash on the bottom of the crockpot with the chicken on top. Squash takes longer to cook, and this placement ensures it will be perfectly tender when the meal is done. The chicken placed on top will baste the vegetables as it cooks, infusing them with flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until completely combined. The sauce should look smooth and have a creamy, golden-brown appearance. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, place chicken thighs in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through, just developing flavor. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Place the diced onion at the bottom of the pot, followed by the butternut squash cubes. This layering ensures the squash cooks properly and absorbs all the flavorful juices from the chicken.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook

Arrange the chicken thighs (browned or not) on top of the butternut squash. Pour the maple Dijon sauce over everything, making sure to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The Maple Dijon Chicken is done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the butternut squash is fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once cooked, gently stir to coat everything in the sauce, being careful not to break up the tender butternut squash too much. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and simmer it for 5-10 minutes to reduce, then pour it back over the chicken and squash. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash.

Variations

Honey Dijon Chicken and Sweet Potato: For a different flavor profile, substitute honey for the maple syrup and swap the butternut squash for sweet potatoes cut into similar-sized cubes. The honey provides a more floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy sweet potatoes, creating a variation on the slow cooker maple chicken that’s equally delicious.

Spicy Maple Dijon: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture. The spicy element cuts through the sweetness of the maple syrup and creates a more complex flavor profile for your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken.

Vegetarian Butternut Squash Stew: Transform this into a meatless main by omitting the chicken and doubling the butternut squash. Add 2 cups of chickpeas or white beans for protein and 1 cup of vegetable broth to ensure there’s enough liquid. The maple Dijon sauce works wonderfully with the legumes and creates a hearty vegetarian stew.

Storage and Serving

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making next-day leftovers exceptionally tasty. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For serving, this dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over:

1. A bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce
2. Fresh baby spinach, allowing the heat from the chicken and squash to slightly wilt the greens
3. Alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal

For an impressive presentation when entertaining, transfer the Maple Dijon Chicken and Butternut Squash to a large serving platter, drizzle with extra sauce from the crockpot, and sprinkle with fresh herbs and a few twists of black pepper.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work, but they tend to dry out more easily in slow cookers. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time to 5-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH and check for doneness earlier.

What can I substitute for butternut squash?
Sweet potatoes, acorn squash, or pumpkin make excellent substitutes with similar cooking times. For a less starchy option, try carrots or parsnips, though these may cook faster than butternut squash.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is naturally gluten-free, but always check your mustard labels as some specialty varieties may contain gluten.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients the night before and store them separately, or assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Add 30 minutes to your cooking time if starting with cold ingredients from the refrigerator.

What if my sauce is too thin after cooking?
If your sauce is thinner than desired, remove the chicken and squash to a serving platter. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes until reduced to your preferred consistency, then pour back over the dish.

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