Description
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is the ultimate comfort meal that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the sweet, earthy flavors of maple and squash. It’s a perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights, a great option for fall and winter meal prep, and a healthy, balanced dish packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, or a slow cooker meal that’s both nourishing and crowd-pleasing, this recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 cups cubed butternut squash
1/3 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown (optional step for added flavor).
2. Place cubed butternut squash in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Arrange seared or raw chicken thighs on top of the squash.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
5. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and squash.
6. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme over the top.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is cooked through and squash is tender.
8. Serve hot with a spoonful of the flavorful sauce and fresh thyme for garnish.
Notes
For richer flavor, sear the chicken thighs before placing them in the slow cooker.
Frozen butternut squash can be used directly without thawing.
Add other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken, maple dijon chicken, fall dinner, easy slow cooker recipe, butternut squash chicken