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Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash: A Cozy, Sweet-Savory Fall-Inspired Dinner
When the weather cools down and the evenings start feeling crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than letting your slow cooker work its magic on a wholesome, flavor-packed meal. And this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is everything fall comfort food should be — warm, hearty, nourishing, a little sweet, a little tangy, and unbelievably easy.
This dish blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the bold tang of Dijon mustard and the caramel-like depth of pure maple syrup. The slow cooker brings all the ingredients together with minimal effort, transforming simple pantry staples into a saucy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken dinner that tastes like it took hours… because it did, just without your effort.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy set-it-and-forget-it meal, this recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and good old-fashioned slow-cooked flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Amazing
Slow cooker meals have their own unique kind of magic, but this one stands out for so many reasons:
✔ A perfectly balanced sauce
Maple syrup brings warmth and sweetness. Dijon mustard adds sharp tanginess. Together? Absolute harmony.
✔ Butternut squash that becomes incredibly tender
It absorbs the sauce, softens beautifully, and turns spoon-tender without becoming mushy.
✔ Chicken that becomes fall-apart juicy
Slow-cooked chicken breasts shred effortlessly and stay moist thanks to the luscious sauce.
✔ A complete meal in one pot
Protein ✔
Veg ✔
Sauce ✔
Comfort ✔
✔ Kid-friendly AND elegant enough for hosting
This recipe sits right between cozy comfort and dinner-party-worthy.
✔ Smells like autumn while it cooks
The aroma is unreal — maple, garlic, herbs, slow-cooked chicken… your whole home becomes a warm hug.
Why Maple and Dijon Work So Well Together
If you’ve never paired maple and Dijon before, prepare to be amazed. This flavor duo is classic in French-inspired cooking because it hits three key notes:
- Sweetness (from the maple)
- Acidity & heat (from the mustard)
- Umami depth (from chicken + herbs + garlic)
The slow cooking melds the flavors into a glossy sauce that coats the chicken and squash beautifully.
All About the Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of the best vegetables for slow cooking. Here’s why:
- It holds its shape
- It becomes buttery soft without disintegrating
- It absorbs flavor like a sponge
- It adds natural sweetness
- It’s a nutritional powerhouse (fiber, vitamin A, potassium)
Fresh squash works beautifully, but pre-cubed saves time and holds up perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Slow Cooker:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups butternut squash, cubed (fresh or pre-cut)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Dijon
- A squeeze of lemon
Instructions
1. Build the Base
Add diced onion and cubed butternut squash to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Prep the Chicken
Place chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together:
- maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- chicken broth
- apple cider vinegar
- thyme
- rosemary
- minced garlic
- olive oil
Pour the mixture over the chicken and squash.
4. Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours
until the chicken is fall-apart tender and squash is soft.
5. Shred and Stir
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together so the sauce coats every piece.
6. Serve
Great on:
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Quinoa
- Egg noodles
- Cauliflower mash
Or simply on its own.
Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash
A cozy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken and soft butternut squash simmered in a sweet-tangy maple Dijon sauce. Perfect for effortless fall comfort cooking.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add diced onion and cubed butternut squash to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place chicken breasts on top and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a bowl whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and squash.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the slow cooker. Stir to coat in sauce.
- Serve warm with rice, potatoes, or grains. Garnish with parsley or lemon juice.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp butter at the end. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry.
Texture, Flavor, and Color: What to Expect
This dish has a warm golden-orange color from the squash and maple glaze. The sauce thickens slightly as it cooks, developing a glossy texture. The chicken becomes tender enough to shred with almost no effort, and the squash softens into buttery cubes.
Flavor-wise, you get sweet, tangy, herby, savory — a beautiful blend that tastes comforting and sophisticated at the same time.
Tips for the Best Maple Dijon Chicken
✔ Use REAL maple syrup
Not pancake syrup. The purity matters!
✔ Trim chicken breasts evenly
Even thickness = even cooking.
✔ Don’t stir at the beginning
Let the chicken cook on top so the squash doesn’t get crushed.
✔ Add lemon at the end if you want brightness
Acidity wakes up the flavors.
✔ Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat
Sweet + spicy = amazing.
Add-In Variations
For Veggie Lovers
- carrots
- sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- parsnips
For Extra Creaminess
Stir in 1–2 tbsp butter or 3 tbsp cream at the end.
For Extra Protein
Add white beans during the last hour.
For a One-Pot Grain Meal
Add 1 cup quinoa + 1 additional cup broth (cook on low).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — they get even more tender. Use boneless thighs.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Combine everything in a freezer bag and freeze. Thaw overnight and add to the slow cooker.
How long does it last?
3–4 days in the fridge
Up to 3 months in the freezer
Can I thicken the sauce?
You can stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end if desired.
How to Serve Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash
This dish shines when paired with:
- jasmine or basmati rice
- creamy mashed potatoes
- quinoa or couscous
- buttered egg noodles
- crusty bread
A crisp green salad or roasted green beans complements the sweetness perfectly.