Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of Dijon mustard. Slow-cooked to tender perfection alongside savory butternut squash, it makes for a comforting and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 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
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Step 2: Layer the cubed butternut squash on top of the chicken.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and squash.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the top to add moisture and flavor.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Step 7: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Choose to shred the chicken in the crockpot or serve the breasts whole, accompanied by the butternut squash and sauce.
9. Step 9: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving for a burst of color.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh butternut squash and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste; add more herbs or spices if you like.
• Try adding other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for extra nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the sauce.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs or turkey, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
• Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain couscous to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When reheating, ensure the dish is heated thoroughly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, frozen butternut squash works well. Just keep in mind that it’s already precut, so you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.

Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, feel free to experiment with whole grain, honey mustard, or other varieties for different flavor twists.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be enjoyed in wraps, tossed into salads, or served over grains for a quick and easy meal.

Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash Recipe

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4.5 from 116 reviews

This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish combining tender chicken breasts with sweet butternut squash, glazed in a rich maple and Dijon mustard sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes with minimal prep and hands-off cooking time.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 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: Low Fat

Ingredients

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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

Additional

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot to create a base layer for even cooking.
2. Add Butternut Squash: Spread the cubed butternut squash evenly on top of the chicken to let the flavors mingle while cooking.
3. 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 well combined.
4. Pour Sauce Over: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and squash, ensuring full coverage for flavor infusion.
5. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil on top to enhance moisture and add richness to the dish.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
8. Shred or Serve Whole: Decide to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot for a pulled texture or serve the chicken breasts whole along with the squash and sauce.
9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving to add color and a fresh herb aroma.

Notes

• Frozen butternut squash can be used; adjust cooking time as it is already precut.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
• The recipe can be doubled if you have a large enough crockpot.
• Try whole grain mustard or honey mustard as an alternative for different flavor profiles.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
• For extra nutrition, serve over brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain couscous.
• Optional add-ins include carrots, sweet potatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Keywords: crockpot chicken, maple Dijon chicken, slow cooker chicken, butternut squash recipe, easy crockpot meals, healthy chicken dinner