Description
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is a comforting, slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts seared to perfection and simmered with sweet butternut squash in a flavorful maple Dijon sauce. The combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs creates a rich yet balanced dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
Sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs or breasts evenly on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices and add depth of flavor.
- Prepare Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking during the slow-cooking process.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until well combined to create a flavorful sauce.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the cubed butternut squash at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the seared chicken pieces on top of the squash evenly.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared maple Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken and squash layers for uniform flavor infusion during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the squash is soft and fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Gently stir the contents of the crockpot to combine flavors. Serve the dish warm for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner protein.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and squash after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until reduced.
- You can add additional vegetables like carrots or onions for more variety and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper to taste before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
