I still remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of making Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash. It was one of those late afternoons when I just wanted dinner to be simple, soulful, and a tiny bit special. The thought of sweet maple syrup mingling with tangy Dijon mustard simmering alongside tender chicken and cozy chunks of butternut squash felt like a flavor adventure waiting to happen. That first bite? Mind-blowing. The rich, caramelized sweetness of the maple syrup balanced perfectly with the sharpness of the Dijon mustard, while the butternut squash absorbed all those cozy flavors and brought an almost buttery texture to the mix. This version of Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is special because I’ve dialed in the perfect slow cooker timing and ingredient combo that turns this dish into an effortless weeknight winner.
What makes this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash truly irresistible is how it transforms simple ingredients into something so comforting and bold without any fuss. It’s an easy crockpot chicken recipe that feels fancy but is actually incredibly approachable. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding those sweet, tangy, and savory notes into juicy chicken you’ll want to savor again and again. If you love slow cooker maple chicken or a good dijon mustard chicken recipe, you’ll find this dish hits all the right spots. It’s the kind of meal I reach for when I want cozy vibes but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
If you’ve been hunting for easy crockpot chicken recipes that combine playful flavors with simple prep, this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is for you. It’s a fun twist on butternut squash crockpot meals, and that maple syrup chicken slow cooker flavor combo is a total crowd-pleaser. So, if you’re ready to cozy up to a bold, sweet, tangy, and downright satisfying dinner, join me as we dive into this recipe you’re going to want bookmarked on repeat.
Gather These Ingredients:
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I always reach for fresh, hormone-free for the juiciest results)
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (look for bright orange flesh—it’s sweeter and less watery)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (the star sweetness of the slow cooker maple chicken)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (this ingredient brings that signature tang to your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for a subtle bite that deepens the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (balances the sweetness with a bit of acidity)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but I love adding a smoky depth here)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (keeps everything juicy and helps meld the flavors)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional garnish, adds a fresh aroma)
Want to switch things up in your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash? Try using chicken thighs for extra richness or swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes if you prefer something softer and more traditional. If you can’t find pure maple syrup, a good-quality honey makes a fine substitute in a pinch—although I recommend the real maple for that complex sweetness.
For sourcing, I like snagging my Dijon mustard in the international aisle where you find different brands with varying tang levels. Some have a little more heat, so choose one that sounds fun to your taste buds. As for the butternut squash, if you’re pushing for a shortcut, pre-peeled and cubed bags from the store save a ton of time and still taste great.
I always look for chicken breasts with a little marbling and avoid anything that looks dry or pale—freshness here makes the slow cooking magic taste even better. This combination of ingredients ensures your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite, promising a plate full of goodness.
Let’s Make This Happen!
Ready to jump into making your own Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash? This recipe takes about 6 hours of slow cooker magic from start to finish, but most of that time is hands-off, so you can relax or prep other things while it cooks.
- First, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. This flavor-packed sauce is the heart of your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash, so give it a good stir to meld those sweet and tangy notes.
- Next, place the cubed butternut squash at the bottom of your slow cooker. Think of this as a cozy bed that soaks up all the delicious juices as everything cooks.
- Lay the chicken breasts right on top of the squash. This layering lets the chicken keep moist and tender while the squash softens into a buttery delight.
- Pour that maple Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken and squash. Finally, pour the chicken broth around the edges to keep the Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash lovely and juicy.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours. You’ll know your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is ready when the chicken is tender, easily shredding with a fork, and the squash is soft but still holds its shape.
- If your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash seems a bit thin on sauce towards the end, don’t worry! Spoon out a bit of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and simmer it for a few minutes to thick up a little glaze to drizzle back over the top.
While that’s cooking, prep your favorite side dish or just breathe in the incredible aromas filling your kitchen. I’ve tested this recipe with different cooking times and found 6 hours low is the magic sweet spot for perfectly tender chicken without drying out.
For a variation, try tossing in some sliced Brussels sprouts during the last hour for extra green goodness—similar to the combo in Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken and Broccoli – Damn Delicious.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash pairs beautifully with a simple side of fluffy quinoa or creamy mashed potatoes. The maple Dijon sauce that coats every bite here loves a neutral base to soak it up—hello, no-fuss comfort on a plate! My go-to way to dig into this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash is on lazy weekends or when I’m feeding hungry friends. It’s the kind of dish that feels dinner table-worthy but doesn’t require hours of prep.

For some extra crunch and freshness, a side of roasted green beans or a crisp apple-fennel salad complements the sweet-savory flavors perfectly. And if you love that cozy autumn vibe, pair this with a warm roasted beet and arugula salad—just like the vibe from my Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey recipe.
Leftovers? Absolutely a yes. Try shredding the chicken leftover from your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash and tossing it into wraps with fresh spinach and a drizzle of Greek yogurt. I’ve even stirred this into creamy risotto for a weekday upgrade.
This dish shines during fall and winter dinners but is easy enough for any time you crave sweet-sour flavor with minimal effort. If you want a slightly different texture or presentation, check out this sheet pan version with roots and greens from Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken w/ Butternut Squash + Brussels …. It’s got a lightly crisped edge with the same crowd favorite flavor combo.
People rave about how balanced and cozy this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash tastes without being heavy. It somehow feels both indulgent and fresh—a recipe keeper for anyone who loves a little fun twist on classic comfort.
Common Questions About This Recipe
I’m always getting questions from fellow cooks about this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash—it’s such a fun recipe to talk about! Here are a few common ones to help you out:
Can I prep this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash in advance?
Totally! You can mix up the sauce and cube the squash the day before. Just keep everything in the fridge and layer it in your slow cooker the next day. This little recipe tip saves so much time on busy mornings.
What can I use instead of butternut squash?
Sweet potatoes or pumpkin chunks work fantastic here. They soak up the maple Dijon goodness just as well and bring a slightly different sweetness and texture. Butternut squash remains my top pick for that perfect balance.
Can I switch chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely! Thighs stay super juicy and add richness. When I tested with thighs, the cooking time stayed about the same but the flavor felt a bit more intense. Try both to see which you prefer in your Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash.
How do I scale this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash recipe up or down?
Scale the sauce ingredients proportionally and adjust your slow cooker size if needed. For smaller portions, mini slow cookers work great. For a crowd, double everything and use a larger cooker.
Can I add other veggies?
Try green beans or Brussels sprouts during the last hour of cooking. Peppers or sliced carrots also play nicely with the sweet Dijon flavors. Be mindful not to add delicate greens too early—they can turn limp.
Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes, freeze any leftovers in airtight containers. Reheat gently on stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. The flavors hold up beautifully, and having this ready-to-go Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash in the freezer is a total lifesaver.
Where do you find inspiration for this dish?
I love checking out recipes like this one from Maple Dijon Crockpot Chicken Dinner – Overtime Cook for ideas. Playing with maple and mustard flavors has become a favorite combo in my kitchen.
Can I make this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash on the stove?
I’ve tried it as a stovetop simmer, and while it’s delicious, it needs careful temperature watching and stirring to avoid burning the syrup. The slow cooker version is way more hands-off and melds flavors perfectly.
If you’re curious about other butternut squash crockpot meals, don’t miss this Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash for a unique spin.
My Final Take
This Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash recipe definitely earned a prime spot in my recipe lineup. It blends friendly ingredients with bold flavors in a simple, no-stress way that’s perfect for busy cooks craving cozy dinners. The sweet tang of maple and Dijon combined with the natural sweetness of butternut squash feels like a warm hug from the inside.
My Top Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash Tips:
– Use fresh, quality chicken with some marbling for best texture.
– Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar—it cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
– Let the sauce simmer down a bit if it seems too thin for an irresistible glaze.
I’ve also tested variations like adding smoked sausage for a richer twist, swapping maple syrup for honey-lime for a bright twist, and boosting heat with a touch of sriracha in the sauce. But the classic version with just maple syrup and Dijon is the crowd favorite that always makes me smile.
If you’re ready for a comforting, flavorful, and fun slow cooker meal, this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash recipe is your next kitchen adventure. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and savor every mouthwatering bite. For more comforting dishes with cozy veg, peek at my Authentic Crockpot Chicken Pozole Verde — it’s another crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Get cooking, have fun, and enjoy that legendary maple-Dijon-butternut squash combo that will keep you coming back for more!
Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken With Butternut Squash
This cozy crockpot recipe combines tender chicken with sweet maple and tangy Dijon mustard, perfectly complemented by roasted butternut squash for a delicious and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cubed butternut squash in the bottom of the crockpot and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the squash.
- Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the chicken and add chicken broth around the edges.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender.
- Remove chicken and squash from the crockpot and serve warm, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.