If you’re looking for a cozy crockpot meal that tastes like fall in a bowl, this Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash is the perfect recipe. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple ingredients into a beautifully flavorful dish that balances sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, savory herbs, and creamy butternut squash.

This dish is warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Just add everything to your slow cooker, turn it on, and come back to tender, juicy chicken surrounded by melt-in-your-mouth squash and a silky maple-dijon sauce. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner, meal-prep recipe, or “set-and-forget” fall comfort food.

Maple and Dijon are a classic pairing—the sweetness of maple syrup enhances the tanginess of mustard while adding caramelized depth as it cooks. Combined with slow-braised chicken and earthy butternut squash, you get a rich flavor profile that is both wholesome and addicting.

Let’s dive into why this crockpot chicken meal deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Truly Effortless Dinner

Just dump, slow cook, and enjoy—perfect for busy days.

✔ Naturally Sweetened

The maple syrup adds sweetness without refined sugar.

✔ Nutritious & Filling

Butternut squash adds fiber, vitamins, and creamy texture.

✔ Perfect Fall & Winter Comfort Food

Warm flavors, cozy aroma, and hearty texture.

✔ Versatile

Serve it over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or by itself.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken & Squash

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cups butternut squash (peeled, cubed)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme)

For the Maple Dijon Sauce

• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prep the Crockpot

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add the cubed butternut squash and onions on top.

2. Mix the Sauce

4. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and garlic.
5. Pour sauce evenly over the chicken and squash.

3. Cook

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is tender.

4. Shred & Serve

7. Shred chicken gently inside the crockpot (or leave whole).
8. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the squash and chicken.
9. Serve warm with a fresh sprinkle of thyme.

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Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken

1. Add Squash on Top

It prevents it from getting mushy while still cooking perfectly.

2. Don’t Overcook

Butternut squash softens quickly—check at 5 hours if cooking on LOW.

3. Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Results

Thighs stay tender even with long cook times.

4. Balance Sweetness

You can adjust maple syrup to your taste—use less for a tangier dish.

5. Thicken the Sauce

If needed, remove lid and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.

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Flavor Variations

Creamy Maple Dijon Chicken

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.

Spicy Version

Add ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes.

Herb-Infused Version

Add rosemary and sage for deep fall flavor.

Apple Maple Chicken

Add sliced apples with the squash.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• White rice
• Brown rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Quinoa
• Cauliflower rice
• Crusty bread

Add sides:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Simple mixed salad

This dish is wholesome and filling enough to be a full one-pot meal.

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Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate:

Up to 4 days.

Freeze:

Freeze cooked chicken + squash + sauce up to 2 months.

Reheat:

Warm gently on stovetop or microwave; add splash of broth if needed.

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Fun Fact

Maple syrup isn’t just for sweetness — when slow cooked, it caramelizes slightly and creates a rich glaze that beautifully coats chicken and vegetables.