Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot – A Cozy Fall Favorite

Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot is the kind of cozy fall dinner that practically cooks itself while your house fills with the scent of autumn. Think tender chicken, sweet apples, and creamy butternut squash mingling with warm spices and browned butter—that’s comfort in a bowl. This Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot recipe feels like a hug after a long day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something homey but don’t have the energy to stand over a stove.

With ingredients you probably already have and minimal prep, this is one of those “set it and forget it” meals that never disappoint. Trust me, your slow cooker will do all the hard work while you sit back and sip some cider.

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What is Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot?

Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot is an easy slow cooker recipe that brings together chicken breasts, butternut squash, and apples with a mix of sweet and savory fall flavors. The combination of maple syrup, mustard, ginger, and sage gives it a rustic yet elegant flavor profile. The butternut squash becomes silky soft, the apples add just enough sweetness, and the chicken soaks up every drop of that delicious sauce. It’s almost like a lighter version of apple butter chicken—perfect for chilly nights or lazy Sundays.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish offers both comfort and nourishment. Plus, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a loaf of crusty bread for dipping.

Reasons to Try Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot

First, it’s foolproof—if you can stir and press a button, you can make this. Second, it tastes like a gourmet fall dish without any fancy steps or ingredients. The slow cooker transforms the chicken into fork-tender goodness, while the butternut squash melts into a velvety sauce. It’s also a nutritious option, filled with lean protein, vitamins, and cozy carbs from the squash and apples. Another reason? Less mess! One pan to sear, one pot to cook, and you’re done.

And if you’ve got picky eaters (we all do), the natural sweetness of the apples makes it an easy win. Plus, if you enjoy slow cooker comfort foods, you’ll probably also love my Creamy Crockpot Cowboy Soup or the family-favorite White Chicken Chili.

Ingredients Needed to Make Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large butternut squash, chopped
• 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
• 1½ tbsp yellow mustard sauce
• 1½ tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sriracha
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• ½ inch fresh ginger (grated) or ½ tsp ground ginger
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and browned
• Fresh sage leaves, for garnish

Instructions to Make Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a cozy fall dream? Let’s walk through this Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot Step by Step — from searing the chicken to that glorious moment when you lift the lid and see tender, buttery perfection waiting for you.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Let’s kick things off with flavor. Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels — this helps them sear beautifully. Sprinkle each side generously with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the chicken in the pan (skin side down if using skin-on) and sear until each side turns a deep golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. This Step by Step process might seem small, but it’s what locks in all that juicy goodness while adding that irresistible caramelized crust. Once the chicken is seared to perfection, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to pan-searing, check out my Creamy Easy Marry Me Chicken recipe for more Step by Step guidance on how to achieve that golden brown sear without drying out your chicken.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base in the Crockpot

Now comes the foundation of your dish — the part that gives your Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot its heartwarming depth. Toss the chopped butternut squash into the bottom of your slow cooker to create a soft, flavorful bed for the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, additional smoked paprika, thyme, and a small pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture right over the squash. Give everything a quick stir to make sure each piece is coated in the sweet-and-savory sauce. This Step by Step layering ensures the butternut squash cooks evenly and absorbs all those fall-inspired flavors.

If you love this kind of hearty, slow-cooked base, you’ll also enjoy my Slow Cooker Beef Stew — it uses a similar Step by Step approach to build layers of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Browned Butter Magic

Here’s where the magic happens. Place your beautifully seared chicken breasts on top of the squash mixture in the crockpot. Don’t forget to pour in any of that golden oil left in the skillet — every drop is packed with flavor. Then, drizzle your browned butter over the chicken. If you haven’t made browned butter before, it’s simple: just melt butter in a light-colored pan and stir until it turns golden and smells nutty. This Step by Step addition is what takes the dish from good to absolutely unforgettable. Finally, layer your thinly sliced apples on top of the chicken. As it cooks, the apples will soften and release their sweetness, melding into a buttery sauce that hugs every bite.

Want to learn more about making perfect browned butter? You can follow the same simple technique I used in my Creamy Butternut Squash Casserole, where I explain the process Step by Step for a rich, nutty finish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Fall-Inspired Perfection

Cover your crockpot with the lid, set it to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, and then… let it do its thing. During this Step by Step cooking process, the butternut squash softens into a velvety sauce, the apples caramelize, and the chicken turns tender enough to shred with a fork. Don’t peek too often — every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and adds extra cooking time. When the timer dings, lift the lid and take a deep breath. That’s autumn in a pot right there.

If you’re a fan of crockpot recipes that practically cook themselves, you’ll want to bookmark my Crockpot Turkey Noodle Soup for another Step by Step comfort meal you can set and forget.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Like a Pro

Once the cooking is done, carefully remove the chicken and spoon some of that luscious sauce and tender butternut squash over the top. Garnish with a few fresh sage leaves — their aroma pairs perfectly with the rich maple-ginger sauce. Serve warm, maybe with a side of Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. Every bite tastes like cozy sweater weather in food form.

This Step by Step process may take a few hours, but the effort is almost all hands-off. The reward? A deeply flavorful meal that feels gourmet, with zero stress. Whether you’re cooking for family or making your Sunday dinner feel special, this Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot is your new go-to for slow-cooked comfort.

What to Serve with Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot

This meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s even better with a few sides. Try pairing it with Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey for extra caramelized sweetness or a simple Easy Glazed Carrots side dish for added crunch and color. For something cozy, a scoop of Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese brings comfort to every bite. And if you want to keep it light, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot

Brown your butter! It may seem optional, but that nutty aroma deepens the flavor like magic. Use fresh ginger if you can—it adds a warm zing that dried spice can’t match. Don’t skip searing the chicken, even though it’s tempting to toss everything in at once; this step adds texture and depth. Slice the apples thin so they cook down evenly into a tender sweetness. If your crockpot tends to run hot, check at the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking. For meal prep, you can chop the squash and apples a day ahead to save time.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together—talk about a delicious bonus for your meal prep rotation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! They’ll turn out even juicier.
Can I skip the sriracha? Sure, but a little heat really balances the sweetness.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash? Yes, unless it’s a pre-cut version from the store (no shame in that shortcut!).
Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute browned butter with olive oil or ghee for a similar depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot is everything we crave about fall—warm, nourishing, and easy to make. With a handful of wholesome ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll have a meal that feels like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen. Whether it’s a lazy weekend dinner or a weeknight comfort fix, this one’s a keeper. Try pairing it with my Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Delight for the ultimate cozy night in.

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