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Crockpot Apple Chicken Breast with Butternut Squash and Apples Recipe

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4.4 from 22 reviews

This comforting Crockpot Apple Chicken Breast recipe combines tender chicken breasts with sweet honey crisp apples, butternut squash, and a flavorful apple cider sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, the dish offers a balanced blend of savory and sweet flavors with hints of maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm spices like ginger and paprika. Garnished with fresh thyme and sage, this meal is perfect for an easy, wholesome, and delicious dinner.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1 pound chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 honey crisp apples, sliced
  • 3 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 1/2 cup apricots, cut in half (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup apple cider
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Garnish

  • Fresh thyme for garnish
  • Fresh sage for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each side of the chicken breasts until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring a nice sear.
  2. Prepare the crockpot: Place the browned chicken breasts into the crockpot. Add the cubed butternut squash, sliced apples, and halved apricots (if using) on top of the chicken.
  3. Add butter: Dot the 2 tablespoons of butter over the ingredients in the crockpot, allowing it to melt during slow cooking.
  4. Mix the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup, brown sugar, ginger, paprika, and dried thyme until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Pour and cook: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, apples, squash, and apricots. Cover and cook on the low setting for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Serve: Serve the apple chicken breast warm, garnished with fresh thyme and sage to enhance the aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute honey crisp apples with other sweet-tart apple varieties like Fuji or Gala.
  • If apricots are unavailable, you may omit them or replace with dried apricots soaked in warm water.
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and vegetables after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
  • Serve this dish with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/crockpot-apple-chicken-breast-with-butternut-squash-and-apples-recipe/