Apple Butternut Squash Chicken: A Cozy Autumn Delight
Meta Description: Savor the flavors of fall with this Apple Butternut Squash Chicken recipe. Tender chicken, sweet apples, and earthy butternut squash come together in a slow cooker to create a comforting and wholesome meal.
Introduction
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, there's nothing quite like a hearty meal to bring warmth to your home. This Apple Butternut Squash Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with the natural sweetness of butternut squash and apples, all enhanced by a medley of spices and browned butter. Prepared in a slow cooker, it's an ideal dish for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1½ tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (additional)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ inch fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and browned
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Sear the chicken, skin side down, until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped butternut squash at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Seasonings: In a bowl, combine yellow mustard, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, additional ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, grated ginger, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the butternut squash and toss to coat evenly.
Assemble the Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the seasoned butternut squash. Drizzle the browned butter over the chicken. Arrange the apple slices around the chicken.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the butternut squash is tender.
Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh sage leaves. Serve warm alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips for Success
Browning the Butter: To enhance the dish's flavor, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Be cautious not to burn it.
Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the squash and maple syrup.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Modify the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference.
Conclusion
This Apple Butternut Squash Chicken recipe is a celebration of fall's bounty, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. The convenience of slow cooking makes it a practical choice for any occasion, filling your home with inviting aromas and delivering a meal that's both comforting and nutritious.
For a visual guide on preparing a similar dish, you might find this video helpful: