Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
If most home cooks spend only 30–40 minutes making dinner on weeknights, why are we still juggling three pans when a slow cooker can do it all while we’re at work? This cozy, one-pot recipe proves that comfort food can be hands-off, healthy-ish, and deeply flavorful. In this guide, we’ll show you how to build layers of fall flavor think butternut squash, apples, rosemary, and tender chicken into a set-and-forget meal the whole family will love. You’ll find simple, beginner-friendly steps, smart substitutions, and pro tips to get perfect results. And yes, we’ll keep it practical, affordable, and flexible for special diets, too.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting game-day, these Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes deliver peak autumn comfort with minimal effort. The slow cooker gently coaxes sweetness from apples and squash, infuses the chicken with herbs, and creates a savory broth you can thicken into gravy or leave light and rustic. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and easily adaptable add greens for extra nutrition, or finish with a splash of cream for luxury. If creamy slow-cooker dinners are your jam, explore more inspiration here: comfort meal recipe .
From busy parents to budget-minded meal planners, this crock pot chicken dinner meets you where you are: easy, flexible, and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
- Hands-off cooking: 15 minutes of prep, then your slow cooker does the rest.
- Balanced comfort: Slightly sweet apples, earthy squash, and savory herbs create layered flavor without fuss.
- Kid- and crowd-friendly: Familiar ingredients, warm spices, and tender chicken please even picky eaters.
- Healthy-ish and flexible: Lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and easy swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free, or keto.
- Meal-prep win: Stores and reheats beautifully; tastes even better the next day.
- Budget-friendly: Uses seasonal produce and pantry staples to stretch your grocery dollar.
Craving more creamy, weeknight-friendly ideas? Check out this one-pot classic: crock pot recipe for busy weeknights .
Ingredients for Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts; see notes)
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or additional broth)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1–2 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional, balances tart apples)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 sprigs fresh)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for searing)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creamy finish)
- 1–2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, to thicken)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Substitutions: Use sweet potatoes for squash, pears for apples, chicken stock + 1 tsp lemon juice for cider, and boneless chicken thighs for juicier results than breasts.
How to Make Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the base. Add squash, apples, onion, and carrots to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
- Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk broth, cider, Dijon, maple syrup, paprika, thyme, rosemary, remaining 1 tsp salt, and pepper.
- Optional sear. Pat chicken dry. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear 2–3 minutes per side for color. This adds flavor but isn’t required.
- Load the cooker. Nestle chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything. Add bay leaf.
- Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low 6–7 hours or High 3–4 hours. Thighs are forgiving; breasts are best at the shorter end to avoid dryness. Chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
- Adjust texture. For a light stew, leave the broth as is. For creamy gravy, stir in cream. For a thicker sauce, whisk in cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on High 10–15 minutes until glossy.
- Taste and finish. Remove bay leaf. Add a pinch of salt if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm. Spoon chicken, squash, apples, and carrots into bowls. Ladle sauce over the top.
Beginner note: Keep the lid closed. Opening the slow cooker can add 20–30 minutes to the cook time. For another creamy chicken classic with minimal steps, peek at this reader favorite: Crockpot chicken recipes.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Choose thighs for juiciness. Boneless thighs stay moist even if cooked a bit longer. If using breasts, check at the earliest time.
- Balance the sweetness. Apple + squash can skew sweet. Dijon, smoked paprika, and a splash of cider keep it savory. Add 1 tsp lemon juice to brighten at the end.
- Layer your veg. Dense vegetables go on the bottom. It ensures even cooking and no crunchy squash.
- Make it creamy without dairy. Stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk at the end. Or puree a cup of cooked squash with broth and stir back in for body.
- Meal-prep friendly. Portion into containers with rice or quinoa. The flavors deepen overnight.
Variations:
- Gluten-free: Use GF Dijon and broth. Serve with brown rice or mashed potatoes.
- Dairy-free: Skip cream; finish with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Keto/low-carb: Omit apples and squash. Use cauliflower florets and mushrooms. For more low-carb slow-cooker inspo, see: keto crockpot chicken recipe .
- Spicy autumn twist: Add 1/2–1 tsp red pepper flakes or a diced chipotle in adobo.
- Harvest greens: Stir in 2 cups chopped kale or spinach in the last 15 minutes.
- Thicken with grains: Cook 1 cup wild rice separately and stir in to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash to catch the gravy.
- Buttered egg noodles or herbed orzo for a quick base.
- Crusty sourdough or cornbread to soak up every drop.
- Wild rice blend for a nutty, autumnal pairing.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Want a cozy soup-night alternative for the weekend? Try this creamy slow-cooker soup idea: crockpot soup recipe .
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days. Keep sauce with the chicken to prevent drying.
- Freezer: Cool completely. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Simmer gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water. Microwave in 60–90 second bursts, stirring between. Avoid boiling after adding cream.
FAQ about Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
- Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to thaw first for safe, even cooking. Frozen chicken can stay too long in the “danger zone.”
- How do I prevent soggy vegetables? Keep squash and carrots on the bottom. Don’t overcook. For firmer texture, cut larger chunks.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, but avoid overfilling (no more than 3/4 full). Add 30–60 minutes to the cook time and check for 165°F internal temp.
- How can I make it extra creamy? Stir in 1/4–1/2 cup cream at the end, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry. For another creamy spin, explore: simple crockpot recipe .
- What if my sauce is too sweet? Add 1 tsp Dijon and a squeeze of lemon. Salt also balances sweetness.
Final Thoughts on Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
When the air turns crisp and schedules get packed, this slow cooker chicken dinner brings comfort without complexity. It’s adaptable, budget-friendly, and loaded with fall flavors that feel special even on a Tuesday. You can finish it light for a brothy bowl or add cream for a cozy gravy either way, you’ll get tender chicken, sweet-savory vegetables, and a dinner that practically serves itself.
If you enjoyed this, save it to Pinterest for your fall meal plan, leave a comment with your favorite variation, and subscribe for more weeknight-friendly slow cooker meals. Looking for a protein swap or a new weeknight staple? You might also love this creamy chicken classic for busy nights: creamy crockpot dinner . Here’s to more Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes that taste like they simmered all day because they did.
Hearty Fall Crock Pot Dinner Chicken Recipes
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet (optional for searing)
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts see notes
- 1 small butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 apples cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 3 carrots cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider or additional broth
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup optional, balances tart apples
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or 2 sprigs fresh
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter optional, for searing
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional, for creamy finish
- 1-2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water optional, to thicken
- fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prep the base. Add squash, apples, onion, and carrots to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
- Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk broth, cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, remaining 1 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- Optional sear. Pat chicken dry. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 2–3 minutes per side for color and flavor (not required).
- Load the cooker. Nestle chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour sauce over everything. Add bay leaf.
- Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
- Adjust texture as desired. For a light stew, leave as is. For a creamy gravy, stir in cream. For thicker sauce, whisk in cornstarch slurry, cover and cook on High for 10–15 minutes until glossy.
- Taste and finish. Remove bay leaf. Add pinch of salt if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm. Spoon chicken, squash, apples, and carrots into bowls. Ladle sauce on top.
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