Whole Chicken and Butternut Squash
20 Comments Mar 20, 2017
Updated May 23, 2025
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Butternut Squash is a hearty and comforting all-in-one meal where tender, seasoned chicken cooks low and slow alongside sweet, buttery squash and savory herbs.
This is one of those meals that looks like you went all out, but it’s actually super easy. You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, and the butternut squash soaks up all those good flavors. It’s a full dinner in one pot—no extra sides or dishes needed. Perfect for a no-fuss weeknight meal or when you just want something cozy and satisfying.
What you need
These simple ingredients make for a wonderful homestyle meal. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.
This recipe calls for a whole chicken, seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Butternut squash is peeled and cubed, then added to the crockpot along with onion slices and fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. A bit of olive oil and chicken broth help keep everything tender and juicy during the slow cook.
How to make a whole chicken with butternut squash
You can make this meal in two easy steps. See my guide how to:
Step One – Rub the chicken with seasonings and place it in the slow cooker. Surround it with the cubed butternut squash, onions, and herbs, then drizzle with olive oil and pour in the broth.
Step Two – Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and the squash is tender. Serve straight from the crockpot with the flavorful juices spooned over the top.
Cook’s Tips
You can switch out the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or carrots—both work great.
Try tossing in some sliced apples for a little sweetness.
Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
Whole Chicken and Butternut Squash
How to Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 lb. whole chicken
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, 1 tsp. dry
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, ½ a lemon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- After removing the chicken from its packaging and be sure to remove any extras from both sides of the cavity and discard. Pat dry.
- Put the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add the butternut squash around the chicken.
- Sprinkle over the salt, pepper, paprika, and rosemary over the chicken and squash.
- Squeeze the lemon over, then drizzle over the butter.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More whole chicken recipes
Slow Cooker Whole Chicken is a go-to for easy weeknight meals, but Slow Cooker “Smoked” Whole Chicken adds a fun twist with rich, smoky flavor.
For something a little different, try Slow Cooker Tuscan Whole Chicken or Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Stuffing for a comforting all-in-one dish.
Slow Cooker Engagement Chicken is also a great choice when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Sounds good. Since butternut squash is labor-intensive to prepare, may I suggest frozen pre cut? I think the cooking time for the squash would be less than for the fresh. No potatoes, no pasta. A green veg with brown rice for a side. Leftovers make great soup. When it’s on sale I’ll buy up to 10# of chix breast. There may be a clinker in there that comes out hard and dry. Sometimes it’s just the chicken.
Does chicken have to be thawed or can I use frozen chicken. Breasts?
You definitely want to use thawed chicken, either way.
Wondering what else you could serve with it? No potatoes.
Rice? Egg noodles?
Rice pilaf is a great idea or some buttery egg noodle.
Can you mix half butternut squash and half red potatoes?
yes, that will work fine.
Can you cook this on high if you start it later in the day?
Do you use salted or unsalted butter?
salted
Looks great. My husband is going to have to start eating a diet because of high cholesterol. He’s a thin man. GO FIGURE. Would this work for him? I know it has butter but once divided into servings it shouldn’t hurt. Right?
what can yoy instead of rosemary
I think thyme would work great!
If I were to use boneless skinless chicken breasts (probably 4) instead of a whole chicken, how should I modify the cooking time? Thanks!
I think it would need about the same cooking time. The butternut squash takes a while to get tender.
Thanks, Sarah! Is it fall yet? 😉
Can the SLOW COOKER ROSEMARY CHICKEN AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH be done in half with thighs or breasts pieces and potatoes instead of the squash? I am one and six servings is too many and squash is really not a favorite.
Hi Coren! I think it would be worth testing out! You may have a new favorite recipe.
How much butternut squash?? Your recipe says one, but one can be big or small. About how much cup wise would help. Thanks!
My butternut squash was pretty large. I would say about 5-6 cups.