This study investigated the effects of combining controlled-release nitrogen (CRN) fertilizer on nitrogen absorption and utilization in spring maize, and to provide scientific evidence and technical guidance for optimizing fertilization strategies to achieve high yield and efficient nitrogen utilization in spring maize cultivation in eastern Sichuan. A field experiment was conducted to assess the changes in yield, nitrogen absorption, and nitrogen utilization under seven nitrogen management treatments. The treatments included no nitrogen application (CK), conventional nitrogen application (ON) and CRN fertilizer applied at 0% (NR0), 25% (NR25), 50% (NR50), 75% (NR75) and 100% (NR100) of the conventional nitrogen rate, with a 25% reduction in total nitrogen input in eastern Sichuan. The results showed that CRN fertilizer significantly enhanced both dry matter and nitrogen accumulation in maize. At the tasseling and silking stage, with the increase of the proportion of CRN fertilizer, the rates of dry matter and nitrogen accumulation initially promoted, then reduced. After the filling stage, a CRN proportion of ≥50% was most effective for both dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, with NR50 showing the highest values. CRN fertilizer also promoted the redistribution of nitrogen from vegetative organs to grains. However, as the proportion of CRN fertilizer increased, the contribution of nitrogen from vegetative organs to grains decreased. Furthermore, CRN fertilizer improved the yield factor composition and maize yield, with NR50 showing the most significant increase. Agronomic efficiency and partial factor productivity of CRN fertilizer were higher than those of conventional nitrogen application. NUE of NR50, NR75 and NR100 was greater than that of ON. In conclusion, a 25% reduction in total nitrogen application, combined with 50% CRN fertilizer and 50% urea, was the optimal fertilization strategy for improving nitrogen absorption, enhancing dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, and increasing both yield and nitrogen use efficiency in spring maize in eastern Sichuan.