Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Introduction

Welcome the best flavors of fall into your kitchen with the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet! This one-pan dish captures the essence of the season, featuring juicy chicken breasts, sweet apples, hearty sweet potatoes, and earthy Brussels sprouts. With aromatic herbs, a splash of apple cider, and layers of texture in every bite, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner bursting with warmth and comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe brings the harvest straight to your table—all in under an hour, with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

What makes this skillet absolutely irresistible is its beautiful balance of flavors and its all-in-one convenience. The sweet-tart apples and caramelized vegetables combine with golden seared chicken and a cider-infused pan sauce, creating a meal that feels both festive and simple. This is more than just dinner—it’s an invitation to celebrate the season in every forkful.

Creating a Flavorful, Complete Skillet

The stars of this recipe are seasonal stars: sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, and onions, complemented by garlic and a hint of thyme. Searing the chicken until golden locks in juices and adds a satisfying crust, while the veggies caramelize and soak up all the delicious pan flavors. A splash of apple cider (or broth) brings it all together for a silky, autumnal sauce.

Perfect Assembly for the Ideal Skillet

Step by step, this skillet comes together fast: begin by browning the chicken for deep flavor, then sauté the vegetables and apples until just tender. Everything is layered back into the skillet, nestled together to finish cooking in the oven, allowing the ingredients to meld. Bonus: it’s a gorgeous presentation, ready to go from stove to table.

Serving Suggestions for Your Harvest Chicken Skillet

Serve this dish family-style right from the skillet for rustic charm. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread (to mop up the sauce) or a simple mixed greens salad. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a colorful, fragrant finish that captures the spirit of fall.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 hearty portions, each providing a balanced meal with lean protein and plenty of vegetables. Expect about 400 calories per serving, depending on your chicken cuts and final portion sizes—a wholesome, filling choice for any autumn dinner.

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet (Recap)

Impossible to resist, this skillet is autumn on a plate: juicy chicken, caramelized vegetables, sweet apples, and an herbaceous cider sauce. A seasonal classic that turns simple ingredients into a nourishing, show-stopping meal the whole family will love.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a categorized shopping list matching your local grocery layout. CookifyAI helps you streamline your shopping and meal prep, keeping you organized even during the busiest fall weeks.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken pieces on both sides with salt, pepper, and half the thyme.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Stir in sweet potato cubes and Brussels sprouts. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
5. Add onion, apple, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes more, until the onion turns translucent and apples begin to soften.
6. Stir in remaining thyme, then make a space in the center and add the chicken back into the pan. Whisk apple cider and Dijon mustard in a small bowl; pour evenly over the skillet.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
8. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley or more thyme, and serve warm.

Weekly Meal Planning

The Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is ideal for adding autumn variety to your weekly dinners and meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan out your week, streamline grocery shopping, and get the most from every ingredient.

Planning Benefits:

• Auto-generates shopping lists consolidated by aisle & ingredient type
• Combines quantities of shared ingredients across multiple recipes
• Prevents duplicate purchases, reduces food waste, and saves time
• Helps you see how seasonal vegetables—from Brussels sprouts to apples—can star in several dishes throughout the week

Pro tip: Use CookifyAI to sync all your planned dinners! It will calculate your apple, chicken, and veggie needs for the week—so you always buy just the right amount.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes