Name: Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 apple, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji works well); ½ red onion, sliced; 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried); 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried); ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season, you’re going to adore this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe. Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts surrounded by a colorful medley of roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and Brussels sprouts, all coated in a luscious maple Dijon glaze that whispers cozy fall flavors in every bite. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table in under 40 minutes, making it an absolute go-to when you want a hearty, flavorful feast without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white tray filled with cooked chicken pieces and roasted vegetables. There are several pieces of light brown chicken scattered evenly, each topped with green herbs. Around the chicken, there are bright orange roasted carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes in red and golden yellow colors. The tomatoes are softened and slightly wrinkled. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this dish, the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the taste, texture, and vibrant colors that make the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe so special. From the sweetness of the maple syrup and apples to the earthiness of fresh herbs and the heartiness of sweet potatoes, every component adds a layer of deliciousness.

2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a perfect base for searing chicken, adding depth and richness while helping to crisp the surface.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender after searing and simmering.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced: Adds a comforting sweetness and a tender texture that balances the savory elements.
1 apple, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji works well): Brings a crisp, fruity tartness that brightens the dish.
½ red onion, sliced: Offers a subtle bite and a splash of color when cooked down.
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved: Brings a slight bitterness and crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
2 tbsp butter: Adds creamy richness to the sautéed vegetables and enhances the glaze.
2 tbsp maple syrup: The key to that iconic autumnal sweetness, perfectly complementing the Dijon mustard.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: A zesty punch that balances sweet and savory in the glaze.
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried): Earthy herb notes that deepen the flavor profile.
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried): Adds piney, aromatic warmth that feels like fall in a bite.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist during simmering and melds the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the chicken in the pan. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, allowing the chicken to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This searing step locks in juices and sets a delicious foundation for the dish. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside – but keep that skillet heated and ready!

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the butter, diced sweet potatoes, sliced red onion, and halved Brussels sprouts. As these vegetables hit the pan, they’ll start to soften and caramelize within 6 to 8 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and creates those wonderful caramelized edges that add complexity and texture to your Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe.

Step 3: Add Apples and the Maple Dijon Glaze

Next, stir in your sliced apples along with the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so the glaze can thicken slightly and coat each ingredient with its vibrant blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The apples keep their slight crunch, contributing a fresh pop to the dish.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return your beautifully seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it comfortably among the veggies and apples. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow this to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook through and the vegetables to become tender without losing their delightful textures.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, spoon that irresistible maple Dijon glaze generously over the chicken and veggies. Feel free to sprinkle a few fresh herbs on top for an added burst of color and aroma. Now it’s ready to enjoy — colorful, cozy, and bursting with flavors that shout fall in the best way possible.

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white cast iron pan filled with a colorful cooked dish sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers: at the bottom, browned chunks of chicken mixed with bright green Brussels sprouts, scattered small orange sweet potato cubes, and pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top adding red highlights. Fresh green herbs, likely rosemary sprigs, are placed across the dish, adding texture and color contrast. Around the pan, there are two red apples and some green thyme sprigs placed on the white marbled background, completing the cozy harvest look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary brings a lovely, herbal brightness to this dish, but you can also add chopped pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds to introduce a satisfying crunch. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup right before serving amplifies the natural sweetness if you’re in the mood for a more indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

The beauty of the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe is that it’s quite the star on its own, but pairing it with wild rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed cauliflower makes the meal feel even more substantial. Roasted garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers nice contrast and freshness alongside the rich skillet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic presentation, serve the chicken directly from the skillet at the table – everyone loves a cozy one-pan family-style dinner. Alternatively, arrange the chicken and vegetable mixture atop a bed of buttery polenta or quinoa in individual bowls for an elegant yet approachable twist. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pretty pop of color that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers from this delightful Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again without sacrificing the dish’s tenderness or lively glaze.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, separating portions with parchment paper if needed. Frozen Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet meals can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the skillet leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly redistribute the glaze. Alternatively, use a microwave with short bursts of heat, stirring in between, to keep the chicken moist and vegetables tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and remain juicy even longer. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re cooked through, but the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe works wonderfully with either cut.

What type of apples work best for this dish?

Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. You can experiment with other firm apples too, but avoid super soft or mealy varieties.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use low-sodium chicken broth without additives containing gluten. It’s a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten but craving deep, comforting flavors.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely! Skip the butter or substitute it with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The dish will still have plenty of flavor and maintain its comforting, hearty texture.

How spicy is the maple Dijon glaze?

The glaze has a gentle tanginess from the Dijon mustard but it’s not spicy at all. If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when making the glaze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. With its perfect blend of sweet and savory, wholesome ingredients, and effortless one-pan prep, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become one of your favorite autumn dinners to share with the people you love.