Name: Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 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 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 embodies the warm, inviting spirit of fall, this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, nestled alongside roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and Brussels sprouts, all coated in a luscious maple Dijon glaze that sings of cozy autumn evenings. Ready in under 40 minutes and all prepared in one pan, this recipe delivers that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and savory-sweet flavors that make every bite feel like a seasonal celebration you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white tray filled with roasted chicken pieces and many roasted vegetables. The chicken pieces are white with a mix of green herbs sprinkled on top, spread evenly across the tray. Orange carrot sticks and whole roasted cherry tomatoes, both red and yellow, are layered around and on top of the chicken. The carrots are roasted and slightly browned, and the tomatoes have a slightly wrinkled texture from roasting. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredient list simple yet full of essential fall flavors, each component in this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a vital role, adding a unique texture, color, or aroma that turns an ordinary skillet meal into something truly special.

2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken perfectly and adds a subtle, fruity richness.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and quick-cooking.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors.
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced: Adds a soft, naturally sweet contrast with a vibrant orange hue.
1 apple, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji works well): Brings a fresh, slightly tart sweetness that brightens the dish.
½ red onion, sliced: Provides a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness.
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved: Adds earthiness and a satisfying crunch.
2 tbsp butter: Enriches the sauté with creamy depth and rounds out the flavors.
2 tbsp maple syrup: The heart of the glaze, delivering natural sweetness with fall nostalgia.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Delivers tang and a gentle bite to the glaze.
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried): Adds an herbal note that complements both meat and veggies.
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried): Infuses the dish with piney, woody fragrance.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and creates a beautiful simmer for melding flavors.

How to Make Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken and sear on each side for 4 to 5 minutes, achieving a perfect golden crust that locks in juicy flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside while the veggies take center stage.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add your diced sweet potatoes, sliced red onion, and halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté these beauties for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then to ensure they soften but still hold a bit of their bite and shape. The butter will add silkiness, while the vegetables begin to release their sweet, savory aromas.

Step 3: Add Apples & Glaze

Next, stir in the apple slices, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and rosemary. This is where the magic starts to happen as the glaze gently coats the mixture, bringing layers of sweet and herbal notes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the ingredients mingle and the apples soften slightly without losing their sunny crispness.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Return the golden chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables and apples. Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook everything together for about 10 minutes. This step finishes cooking the chicken to tender perfection and lets the flavors meld beautifully in the warm, cozy pan.

Step 5: Serve the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

Before serving, spoon the thickened maple-Dijon glaze over the chicken and veggies, letting it shine as the crown jewel of your dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can give a bright pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

A cast iron pan filled with a colorful dish made of small pieces of cooked chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, and chunks of orange sweet potatoes, topped with bright red pomegranate seeds and sprigs of fresh green herbs, placed on a white marbled textured surface with two whole red apples nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish looking and tasting like a restaurant quality meal. Fresh thyme sprigs or finely chopped rosemary add an herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup can also appeal to those craving an even sweeter finish, while a few toasted pecans scattered on top bring crunch and a nutty complement.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, consider pairing it with fluffy wild rice or nutty quinoa. Both options soak up the glaze beautifully while contributing additional textures. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing counterpart to the warm, rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming family-style presentation, serve this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe straight from the pan on a rustic wooden board. Alternatively, plate each serving individually with the chicken breast surrounded by the colorful vegetables and a drizzle of glaze artistically applied. For a cozy dinner party, small cast iron skillets at each place setting create instant wow factor and keep food warm longer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skillet magic is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to blend wonderfully overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing. When thawed, the texture of the vegetables may soften a bit, but the comforting flavors remain intact and delightful.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts, covering the dish to keep moisture locked in. Adding a splash of chicken broth during reheating can help maintain juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a richer, more succulent flavor and may require slightly longer cooking time. They hold up beautifully in this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are ideal choices because they keep their shape and add a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Avoid very soft or mealy apples that might break down too much during cooking.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or an olive oil blend to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing delicious flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and glaze mixture in advance, but it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the juiciest results. Alternatively, fully cook the dish and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried thyme and rosemary work perfectly as substitutes. Use about half the amount called for fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe is an absolute joy to make and savor. Its vibrant medley of fall flavors, simple ingredients, and one-pan convenience make it a winner for any weeknight or cozy weekend supper. Give it a try and discover how effortlessly it can fill your home with warmth and the unmistakable spirit of autumn on a plate.