Harvest Chicken Skillet
The Harvest Chicken Skillet is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken combined with vibrant fall vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s an effortless yet flavorful dish perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or weekend meals, offering seasonal goodness, versatility, and balanced nutrition with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in for juicy flavor or boneless for convenience)
Vegetables & Fruits
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Liquids & Fats
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables and fruits into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen fresh herbs to enhance flavor. Have all ingredients ready before cooking to streamline the process.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down if using skin-on and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside to keep the juices locked in.
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and apples. Stir occasionally allowing the vegetables to caramelize and become tender.
- Combine and Simmer: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet among the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth or stock just enough to create a saucy base. Cover the skillet and let simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender—about 15-20 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage) over the top for brightness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic, cozy presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning and flavor development.
- Opt for fresh, seasonal produce to maximize taste and nutrition.
- Keep chicken skin on if possible for a crisp texture and moisture retention.
- Let the skillet rest a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Harvest chicken skillet, fall recipe, one pan chicken, seasonal vegetables, easy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken skillet