Oh, autumn! Just the smell of cinnamon and crisp leaves gets me all excited for cozy sweaters and comfort food. And you know what screams “fall dinner” at my house? My Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet! It’s seriously the EASIEST weeknight meal when you’re craving those sweet and savory flavors. Last year, I even convinced my super picky nephew to eat Brussels sprouts because they were mixed in with the chicken and apple yumminess!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years, trying to get that perfect balance of seasonal goodness. It’s now a staple when the weather turns cooler. And trust me, once you try this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet, it’ll become one of your go-to meals, too!
Why You'll Love This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Okay, so why is this skillet dinner about to become your new fave? Let me tell you!
- It’s ready in like, 30 minutes – perfect for crazy weeknights!
- Cleanup is a breeze – one skillet, that’s it!
- Sweet apples + savory chicken = a flavor explosion in your mouth. Seriously!
- It’s actually pretty good for you. Hello, veggies and lean protein!
- You get to use all those yummy fall veggies.
Ingredients for Your Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet. Don’t skimp – each ingredient brings its own special something to the party!
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. I like ’em bite-sized!
- 1 tbsp olive oil. For sautéing magic!
- 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white works great!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced. Honeycrisp is my go-to!
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed. Pre-cut is a lifesaver!
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved. Adds a little green goodness!
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Sweet and chewy!
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans. For that autumn crunch!
- 2 tbsp maple syrup. The real stuff, please!
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Adds a tangy zing!
- 1 tsp dried thyme. Earthy and delicious!
- Salt and pepper to taste. Season generously!
How to Make Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, fall-inspired dinner on the table in no time!
Preparing the Chicken
First, grab that big skillet and crank the heat to medium-high. Drizzle in your olive oil – just enough to coat the bottom. Now, toss in your chicken pieces. Make sure you season ’em well with salt and pepper! You want to cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. Set the chicken aside. Don’t worry about cooking it *perfectly* here; it’ll finish up later.
Cooking the Vegetables for the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Now for the veggies! Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook ’em until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Mmm, that garlicky smell! Then, toss in your diced apple, cubed butternut squash, and halved Brussels sprouts. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. You want them to still have a little bite!
Combining Flavors for the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Here comes the magic! Stir in those dried cranberries, chopped pecans, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme. Give it all a good stir to combine. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. You want that chicken coated in all that yummy sauce. Heat it all through for a minute or two, until everything’s nice and warm. And that’s it – dinner’s ready!
Tips for the Best Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Want to make *sure* your Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is a total knockout? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years!
- Don’t cram too much into the skillet! If you overcrowd it, the veggies will steam instead of getting that nice, slightly caramelized edge. Cook in batches if you need to!
- Chop those veggies into roughly the same size. That way, everything cooks evenly. Nobody wants crunchy squash and mushy apples, right?
- Taste as you go! Seriously. Adjust the salt, pepper, maple syrup – whatever you think it needs. It’s *your* dinner, after all!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Okay, let’s talk swaps! Don’t have everything on hand for this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet? No worries! I’ve got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on some common substitutions:
- Apples: Gala, Fuji, or even Granny Smith work great! Just use what you like!
- Pecans: Walnuts or almonds are fab alternatives. Or skip the nuts altogether if you’re not a fan!
- Butternut Squash: Sweet potatoes or even parsnips would be yummy! Check out this guide to roasting root vegetables for inspiration.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or brown sugar can pinch-hit if you’re in a bind, but the maple syrup really gives it that autumn vibe!
Serving Suggestions for Your Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Alright, so you’ve got this gorgeous Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet… now what? Here’s what I like to serve alongside to make it a complete meal!
- Quinoa: It soaks up all that yummy sauce!
- Rice: Brown or wild rice adds a nutty flavor.
- Simple Salad: A little green salad balances the richness perfectly.
Storing and Reheating Your Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is even better the next day, if you ask me. Just pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it! It’ll be good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it or warm it up in a skillet until it’s heated through. Easy peasy!
Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet FAQs
Got questions about this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common things people ask me:
- Can I make this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s a great meal prep option. Just cook everything, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Sure thing! Frozen butternut squash and Brussels sprouts work just fine. You might need to cook them a little longer to make sure they’re tender.
- Is this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet gluten-free? Yep! As long as you’re using gluten-free maple syrup, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I add other protein? Go for it! Turkey or pork would also be delicious in this skillet. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’ve done my best to estimate the nutritional info for this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet, but keep in mind that it can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of chicken, etc.). This is just a general guide, not a guaranteed analysis. So, you know, take it with a grain of salt!
Love This Recipe? Leave a Comment Below!
Hey, if you try this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet, I *really* wanna know what you think! Did you love it? Did you tweak it? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to give it a star rating, too!
I’m always looking for new ideas, so tell me: What is your favorite autumn vegetable to add to this skillet? I’m thinking of trying some new combos this year, so hit me with your best suggestions!
