π Introduction
Thereβs something magical about autumn β the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the comforting aroma of warm, hearty meals filling your kitchen. π If youβre craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that brings all those fall vibes to your plate, this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is the one-pan wonder youβve been waiting for.
Tender, golden-seared chicken is cooked alongside seasonal favorites like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and apples, all glazed in a rich maple Dijon sauce thatβs equal parts savory and sweet. Itβs hearty, wholesome, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner β yet impressive enough to serve at a cozy fall gathering. πππ₯
With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Letβs bring the harvest to your dinner table! πβ¨
π§° Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Knife & cutting board
π Ingredients
For 4 Servings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Β½ tsp garlic powder
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 apple, sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
- Β½ red onion, sliced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Maple Dijon Glaze:
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional)
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ΒΌ cup chicken broth
π©βπ³ Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 4β5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil.
- Toss in sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts; cook for 6β8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
- Add apples and red onion; cook for another 3β4 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
3. Make the Maple Dijon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Pour the glaze into the skillet and toss the vegetables until coated.
4. Combine Everything
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 3β5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.
- Serve straight from the skillet with crusty bread or over wild rice for a heartier meal. ππβ¨
π½οΈ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
π§ Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to refresh the glaze.
π₯ Variations
- Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds smoky depth.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ΒΌ cup heavy cream for a silky sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use veggie broth.
- Add Grains: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or wild rice for extra heartiness.
- Sweet & Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to balance the maple sweetness.
β 10 FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes β thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful. - Can I roast the veggies separately?
Definitely β roast them at 400Β°F for 20 minutes for a crispier texture. - What apples are best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweetness; Granny Smith for tart contrast. - Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but maple adds a classic fall flavor that canβt be beat. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the butter or use vegan butter. - Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely β it reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor. - Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. - Can I add other fall veggies?
Totally β try carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash. - What if I donβt have apple cider vinegar?
Use white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead. - How do I make it more saucy?
Double the glaze recipe or add an extra ΒΌ cup broth.
π Conclusion
This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is the definition of cozy β a warm, one-pan meal that celebrates everything delicious about fall. π Tender chicken, caramelized veggies, crisp apples, and that golden maple Dijon glaze make every bite a comforting delight.
Itβs quick enough for weeknights yet beautiful enough for entertaining. So grab your skillet and savor the flavors of the season β because this is fall comfort food done right! πππ₯β¨

πππ₯β¨ Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet | One-Pan Cozy Wonder
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 4β5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil.
- Toss in sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts; cook for 6β8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
- Add apples and red onion; cook for another 3β4 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, vinegar, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Pour the glaze into the skillet and toss the vegetables until coated.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 3β5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.
- Serve straight from the skillet with crusty bread or over wild rice for a heartier meal. ππβ¨
Notes
Yes β thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful. Can I roast the veggies separately?
Definitely β roast them at 400Β°F for 20 minutes for a crispier texture. What apples are best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweetness; Granny Smith for tart contrast. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but maple adds a classic fall flavor that canβt be beat. Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the butter or use vegan butter. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely β it reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Can I add other fall veggies?
Totally β try carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash. What if I donβt have apple cider vinegar?
Use white wine vinegar or lemon juice instead. How do I make it more saucy?
Double the glaze recipe or add an extra ΒΌ cup broth. π Conclusion This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is the definition of cozy β a warm, one-pan meal that celebrates everything delicious about fall. π Tender chicken, caramelized veggies, crisp apples, and that golden maple Dijon glaze make every bite a comforting delight. Itβs quick enough for weeknights yet beautiful enough for entertaining. So grab your skillet and savor the flavors of the season β because this is fall comfort food done right! πππ₯β¨