If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy fall dinner, look no further than this one-pot harvest chicken skillet. Packed with tender chicken, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, apples, and a medley of warm spices, it’s a dish that brings together the best of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy fall gathering, this harvest chicken skillet will become a staple in your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Harvest Chicken Skillet
This harvest chicken skillet recipe is perfect for those who crave both flavor and convenience. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze! The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and the sweetness from the apples and dried cranberries makes each bite a delightful mix of savory and sweet. Plus, it’s packed with nutrition thanks to the healthy veggies, including Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. This dish is not only filling but also provides plenty of protein and fiber, making it a balanced meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Harvest Chicken Skillet
• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and serves as the main protein source in this recipe.
• Sweet potatoes: Offers a sweet, starchy component with a soft texture when cooked.
• Brussels sprouts: Adds a slightly bitter crunch that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and apples.
• Apple: A fresh, fruity bite that adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
• Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
• Dried cranberries: Bring a chewy sweetness that enhances the autumn flavors.
• Fresh thyme: Infuses the dish with aromatic herbal notes perfect for fall.
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper): Add warmth and depth to the dish.
Substitutes for Your Harvest Chicken Skillet
If you’re looking to adjust the recipe based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand, there are plenty of substitutions to consider:
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can easily swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
- Pecans: If you don’t have walnuts, pecans are a great alternative and provide a different flavor profile.
- Leftover chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or Thanksgiving turkey to make this meal even quicker.
- Olive oil: If you’d rather not use bacon, substitute olive oil for sautéing the veggies and chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Harvest Chicken Skillet
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook it until it’s crispy and golden, around 10 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and crumble it. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning with half the salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 8 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
- Prepare the veggies: If the skillet is dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes to brown the vegetables.
- Add the apples and broth: Stir in the diced apple and chicken broth. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally and adding more broth if necessary.
- Finish the skillet: Once the vegetables are tender, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
- Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Top with the crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Your Harvest Chicken Skillet
- Ensure even cooking: Cutting the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts into even pieces ensures they cook at the same rate, making the dish come together seamlessly.
- Customize your protein: You can switch out the chicken for turkey or use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- Adjust spices to taste: If you want a bit more spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Your Harvest Chicken Skillet
While this harvest chicken skillet is a complete meal in itself, you can serve it alongside a simple green salad or a glass of red wine for an extra touch. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, consider swapping out the bacon for a vegetarian alternative or adding some sautéed spinach to boost the veggie content.
Seasonal Twist: Fall Flavors in Every Bite
This dish is all about celebrating the flavors of fall, with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts and the comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy autumn night, the harvest chicken skillet brings together the best seasonal ingredients in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a family dinner, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Conclusion
This one-pot harvest chicken skillet is the perfect way to enjoy the best flavors of fall in a hearty and convenient dish. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a comforting dish for your seasonal gatherings, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and nutritious ingredients. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, and warm spices, every bite feels like a celebration of autumn. Best of all, it’s made in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Give this harvest chicken skillet a try and enjoy the delicious, seasonal flavors in every bite!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep many of the ingredients ahead of time. Dice the sweet potatoes and apples, chop the chicken, and prepare the bacon and veggies the night before. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the steps to assemble the dish. The flavors meld beautifully when reheated, so it’s great for leftovers too!
Can I use frozen vegetables in this harvest chicken skillet?
While fresh vegetables work best for this recipe, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes in a pinch. However, be mindful of their cooking times as frozen vegetables may release more moisture, requiring a bit more attention to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a bit of heat, try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the vegetables. If you prefer a spicy apple twist, consider using a spicier apple variety like Granny Smith or adding a bit of hot sauce to taste.
Can I substitute the bacon for a vegetarian option?
Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and substitute with extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing the veggies. You could also use plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh for a smoky flavor without the meat
More Relevant Recipes
- One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken: This easy and delicious one-pan dish features succulent chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. The rich and savory flavors make it a perfect match for the harvest chicken skillet’s comforting and hearty profile.
- Flavor-Packed Santa Fe Chicken Skillet: If you love skillet meals, this Santa Fe chicken skillet with zesty spices, beans, and vegetables offers a vibrant and savory option that pairs well with the autumn flavors of the harvest chicken skillet.
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites: For those looking for a tender and flavorful beef dish, these garlic butter beef bites are slow-cooked to perfection. With their savory taste and hearty ingredients, they complement the richness of the harvest chicken skillet.
Harvest Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet is a hearty fall dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, and walnuts, all cooked in one skillet. The dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3-4 slices bacon (thick-cut)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 small sweet potatoes, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 small red apple (Fuji or Gala), diced
- ¼ – ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and crumble it, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté the diced onion in the bacon grease until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
- Add the chicken to the pan and season with half of the salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, covering to keep warm.
- If the pan is dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced apple and chicken broth to the pan. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, adding more broth if necessary to prevent burning or sticking.
- Once vegetables are tender, return the chicken to the pan and stir in walnuts, dried cranberries, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with the crumbled bacon on top.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey to make this dish even quicker.
- To avoid bacon, substitute with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Pecans can replace walnuts, or you can omit nuts if preferred.
- Use dried rosemary or thyme for different fall flavor profiles.
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts into even pieces for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 561
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 755mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 63g
- Cholesterol: 156mg