Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Introduction

The Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is packed with the rich, cozy flavors of fall—think tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and a touch of sweetness all cooked in a single pan. With its vibrant colors and comforting aroma, this dish is as inviting as it is effortless, making it a perfect weeknight meal or centerpiece for a festive family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

This recipe shines thanks to its simple ingredients and the harmony of flavors: juicy chicken, crisp apples, earthy sweet potatoes, tangy cranberries, and aromatic herbs. Everything comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—ideal for busy schedules and satisfying hungry crowds.

The Key to a Flavorful Skillet

The secret to this skillet’s depth of flavor lies in properly browning the chicken and simmering it with the vegetables, apples, and cranberries. Searing the chicken first locks in juices, while the autumn produce infuses the skillet with layers of sweetness and warmth. Toss in fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary for that irresistible seasonal fragrance.

The Art of Building Fall Flavors

Start by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil for a savory base. Add diced sweet potatoes and let them caramelize slightly. Next, nestle in the seared chicken breasts, scatter apple slices and cranberries around, and pour over a splash of chicken broth and apple cider. The result is a glossy, flavorful sauce that ties every bite together.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Serve your skillet straight from the pan for rustic appeal, paired with crusty bread or wild rice to soak up the luscious sauce. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds delivers an elegant finishing touch. Garnish with extra herbs for color and aroma.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each portion is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and natural sweetness—typically around 350–400 calories per serving, depending on portion size. Hearty, wholesome, and nourishing—an excellent choice for fall meals.

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet (Recap)

Savor the essence of fall with this easy, one-pan chicken skillet. It features perfectly cooked chicken, autumn vegetables, and a cozy blend of flavors, making it a guaranteed hit at your dinner table.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown (they will finish cooking later). Remove to a plate.
2. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in sliced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and diced sweet potato. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables.
4. Add apple slices and cranberries to the pan. Sprinkle with thyme and sage, if using.
5. Pour chicken broth and apple cider over everything. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let cook for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Uncover and simmer an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce the sauce, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings.
7. Garnish with chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds and extra herbs before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to your autumn meal rotation. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan which nights you’ll make it and generate instant shopping lists that combine ingredients from all scheduled meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates ingredient totals for multiple meals
• Keeps your shopping list organized by store section
• Prevents double-buying and missing items
• Streamlines weekly grocery shopping and prep

Pro tip: When planning your weekly menu, schedule recipes to reveal overlapping ingredients, making shopping trips simpler and reducing waste—like using the same bunch of fresh thyme in this skillet and a soup later in the week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes