Harvest Chicken Skillet: A Cozy One-Pot Fall Favorite

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The Harvest Chicken Skillet is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal that captures the heart of fall with its vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables, warm spices, and hearty protein. Packed with chicken, bacon, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, cranberries, and walnuts, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. It’s a cozy, satisfying recipe that comes together easily in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner.

A Wholesome Skillet Brimming with Autumn Goodness

This Harvest Chicken Skillet isn’t just visually stunning — it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. The mix of lean chicken, earthy vegetables, and sweet-tart accents from the apple and cranberries makes every bite an explosion of fall flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a warm, nourishing meal, this dish hits all the right notes: protein-packed, veggie-loaded, and naturally gluten-free.

The best part? It all cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Less mess, more flavor.

What You’ll Need to Make This Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and hearty texture
• Bacon: Adds smoky depth and a crisp finish
• Onion: Delivers aromatic sweetness and flavor foundation
• Garlic: Enhances the savory undertones of the skillet
• Sweet potatoes: Bring natural sweetness, color, and a satisfying bite
• Brussels sprouts: Add earthy flavor and fiber-rich crunch
• Apple (Fuji or Gala): Offers tart-sweet contrast and fall flair
• Chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist while layering savory depth
• Walnuts: Contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch
• Dried cranberries: Introduce chewy texture and sweet tanginess
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Deliver warm, comforting spice
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and flavor balance
• Fresh thyme: Provides a fragrant herbal note that complements the other ingredients

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Every Kitchen

• Chicken alternatives: Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor, or use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for a quicker option
• Bacon swap: Use olive oil in place of bacon fat for a lighter version
• Nuts: Pecans or slivered almonds work beautifully in place of walnuts
• Herbs: Sub rosemary for thyme for a different, but equally autumnal profile
• Cranberries: Dried cherries or chopped dates can offer a similar sweet contrast

These simple swaps make the Harvest Chicken Skillet adaptable for various dietary needs and pantry availability.

How to Make the Harvest Chicken Skillet: Step-by-Step

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove and crumble, reserving the fat in the pan.
Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Brown the chicken: Add diced chicken breasts, season with half the salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Cook the veggies: If the skillet is dry, add a splash of olive oil. Add chopped sweet potatoes, halved Brussels sprouts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes to start browning.
Add apple and broth: Mix in diced apple and chicken broth. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add more broth as needed to prevent sticking.

Finish the skillet: Stir in the cooked chicken, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh thyme. Cook another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve hot: Top with reserved bacon, season to taste, and serve immediately.

This one-pot wonder delivers balanced flavor and texture in every forkful.

Expert Tips for the Best Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Uniform veggie cuts: Cut sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking
• Keep moisture in check: Add broth gradually to prevent burning and achieve the right consistency
• Reheat like a pro: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve texture and flavor
• Don’t skip the thyme: This herb is key to enhancing the autumn vibe
• Mix before serving: Make sure each bite includes a little of everything for full flavor

Delicious Pairings and Creative Twists

• Serve with: Crusty bread, a light arugula salad, or a glass of dry red wine
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat
• Go dairy-free: This dish is naturally dairy-free unless paired with cheese sides
• Turn it vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas and skip the bacon — add extra olive oil and seasoning
• Meal prep magic: This skillet reheats well and can be portioned for weekday lunches

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Why the Harvest Chicken Skillet Is a Fall Favorite

This skillet is everything you want from an autumn recipe: warm, filling, nutritious, and bursting with seasonal charm. Whether you’re making it on a crisp weeknight or serving it as a Thanksgiving week dinner alternative, the Harvest Chicken Skillet will quickly become a staple in your seasonal rotation. From the golden sweet potatoes to the savory chicken and crisp bacon, every element sings in harmony.

A true celebration of fall, all in one pan.

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Wrapping It Up: Why You’ll Love This Harvest Chicken Skillet Again and Again

Whether you’re craving something cozy, cooking for a crowd, or looking for a one-pan wonder after a long day, this Harvest Chicken Skillet delivers every time. The balance of savory chicken, smoky bacon, sweet apples, earthy veggies, and a hint of spice makes it an unforgettable dish. It’s comforting, nourishing, and packed with the wholesome flavors of fall — no oven required.

The ease of prep, minimal cleanup, and incredible depth of flavor ensure this recipe will become a go-to during the autumn season and beyond. Every forkful brings together textures and tastes that are hearty, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Make it once, and you’ll be hooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Chicken Skillet

Can I make Harvest Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the entire dish in advance. Cook as directed, then let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Note that the bacon may lose some crispness, but the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Can I freeze leftovers of this skillet meal?

While technically possible, freezing the Harvest Chicken Skillet isn’t ideal. Sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts can become mushy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. For best texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

What’s the best way to ensure the vegetables cook evenly?

Uniform size is key. Cut sweet potatoes into ¼-inch cubes and halve (or quarter) Brussels sprouts based on their size. Stirring occasionally and keeping the lid on during the steaming phase with the broth also helps ensure even cooking. Adding the apple later in the process prevents it from over-softening.

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Harvest Chicken Skillet

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Harvest Chicken Skillet is a hearty, one-pot fall dinner packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, and warm spices. Perfect for cozy weeknights or seasonal gatherings, this flavorful skillet meal brings autumn to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.

Ingredients

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3–4 slices bacon: adds smoky flavor and crisp texture
1 small onion, diced: provides aromatic base
2 cloves garlic, minced: deepens savory flavor
1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces: lean protein
2 small sweet potatoes, cut into ¼-inch cubes: adds natural sweetness and richness
1 lb. Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered: earthy texture and fiber

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: brings warm spice
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided: enhances all flavors
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided: adds a hint of heat
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: adds cozy spice notes
1 small red apple (Fuji or Gala), diced: offers tart-sweet balance
¼ – ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: for moisture and deglazing

½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped: crunchy, nutty texture
⅓ cup dried cranberries: sweet, chewy contrast
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: fresh herbal aroma

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove and crumble, reserving bacon grease in the pan.
Add diced onion to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add chicken pieces. Season with half of the salt and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.

If needed, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining salt and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.
Add diced apple and chicken broth. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes until veggies are tender. Stir occasionally, adding broth if needed.
Return cooked chicken to skillet. Stir in walnuts, cranberries, and thyme. Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.