Cozy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe for Fall

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you up in all the cozy vibes of fall, this Harvest Chicken Skillet recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. Combining smoked turkey bacon, seasonal autumn vegetables, and warming fall spices, the Harvest Chicken Skillet creates a deliciously comforting dish that’s both simple to make and satisfying to eat. It’s the perfect way to bring those rich flavors of the season to your table, guaranteed to become a favorite fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor mingling.
• Seasonal Flavors: Packed with autumn veggies and cozy spices that celebrate the harvest season.
• Smoky Sensation: The smoked turkey bacon adds a mouthwatering depth without taking over the dish.
• Effortlessly Nutritious: Loaded with colorful vegetables and lean protein for a balanced, wholesome meal.
• Weeknight Friendly: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and cozy color. Each element plays its part, from the savory smoked turkey bacon to the vibrant seasonal veggies.

• Chicken thighs: Offer juicy, tender meat that stays flavorful throughout cooking.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky, savory layer giving the skillet a hearty base.
• Butternut squash cubes: Bring natural sweetness and tender texture to balance savory ingredients.
• Brussels sprouts: Provide a pleasant crunch and slightly nutty taste that enhances the fall theme.
• Red onion: Infuses a mild sharpness and subtle sweetness after caramelizing.
• Garlic cloves: Offer aromatic pungency that brightens every bite.
• Apple cider vinegar (natural): Lifts flavors with a touch of tang and enhances the depth of seasoning.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Brings umami-rich complexity without overpowering.
• Fresh thyme: Imparts woody herbal notes that pair perfectly with chicken and squash.
• Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a slight smoky edge complementing the bacon.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to season and balance each flavor element.
• Olive oil: For cooking and bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.

Variations for Harvest Chicken Skillet

Feel free to make this recipe your own by tweaking ingredients here and there. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or if you want to highlight a different vegetable or flavor.

• Swap chicken thighs for breasts: For a leaner option with slightly lighter texture but still packed with taste.
• Use kale or Swiss chard: Instead of Brussels sprouts for a softer leafy green twist.
• Add diced apples: For more natural sweetness and a crisp fall crunch.
• Incorporate sweet potatoes: Swap butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different comforting starch.
• Introduce warm spices: Such as ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtly sweet fall flavor.

How to Make Harvest Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by chopping the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes, trimming and halving Brussels sprouts, slicing red onion into thin strips, and mincing the garlic. Slice smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme leaves.

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy and browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving rendered fat for added flavor in the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

In the same skillet, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken and keep warm on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the red onion, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash to the skillet. Allow them to cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, approximately 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last two minutes to avoid burning.

Step 5: Deglaze and Combine

Pour apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Return the smoked turkey bacon and seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the veggies. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together and the chicken finish cooking through.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give everything a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired, and serve your comforting Harvest Chicken Skillet hot and fresh!

Pro Tips for Making Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Use room temperature chicken: It sears more evenly and browns better, locking in juices.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between ingredients when searing and sauteing for optimal caramelization.
• Chop vegetables uniformly: This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture across the dish.
• Let it rest briefly: After cooking, rest the skillet off heat for 5 minutes to let flavors settle.
• Adjust vinegar quantity: Add gradually to suit your preference for tang and brightness.

How to Serve Harvest Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves for a herbaceous freshness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, roasted flavors. A sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair the Harvest Chicken Skillet with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to freshen the palate, or serve alongside warm crusty bread to scoop up all the delicious juices. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes (plant-based) make a comforting, creamy complement to the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skillet directly in rustic cast iron pans right at the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. Alternatively, plate individual portions atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice to make it feel extra special and hearty for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Harvest Chicken Skillet in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, keeping flavors intact and textures lovely for a next-day meal.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat or use a microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if it feels too dry, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and the veggies retain their texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Harvest Chicken Skillet?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine; just be careful not to overcook as they can dry out faster than thighs.

Is it possible to make this recipe plant-based?

You can swap the chicken and turkey bacon with plant-based chicken alternatives and smoked tempeh or mushrooms to keep the smoky depth while making the meal fully plant-powered.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be juicy and opaque all the way through with no pink inside.

What can I substitute for butternut squash if I don’t have any?

Sweet potatoes or pumpkin cubes are excellent alternatives that provide similar sweetness and texture to maintain the fall harvest feel.

Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?

Yes, chopping the vegetables ahead of time saves prep time when cooking, but keep them refrigerated in sealed containers or bags until ready to use.

Final Thoughts

This Harvest Chicken Skillet is a true celebration of everything cozy and delicious about fall, blending comforting spices, smoky bacon, and colorful veggies in one simple skillet meal. It’s a fantastic choice for busy nights when you want homey, satisfying food without fuss. Give it a try and let those warm, savory flavors brighten your table and heart!

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