When autumn rolls in and the air turns crisp, I love pulling out recipes that celebrate the season’s best ingredients.

This Harvest Chicken Skillet is one of my favorites because it’s hearty, colorful, and all made in one pan.

Sweet apples, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and tender sweet potatoes roast together with juicy chicken, creating a meal that’s both comforting and wholesome.

It’s the perfect recipe for when you want a one-pan fall feast without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe captures the very essence of fall with sweet and savory flavors layered together in a single skillet.

The chicken is seared until golden and juicy, while apples and sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and heartiness.

Brussels sprouts give the dish a little earthy crunch, and fresh herbs tie it all together.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve at a holiday table. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it all cooks in one skillet.

Highlights:

  • One-pan meal full of seasonal fall flavors
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  • Juicy chicken paired with apples, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts
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  • Quick prep with minimal cleanup
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  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors
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  • Pinterest-worthy fall dinner recipe

Vibrant Ingredients for a Cozy Meal

The Harvest Chicken Skillet brings together a delightful mix of ingredients that create a warm and inviting dish.

At the heart of this recipe are bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which provide a rich flavor and juicy texture.

These are complemented by the sweetness of diced sweet potatoes and the earthy taste of halved Brussels sprouts.

Adding a touch of freshness, thinly sliced Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples bring a delightful contrast to the savory elements.

To enhance the dish further, minced garlic cloves and thinly sliced onion contribute aromatic depth, while fresh rosemary and thyme leaves infuse the skillet with herbal notes.

A drizzle of apple cider vinegar ties everything together, adding a subtle tang that balances the flavors beautifully.

  • Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On) – They stay juicy and develop crispy golden skin, perfect for one-pan cooking.
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  • Sweet Potatoes – Add natural sweetness and a hearty base to the skillet.
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  • Brussels Sprouts – Earthy and slightly nutty, they balance the sweet ingredients.
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  • Apples – Choose a firm, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor.
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  • Onion – Caramelizes with the vegetables and adds depth.
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  • Olive Oil – Helps crisp the chicken and roast the vegetables evenly.
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  • Garlic – Infuses the skillet with rich, savory flavor.
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  • Fresh Rosemary & Thyme – Classic fall herbs that bring warmth and aroma.
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  • Salt & Black Pepper – For balanced seasoning.
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  • Apple Cider Vinegar (Optional) – Adds a tangy finish to brighten the dish.

How to Make My Harvest Chicken Skillet

  1. Prep the Ingredients – Cut sweet potatoes into cubes, halve the Brussels sprouts, slice the onion, and core and slice the apples.
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  2. Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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  3. Cook the Vegetables – Add sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Season with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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  4. Add Apples & Finish in the Oven – Stir apples into the skillet. Nestle the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and roast for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the vegetables are tender.
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  5. Serve – Drizzle with a splash of apple cider vinegar (if using), garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Cooking Method: A Simple One-Pan Wonder

This recipe is designed for ease, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Start by preheating your oven, which sets the stage for roasting the chicken and vegetables to perfection.

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper before searing them skin-side down until golden brown.

After flipping the chicken, it’s time to add the colorful medley of vegetables and fruits.

Combine the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, onion, garlic, and herbs in the skillet, creating a vibrant base for the chicken.

Roasting to Perfection

Once the chicken is seared and the vegetables are mixed, return the chicken thighs to the skillet.

Drizzle with apple cider vinegar, allowing the flavors to meld together as they roast.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 25-30 minutes.

The result is tender chicken with crispy skin, surrounded by perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Serving Suggestions for a Family Feast

Once out of the oven, let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.

Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of color and flavor.

Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

This skillet is a full meal on its own, but you can round it out with:

  • Warm dinner rolls or cornbread
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  • A fresh green salad with cranberries and pecans
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  • Garlic mashed potatoes for extra comfort
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  • A glass of Pinot Noir or hard apple cider

Nutrition and Comfort in Every Bite

This Harvest Chicken Skillet is not only delicious but also nutritious.

With approximately 480 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes.

The combination of fresh vegetables and fruits ensures that every bite is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for any dinner table.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

Set the scene for your Harvest Chicken Skillet by arranging it on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by a cozy kitchen backdrop.

The inviting atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion.

Gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this vibrant dish brings to your home.

Tips for the Best Harvest Chicken Skillet

For crispier chicken skin, make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken dry before searing. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—allow vegetables to caramelize rather than steam.

Use apples that hold their shape well during cooking. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end cuts through richness and enhances all the flavors.

Harvest Chicken Skillet (Apples, Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts)

Recipe by JoanneCourse: Main DishCuisine: American, Fall Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories per serving

480

kcal

This skillet dish features succulent chicken thighs seared to perfection, accompanied by roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples. The recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for finishing)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Add sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Season with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in apple slices. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the vegetables.
  • Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and vegetables are tender.
  • Optional: Drizzle apple cider vinegar before serving for extra brightness.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted, but reduce cooking time.
  • Use any firm apple variety that holds shape, such as Fuji or Pink Lady.
  • This dish works just as well with chicken drumsticks if preferred.

Storage & Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep vegetables moist.

Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken.

A harvest chicken skillet with chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and apples, garnished with herbs on a rustic table.