Cozy up to the essence of fall with this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet—a one-pan meal brimming with the comforting flavors of the season. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then simmered with butternut squash, apples, and fresh herbs in a light cider-infused broth that brings it all together. It’s the kind of hearty meal that turns a chilly evening into a warm hug on a plate.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a weeknight meal with minimal cleanup, or a flavorful seasonal dish for a gathering, this skillet recipe is both rustic and elegant. It celebrates the natural sweetness of fall produce while delivering satisfying protein and warmth in every bite.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best in a Skillet Recipe?

For this dish, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal. They stay juicy during cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully when seared. You can also use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, though the cook time may vary. The key is a good sear and not overcrowding the pan.

Ingredients for the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups butternut squash, cubed
2 apples, cored and sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
1/2 cup chicken broth
Fresh sage and thyme for garnish

How To Make the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes more. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base

Add cubed butternut squash and sliced apples to the skillet. Sprinkle with thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently to coat the vegetables with the spices.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the squash and apples. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh sage and thyme before serving.

Serving and Storing This Autumn Chicken Skillet

This dish is a standout served right from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, wild rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that cider-infused sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad.

To store, let leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This dish is naturally dairy-free, just ensure your broth and apple cider contain no added dairy ingredients.

Can I substitute the butternut squash?

Yes! Try using sweet potatoes or even delicata squash for a similar texture and flavor.

What kind of apples work best?

Go for firmer varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. They hold up well and add a sweet-tart balance.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can prep the veggies and season the chicken in advance. Cook fresh for best results, but leftovers are delicious too!

Is this freezer-friendly?

While possible, the apples and squash can soften too much upon thawing. It’s best eaten fresh or from the fridge.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this skillet, you’re sure to enjoy these flavorful chicken dishes:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board to revisit it all season long.

And when you try it, drop a comment below. Did you swap in pears? Add a splash of cream? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

You can also follow my Pinterest at Nina Dishes for more cozy recipes made for real life.

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is a cozy, one-pan dish full of seasonal flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are paired with caramelized butternut squash, sweet apples, and warm spices—all simmered in a cider-infused broth that feels like fall in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive family dinners.