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.
Ingredients
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
1/2 cup chicken broth
Fresh sage and thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, reduce heat and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add squash and apples to the pan. Sprinkle with thyme, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat.
4. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to skillet, placing on top. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
This dish is naturally dairy-free.
Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes or delicata squash.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Autumn chicken skillet, fall chicken recipe, one-pan chicken