Ah, autumn! It’s that magical time of year when the leaves change color, the air gets crisp, and everything feels just a bit cozier. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with family and friends for a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. That’s where my *autumn harvest chicken skillet* comes in. It’s a vibrant, one-pan dish brimming with seasonal veggies like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, making it perfect for those chilly evenings. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafted through the house, bringing everyone to the kitchen with smiles on their faces. Trust me, this skillet meal is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the flavors of fall together!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed for a sweet, nutty flavor
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved for a bit of crunch
- 1 cup carrots, sliced for a pop of color and sweetness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing and richness
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all those wonderful flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to add a little kick
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, perfect for that warm, herbal note
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, to keep everything moist and flavorful
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped for a delightful crunch and nuttiness
How to Prepare the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering, which means it’s ready for action!
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This step is key because it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Next, stir in the cubed butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced carrots. These vibrant veggies bring color and taste to the dish. Cook them together for another 5 minutes, letting them soften just a bit.
- Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme over the chicken and veggies. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. Wow, the smell at this point is simply heavenly!
- Pour in the chicken broth and cover the skillet with a lid. This is crucial as it helps steam the veggies and keep everything moist. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped pecans for that crunchy element. They add a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and veggies.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *autumn harvest chicken skillet* turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips! First, if your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, don’t hesitate to adjust the cooking time a bit. Just make sure they’re fully cooked through; that’s key for a juicy result. Also, feel free to get creative with your veggies! If you have some sweet potatoes or parsnips lying around, toss those in for a fun twist. They’ll add even more autumn flavor. And remember, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy experimenting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy with loved ones!
- Seasonal flavors: The butternut squash and Brussels sprouts bring autumn right to your table.
- Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
- Quick and easy: From prep to plate in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies to make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my *autumn harvest chicken skillet*: around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, you’ll get 6g of fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to tweak them according to your own additions or substitutions!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *autumn harvest chicken skillet*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! First off, if you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Now, what to serve with this dish? I love pairing it with a fluffy quinoa or a warm, crusty bread to soak up all those yummy flavors. You could also toss together a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
As for ingredient substitutions, feel free to get creative! If you don’t have Brussels sprouts on hand, you could swap them for green beans or even kale. And if butternut squash isn’t available, sweet potatoes would work beautifully too. The idea is to embrace the season, so use what you have and love!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with your *autumn harvest chicken skillet*, there are so many delicious options! For a fun twist, try adding chopped apples or pears for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors. You could also swap the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or even pumpkin for a different texture. Want to spice things up? Toss in some smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick! And if you’re looking for a herbaceous flair, fresh rosemary or sage can elevate the dish to new heights. The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of my *autumn harvest chicken skillet*, simply let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors again without any hassle!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stove for the best results. Just place the skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth. You’ll want to be careful not to overheat, as that can dry out the chicken. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way in keeping that delicious flavor intact!
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Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet: 5 Cozy Flavors to Warm You
A hearty autumn harvest chicken skillet filled with seasonal vegetables.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Add chicken broth and cover.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in pecans before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken size.
- Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables.
- This dish can be served with rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: autumn harvest chicken skillet, seasonal chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dish