Autumn Chicken Skillet
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with the soul-warming flavors of seasonal cooking, let me introduce you to this Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet. Growing up, fall meant visits to the apple orchards nearby and the scent of roasted chicken filling the kitchen. This skillet dish brings both of those memories together: juicy golden-seared chicken, crisp apples, and a fragrant apple cider sauce that ties everything into a comforting, one-pan masterpiece. It’s everything you crave in early fall recipes dinner, perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for a cozy family gathering.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | Fall |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time on prep and cleanup.
- Seasonal flavors: Fresh apples and apple cider bring fall sweetness that balances the savory chicken beautifully.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavors make this a hit for both kids and adults at the dinner table.
- Versatile serving options: Delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight fall dinner ideas chicken.
Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A one-skillet fall dinner featuring juicy chicken, crisp apples, and a cozy apple cider sauce perfect for busy weeknights or seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
4. Stir in apple slices and cook 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold shape.
5. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
6. Stir in thyme, return chicken to skillet, and let simmer 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces slightly.
7. Plate hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, spooning the sauce over the top.
Notes
Use a cast iron skillet for even browning and a richer flavor.
Slice apples thinly so they soften quickly without turning mushy.
Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Add a splash of cream for a richer version or a pinch of cinnamon for extra fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Pound slightly for even cooking and juicier results. |
| Olive oil or butter | Butter adds richness, while olive oil keeps it lighter. |
| Onion | Yellow onions caramelize beautifully for sweetness. |
| Apples | Honeycrisp gives a sweet-tart flavor, while Gala is milder. |
| Apple cider | Use fresh pressed cider, not vinegar, for authentic fall flavor. |
| Chicken broth | Low sodium works best to balance the sweetness of cider. |
| Thyme | Fresh thyme gives a fragrant finish, but dried works in a pinch. |
| Salt & pepper | Season generously to balance sweet and savory flavors. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for maximum flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Add apples: Stir in apple slices and cook 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold shape.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- Simmer with thyme: Stir in thyme, return chicken to skillet, and let simmer 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Serve: Plate hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, spooning the sauce over the top for that irresistible finish.
Helpful Tips
- Slice apples thinly so they soften quickly without turning mushy.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even browning and deeper flavor.
- If sauce reduces too much, add a splash more broth or cider.
- Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Balance sweetness: Use tart apples like Honeycrisp to offset the natural sweetness of apple cider.
- Layer flavors: Always scrape the browned bits from the skillet for a deeper, richer sauce.
- Control thickness: If you want a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra thyme sprigs for a rustic, seasonal look.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious sauce.
- Spiced version: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra fall warmth.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in sliced carrots or Brussels sprouts for more texture.
- Apple swap: Try pears instead of apples for a softer, delicate sweetness.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This recipe can be made ahead by cooking the chicken and sauce separately, then reheating before serving. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. For freezer storage, cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your autumn harvest chicken skillet over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles. A side of roasted green beans or a fresh arugula salad adds color and crunch. For a cozy family-style dinner, bring the skillet right to the table.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. Apple cider, sparkling water with lemon, or even a spiced chai latte make lovely non-alcoholic options. A side of crusty sourdough bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cider to revive the sauce. Microwave in short intervals if needed, but cover to keep moisture in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy, though they may need a few extra minutes of cooking.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp or Gala are perfect, but Fuji or Granny Smith also work depending on how tart or sweet you prefer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely, just stick to olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Can I substitute apple cider vinegar?
No, vinegar is too sharp for this recipe. Stick with apple cider for sweetness and flavor.
What can I use instead of fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works fine. Use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 chicken breast with sauce |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is the perfect fall dinner recipe for family nights or cozy gatherings. With juicy chicken, crisp apples, and a fragrant cider sauce, it brings the taste of the season right to your table. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to fall favorite.
