Introduction

When autumn arrives, the craving for warm, hearty, and wholesome meals begins. This Harvest Chicken Skillet with Brussels Sprouts is a beautiful celebration of fall flavors. Imagine golden seared chicken thighs paired with caramelized Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, earthy sweet potatoes, and a touch of maple for sweetness—all cooked together in one skillet. The result is a rustic yet elegant dish that bursts with seasonal goodness. It’s a complete meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, making it a perfect centerpiece for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this dish truly special is its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy and savory, the Brussels sprouts are slightly crisp and caramelized, while the apples and sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness that complements everything beautifully. I love how everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. The addition of maple and mustard gives the sauce a slightly tangy-sweet glaze that coats each bite—absolutely irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe embodies the essence of fall. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—each ingredient works together harmoniously, creating layers of flavor. It’s nutritious, visually stunning, and versatile, making it suitable for family dinners, date nights, or holiday menus. Plus, the one-pan method saves time without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving (may vary slightly based on ingredients used)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Fall Seasonal

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skillet:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Vegetables & Fruit:

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
• ½ small red onion, sliced

Glaze / Sauce:

• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh if available)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Season and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown.
2. Remove chicken, then sauté Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes until caramelized.
3. Add apples and onions to soften.
4. Whisk together the maple-Dijon glaze and pour over the vegetables.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook until everything is tender and glazed.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and soften slightly.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Apples

Stir in sliced red onion and apple. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the apples just begin to soften and the onions become fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar (if using), and thyme. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the veggies. Stir gently to coat.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let everything simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the veggies are tender.

How to Serve

Serve the chicken hot, straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Pair it with a side of crusty bread, wild rice, or a light salad. Spoon the maple-Dijon glaze and veggies over the chicken for extra flavor. This dish looks stunning in the center of the table—perfect for sharing.

Recipe Tips

• Pat the chicken dry to ensure a golden, crispy sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet—this helps vegetables caramelize rather than steam.
• Adjust sweetness by using less or more maple syrup depending on your taste.
• Use cast iron for the best sear and even cooking.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or pork chops instead of thighs.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Add Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts at the end adds a delicious crunch.
• Cheesy Twist: Finish with crumbled goat cheese or feta on top before serving.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy combo.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables (cooled) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts cook faster. Just reduce simmering time by about 5 minutes.

Q2: Do I have to use Brussels sprouts?
Not at all—broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans work beautifully too.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can sear the chicken and prep the veggies ahead. Finish cooking just before serving for best texture.

Q4: Can I make it without mustard?
You can substitute mustard with a splash of balsamic vinegar or leave it out for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

This Harvest Chicken Skillet with Brussels Sprouts is more than just a recipe—it’s a cozy autumn hug in a pan. With its vibrant colors, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s a dish that celebrates the season beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this skillet is guaranteed to impress while keeping things simple and wholesome.