Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe: A Cozy One-Pan Wonder

Autumn harvest chicken skillet offers a delightful culinary journey through seasonal comfort.

Warm, earthy flavors dance across your palate with each savory bite.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of textures and aromas.

Fresh herbs and robust spices elevate this hearty dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Home cooks appreciate its simplicity and quick preparation method that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Colorful vegetables mingle with tender chicken, refineing basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families will gather around the table, eagerly anticipating this soul-warming meal that celebrates nature’s bounty.

What Makes Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet So Comforting

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: This skillet captures autumn's essence with hearty wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and tender chicken thighs that create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for crisp fall evenings.
• Master One-Pan Magic: The recipe simplifies cooking by using a single cast iron skillet, minimizing cleanup while allowing flavors to develop and intensify through strategic layering of ingredients.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Wild rice provides complex carbohydrates and protein, sweet potatoes deliver beta-carotene and fiber, while chicken offers lean protein – making this dish a balanced, wholesome nutrition package.
• Embrace Effortless Elegance: Despite looking sophisticated, this recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it accessible for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs: Hearty protein that creates the main dish, preferably bone-in for deeper flavor and juiciness.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Meaty mushrooms that add rich, earthy flavor and substantial texture to the skillet.

• Wild Rice: Nutty and chewy grain with a robust texture that provides a wholesome base for the dish.
• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and sweet vegetable that roasts beautifully and adds warm autumn colors.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and intensity to the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Thyme: Fragrant herb that brings a subtle, earthy note to complement the chicken and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the dish's natural flavors.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking fat for roasting and searing, adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Chicken Stock: Flavorful liquid that helps create moisture and enhance the overall taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy finish to the skillet dish.

• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, deep flavor that complements the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds complexity to the dish's seasoning.

How to Sauté the Perfect Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Wild Rice

Rinse wild rice thoroughly under cool water. In a large saucepan, combine wild rice and water. Bring to a boil and cook following package instructions for about 45 minutes until tender and slightly split.

Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh thyme

Toss sweet potato chunks with ingredients on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread evenly and roast for 20 minutes until edges are crispy and centers are soft.

Step 3: Season And Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh thyme

Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and seasoned chicken thighs. Sear for 5 minutes without moving. Flip and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Saute Mushrooms

• Portobello mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Cook until mushrooms soften and release their moisture.

Step 5: Combine And Finish Dish

Return cooked wild rice to skillet with mushrooms. Add chicken stock and butter. Stir to combine and heat through. Mix in roasted sweet potatoes. Season with additional salt and pepper. Return chicken to skillet. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Tips for Building Deep Flavor in Autumn Harvest Skillet

• Select High-Quality Wild Rice: Choose organic, whole-grain wild rice for richer flavor and better texture, ensuring a more nutritious base for your skillet.
• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Control Mushroom Moisture: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to prevent mushrooms from steaming instead of developing a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Balance Seasoning Layers: Build depth by seasoning each ingredient separately, creating a harmonious blend of herbs and spices throughout the dish.
• Rest Chicken Before Serving: Allow chicken thighs to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring tender, succulent meat in every bite.

Storing Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet with Flavor Intact

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed dishes will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevent moisture by placing a paper towel under the lid to absorb condensation.
• Reheating: Warm chicken skillet in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What Pairs Best with Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Savor Rustic Wine Pairing: Complement the earthy mushrooms and rich chicken with a medium-bodied Pinot Noir, which brings out the smoky paprika and thyme flavors.
• Craft Seasonal Cocktail Match: Mix an autumn-inspired apple cider old fashioned with bourbon, highlighting the sweet potato's warmth and the dish's robust profile.
• Elevate Side Salad Choice: Prepare a light arugula salad with toasted pecans and maple vinaigrette, adding crisp texture and nutty undertones that echo the wild rice's earthiness.
• Boost Flavor with Herbal Brew: Select a craft amber ale with herbal notes, its malty character perfectly balancing the chicken's smokiness and the mushrooms' depth.

Seasonal Spins on the Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Rustic Mediterranean Chicken Fusion: Replace wild rice with couscous and add crumbled feta cheese. Swap sweet potatoes with roasted red bell peppers and introduce kalamata olives for a Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Substitute Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Include black beans and corn kernels. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of lime-infused sour cream.
• Maple Pecan Autumn Remix: Drizzle chicken with maple syrup during final cooking stage. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the dish before serving. Add diced apples to the mushroom mixture for extra seasonal warmth.
• Herb-Infused Mountain Style: Replace portobello mushrooms with wild forest mushrooms. Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage instead of thyme. Use quinoa as a base grain for added protein and nutty flavor.

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet merges savory chicken with seasonal squash, apples, and herbs in a rustic one-pan masterpiece. Crisp fall flavors mingle on your plate, creating a comforting meal that transports taste buds to a charming countryside kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch dice (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, leaves only
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 oz portobello mushrooms, chopped (1 large)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups water

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Instructions

1. Meticulously rinse wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear, ensuring no debris remains.
2. Transfer wild rice to a spacious saucepan, adding appropriate water volume (approximately water to rice). Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes until grains split and become tender.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Cube sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces for consistent roasting.
4. Toss sweet potato cubes with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and finely chopped thyme leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Roast sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway to ensure even caramelization and golden edges.
6. Season chicken thighs generously with kosher salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian herb blend, and crushed dried thyme.
7. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs, allowing 5-6 minutes of undisturbed searing.
8. Flip chicken thighs and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 4-5 additional minutes.
9. Transfer cooked chicken to a holding plate, preserving the flavorful skillet drippings.
10. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil, sliced portobello mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until mushrooms release moisture and develop a rich, golden color.
11. Reintroduce cooked wild rice to the skillet, incorporating chicken stock and unsalted butter. Stir gently to combine and warm through.
12. Fold roasted sweet potatoes into the rice mixture, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
13. Carefully nestle seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, allowing them to reheat briefly.
14. Finish the dish by scattering fresh thyme leaves across the top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Rinse wild rice thoroughly to remove debris and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
• Roast sweet potatoes with fresh thyme for a caramelized exterior and enhanced aromatic profile.
• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and creating a perfect golden-brown sear on chicken.
• Season chicken with a blend of smoked paprika and Italian herbs to develop deep, complex flavors.
• Allow chicken to cook undisturbed for initial 5 minutes to achieve a crispy, flavorful exterior.
• Leftover skillet drippings create a rich, tasty base for combining rice, mushrooms, and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 535 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg