Fall’s Golden Chicken Skillet Recipe: Cozy Autumn Harvest Magic

Fall’s golden hues and crisp air inspire this hearty autumn harvest chicken skillet that brings warmth to your evening table.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with seasonal vegetables, creating a comforting one-pan meal packed with robust flavors.

Colorful root vegetables and aromatic herbs dance together in a rich, savory sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Sweet butternut squash and earthy mushrooms complement the juicy chicken, making every bite a celebration of seasonal bounty.

Fresh thyme and rosemary add depth to this rustic dish, enhancing its natural, wholesome appeal.

This skillet recipe offers a delicious way to embrace the season’s best produce with minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor autumn most delectable dinner.

Making Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet from Scratch

• Rice Foundation

Prepare wild rice by rinsing thoroughly and cooking in a large saucepan until tender and fluffy. The nutty grain will serve as a delicious base for our hearty skillet meal.

• Sweet Potato Magic

Slice sweet potatoes into rustic chunks and coat with fragrant herbs. Roast in a hot oven until edges caramelize and center becomes soft, creating golden-brown nuggets of flavor.

• Chicken and Mushroom Symphony

Season chicken thighs with bold spices that awaken the palate. Sear in a cast iron skillet until skin turns crispy and golden. Remove and quickly sauté portobello mushrooms with garlic, developing deep earthy notes.

• Skillet Harmony

Combine all elements in one pan, allowing flavors to meld. Splash in rich chicken stock and a touch of butter to create a silky sauce. Gently fold roasted sweet potatoes into the mixture. Return chicken to the skillet, letting everything warm together.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves across the top, adding a bright herbal whisper that elevates the entire dish. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Ideas to Elevate Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Replace chicken thighs with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or plant-based protein for a delightful twist on this hearty autumn dish.
• Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms to add unique earthy flavors and textures to the skillet.
• Skip the chicken and double the mushrooms, adding roasted chickpeas or cubed tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Introduce heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a warming kick that complements the seasonal ingredients.

How to Serve Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Deliciously

• Serve on Cozy Autumn Plates: Arrange the chicken and wild rice on warm, rustic ceramic plates that capture the earthy tones of fall, creating a comforting dining experience.
• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss a fresh mixed green salad with dried cranberries and toasted pecans to complement the rich flavors of the chicken skillet and add a light, refreshing element.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied pinot noir or chardonnay that echoes the dish's warm, hearty notes and brings out the subtle smokiness of the chicken and mushrooms.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.

Best Storage Advice for Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Batch Prep Like a Pro: Chop sweet potatoes and measure spices in advance to cut cooking time by 15 minutes during busy weeknights.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken skillet in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping ingredients separate to maintain texture and prevent soggy mushrooms.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Portion remaining skillet into freezer-safe containers, which stay delicious for 2-3 weeks when properly sealed, allowing quick reheat for quick meals.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring tender chicken and vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet – Ingredients at a Glance

• Wild Rice: Hearty whole grain that adds nutty texture and nutritional boost, choose organic varieties for richer flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: Juicy protein source with deeper flavor compared to chicken breast, select bone-in for enhanced taste.

• Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant orange root vegetable packed with nutrients, select firm and smooth-skinned tubers without blemishes.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Meaty and substantial fungi that absorb flavors beautifully, pick fresh specimens with smooth, intact caps.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer that adds depth, choose firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouts.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that supports rich flavors, opt for extra virgin for best taste.
• Fresh Thyme: Delicate herb with earthy undertones, select bright green sprigs without wilting.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that elevates overall taste profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity, choose high-quality Spanish varieties.
• Italian Seasoning: Harmonious herb blend that introduces Mediterranean flair.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid foundation for building layers of savory flavor, homemade or low-sodium recommended.
• Butter: Creamy finishing element that rounds out dish's richness, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.

Tools and Utensils for Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking wild rice thoroughly and evenly.
• Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: Perfect for roasting sweet potatoes without sticking.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Creates amazing sear on chicken and builds delicious flavor base.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for slicing mushrooms and chicken accurately.
• Measuring Spoons: Help season chicken and ingredients precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in skillet.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Rustic Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty autumn harvest chicken skillet delivers comfort with seasonal ingredients and robust flavors. Rustic cast-iron cooking combines tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and warming spices for a satisfying meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken thighs, skinless, boneless
• 1 lb (454 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch dice (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 6 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tbsps butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 oz (85 g) portobello mushrooms, chopped (1 large)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsps fresh thyme, leaves only
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse wild rice thoroughly under cold water until clear, then simmer in a saucepan with water for 45-50 minutes until grains split and become tender.
2. Sweet Potato Roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F. Dice sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway for even caramelization.
3. Chicken Seasoning: Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and dried thyme.
4. Chicken Searing: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on first side, then flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4-5 more minutes.
5. Mushroom Sauté: Remove chicken and in the same skillet, sauté portobello mushrooms and garlic until golden and moisture evaporates.
6. Rice Integration: Add cooked wild rice to skillet with chicken stock and butter, stirring gently to combine and warm through.
7. Final Assembly: Incorporate roasted sweet potatoes into rice mixture, season to taste. Nestle seared chicken thighs back into skillet and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Clean wild rice meticulously to remove any potential debris or foreign particles, ensuring a pure and clean base for your dish.
• Monitor Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and guaranteeing food safety while maintaining juicy meat.
• Optimize Skillet Technique: Cast iron skillets provide superior heat retention and create an incredible golden-brown sear, developing deep, rich flavors during cooking.
• Herbaceous Finishing Touch: Fresh thyme leaves added at the end elevate the overall aroma and provide a bright, fresh contrast to the hearty, robust ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg