Name: One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 slices thick-cut bacon; 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 small sweet potatoes, cut into ¼-inch pieces; 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large); 1 small red apple (Fuji or Gala), diced; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ – ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped; ⅓ cup dried cranberries

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s easy to pull together and packed with autumn vibes, you’re going to love this One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this skillet brings sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, and tender chicken together—all in one pan, no fuss, and with bacon for that perfect savory crunch. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through my best tips to make it a family favorite just like mine!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Simplicity: No need for multiple pans or complicated steps, making dinner on busy nights a breeze.
Seasonal Flavors: Sweet potatoes, crisp Brussels sprouts, and fresh apples come together for an autumnal taste sensation.
Versatile and Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences.
Family-Friendly Comfort: The warm spices, tender chicken, and a touch of sweetness make this skillet a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

A large black pan filled with a colorful mix of cooked ingredients sits on a white marbled surface with a green cloth and fork on the left. The mix has three main layers: a base of cubed orange sweet potatoes, light yellow apple pieces, and halved green Brussels sprouts; a middle layer of beige chicken pieces and crispy, dark brown bacon bits; and a top layer of whole walnuts and dried dark red cranberries. A small sprig of fresh green thyme rests on top, and a wooden spoon leans inside the pan from the right side. Two glasses filled with dark red wine are placed nearby on the white marbled surface, with one glass partially reflected on a shiny black bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet, autumn chicken skillet, healthy one-pan chicken dinner, easy fall chicken recipes, cozy weeknight chicken meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. When I shop for these, I always look for firm Brussels sprouts and sweet, crisp apples like Fuji or Gala—they make a huge difference!

Flat lay of thick-cut bacon slices, diced small sweet potatoes, halved Brussels sprouts, diced red apple pieces, roughly chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, fresh green thyme sprigs, small brown onion diced, and garlic cloves, all beautifully arranged with warm autumn colors and natural textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet, autumn chicken skillet, healthy one-pan chicken dinner, easy fall chicken recipes, cozy weeknight chicken meal

Bacon: I use thick-cut bacon because it crisps up nicely and adds a smoky richness; you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
Small onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the savory and sweet components.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that warm, aromatic backdrop; don’t skip this!
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using chicken breasts keeps the dish lean, but thighs can work for more juiciness.
Sweet potatoes: Cut evenly so they cook through perfectly; their natural sweetness shines here.
Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved (quartered if large) so they soften up without turning mushy.
Ground cinnamon: Just a touch adds cozy warmth and brings out the best fall flavors.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Divided seasoning throughout layers the flavors nicely.
Nutmeg: Pairs with cinnamon and adds a gentle spice that’s hard to beat in fall dishes.
Small red apple (Fuji or Gala): Adds juicy sweetness and a crisp texture contrast.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Helps cook the veggies just right without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Walnuts: Roughly chopped for crunch and a nutty taste—you can swap pecans if you prefer.
Dried cranberries: For bursts of tart sweetness and a pop of color.
Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic finish; dried thyme works too if fresh isn’t available.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs, and you can too! This recipe truly invites personalization, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Switching Protein: I’ve swapped in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat, and sometimes I even toss in leftover rotisserie chicken at the end just to save time.
Bacon Alternatives: If you’re skipping bacon, adding a couple teaspoons of olive oil keeps things flavorful without losing richness.
Nuts Switch-Up: Pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds make fantastic nutty alternatives to walnuts for extra texture.
Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary adds a savory twist, especially wonderful if you like a more piney flavor instead of thyme.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon and boost the veggies with some hearty mushrooms and extra nuts for protein.

How to Make One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the bacon to crispy perfection

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and cooking the bacon until it’s golden and crispy, flipping as needed—about 10 minutes. While the bacon cooks, I prep the rest of the ingredients, which saves so much time. Leave the bacon grease in the pan—that’s liquid gold for building flavor later! Once done, crumble the bacon and set it aside for the grand finale topping.

Step 2: Sauté your aromatics

Add the diced onion to the hot bacon grease and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds—too long and it turns bitter, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Brown the chicken pieces

Push the onions and garlic to the side, add your chicken pieces, and season them with half the salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through—roughly 8 minutes. This step locks in flavor and makes the chicken juicy. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the veggies with warming spices

If your skillet looks dry after removing the chicken, splash in a bit of olive oil. Add the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cinnamon, nutmeg, plus the remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything around to coat and let the veggies brown slightly for 3-4 minutes—this adds beautiful caramelized flavor.

Step 5: Add apples and simmer until tender

Now stir in the diced apples and chicken broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes to let everything soften and the flavors meld—but keep an eye on it, adding extra broth as needed to prevent sticking or burning. I learned this trick the hard way the first time I made it, so don’t skip checking.

Step 6: Stir in finishing touches and serve

Once the veggies are tender, return the chicken to the skillet along with the walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh thyme. Give everything a good stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes—just until everything is warm and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve topped with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier, and watch how quickly everyone digs in!

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Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

Prep While Bacon Cooks: I always dice my veggies and chop nuts while the bacon crisps—saves time and keeps the flow going.
Even Cutting: Try to cut your sweet potatoes and apples into similar sizes so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Watch Your Broth: Adding the right amount is key; too little and the veggies stick, too much and it gets watery. Aim for a nice simmer under the lid.
Don’t Skip the Bacon Drippings: Trust me, cooking onions and chicken in the bacon grease layers flavor so well—you’ll notice the difference.

How to Serve One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or more chopped fresh thyme right before serving—it adds a crisp color pop and fresh aroma that brightens the dish. Of course, the crunchy crumbled bacon on top is a must for me; it elevates every bite!

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is hearty on its own, I like to pair it with something light like a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Occasionally, I’ll serve it alongside roasted carrots or a warm quinoa salad to add a wholesome grain component.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners or Sunday gatherings, I’ve served the skillet right in a rustic cast-iron skillet placed at the center of the table—it looks inviting and everyone can help themselves. I also like to top with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds in the winter for a festive sparkle and slightly tart bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once this skillet cools to room temperature, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Just be sure to store the bacon separately if you want it to stay crispy—adding it fresh at serving works wonders.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with decent results—just cool it completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When thawed, the texture of the Brussels sprouts softens a bit, but it still tastes delicious and comforting. Just keep in mind the bacon loses its crispness, so it’s best to add fresh bacon after reheating.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to warm evenly. Then, sprinkle on freshly crumbled bacon or even a handful of toasted nuts for that just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this skillet recipe and tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially if you prefer darker meat. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the vegetables.
What if I don’t eat bacon—can I skip it?

You can skip the bacon without losing the dish’s hearty charm. I suggest adding a couple teaspoons of good-quality olive oil instead to give the onions and chicken a nice base flavor. If you want smoky notes, smoked paprika sprinkled in during the cooking can help mimic that richness.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces about ¼-inch thick so they cook through but still retain some firmness. Also, keeping an eye on the broth amount and cooking time ensures they don’t overcook—stir occasionally and test with a fork for tenderness.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes! If you’re using dried thyme, stir it in along with the cinnamon and nutmeg when cooking the vegetables. You’ll want about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, which is more concentrated than fresh. It still adds that lovely herbal note.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe holds up very well for meal prep. Just portion it into containers and refrigerate. Reheat as needed, and add fresh garnishes right before eating to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this One-Pot Easy Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe is everything you want in a wholesome, comforting autumn dinner—simple to make, bursting with layered flavors, and perfectly cozy. It’s become a go-to when I want that just-right balance of sweet, savory, and hearty without needing a dozen pots to clean afterward. I hope you give it a try soon and it earns a spot in your family’s weekly rotation, just like it did in mine!