Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe: Fall Flavors in One Pan
A cozy one-pan fall dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory-sweet blend of apple cider, onions, and fresh thyme. Perfect for chilly evenings and full of comforting autumn flavor.
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
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the apple slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the thyme, return the chicken to the skillet, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice, spooning the sauce over the top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce.
- Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best balance of flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for meal prep or family dinners.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.