Description
The Harvest Chicken Skillet is a warm and hearty one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, and a vibrant mix of seasonal fall vegetables. This comforting and flavorful skillet offers a balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing dinners, combining easy-to-find ingredients with a depth of flavor from fresh herbs and natural seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Peel and chop the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, thinly slice the red onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside the smoked turkey bacon for cooking.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Chicken: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sear the chicken thighs in the bacon fat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside with the bacon to rest.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the butternut squash cubes, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until they start to soften and caramelize, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic towards the end of the cooking to avoid burning, stirring gently.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken and turkey bacon to the skillet. Splash in apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the entire dish. Stir gently and let simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for better browning and texture.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar gradually to balance the acidity to your taste.
- Allow the skillet to rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
- Always add fresh herbs like thyme towards the end to preserve their vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Harvest Chicken Skillet, fall recipe, one-pan meal, chicken thighs, seasonal vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, easy dinner, gluten free
