Easy One-Pan Harvest Chicken: The Best Fall Recipe for Busy Night

Welcome to the coziest time of year, where comforting meals are a must. As the autumn season unfolds, embracing simple weeknight cooking becomes a game-changer for busy families. Discover our ultimate fall recipe today: the Easy One-Pan Harvest Chicken. This dish offers minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor, making it the perfect solution for those hectic fall evenings. Get ready to simplify your dinner routine with this delightful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Fall Recipe

You’ll adore this sheet pan wonder for so many reasons! It’s a deliciously quick weeknight solution, perfect when time is short. This meal is hearty, satisfying, and absolutely bursting with the vibrant flavors of the season. Everything cooks conveniently on one single sheet pan, which means cleanup is a breeze. It truly showcases seasonal fall recipes and produce perfectly, making it a fantastic choice for healthy meal prep throughout the week.

• Quick & Convenient: Dinner is ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
• Flavorful & Hearty: A comforting blend of savory chicken and sweet, earthy vegetables.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup.
• Seasonal Appeal: Highlights the best produce autumn has to offer.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Excellent for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this wonderful meal. You’ll need a mix of protein, fresh produce, and aromatic spices to bring the harvest flavors to life. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, using readily available items you might already have on hand. It’s truly one of those comforting fall recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite.

• Chicken: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Butternut squash: 3 cups, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces.
• Brussels sprouts: 1 lb, halved or quartered.
• Red onion: 1 large, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces.
• Apple: 1 large, firm, sweet-tart (e.g., Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons, good quality for roasting.
• Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons, pure, for subtle sweetness.
• Fresh rosemary: 1 tablespoon, chopped finely.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon, for earthy notes.
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon, adds depth.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Protein: Feel free to swap the chicken for pre-cooked chicken sausage, pork tenderloin, or even a firm white fish.
• Vegetables: Instead of butternut squash, use sweet potatoes, roasted glazed carrots, or parsnips. All roast beautifully.
• Fruit: Pears work wonderfully in place of apples, adding a similar sweet-tart note.
• Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup to your liking, or use honey for a slightly different flavor.
• Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Herbs: Fresh sage or a dried Italian herb blend can be used if fresh rosemary isn’t available.

Equipment

This one-pan meal truly lives up to its name, requiring just a few basic kitchen tools. You’ll appreciate how little equipment you need for such a flavorful dinner. This simple setup makes preparing some of the best fall recipes an absolute breeze.

• Large rimmed baking sheet (or two, if needed for crowding).
• Sharp chef’s knife.
• Cutting board.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring spoons and cups.

Instructions

Creating this delicious harvest chicken is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal that embodies the best fall recipes. Remember, uniform cuts are key to even cooking.

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Chop Ingredients: Cut the chicken into even 1-inch pieces. Chop all the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and apple uniformly into similar 1-inch pieces. Consistency ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
3. Combine & Season: Place the cut chicken, squash, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and apple into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss Thoroughly: Use your hands or a large spoon to toss all the ingredients together. Ensure everything is thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings.
5. Spread on Sheet: Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, use a second sheet pan to ensure even roasting and crispiness.
6. Initial Roast: Roast for 20 minutes. The vegetables will begin to soften, and the chicken will start to cook.
7. Flip & Continue: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Use a spatula to flip and stir the ingredients. Return the pan to the oven.
8. Final Roast: Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
9. Garnish & Serve: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish with a little extra fresh rosemary or parsley, if desired, before serving immediately. Enjoy your fantastic meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving a perfect sheet pan meal is easy with these simple tips. Avoid common pitfalls and enhance your cooking experience with these expert suggestions.

• Avoid Crowding: Overcrowding the pan steams ingredients instead of roasting them. If your pan looks too full, use two baking sheets.
• Even Cooking: Always cut your chicken, vegetables, and apples into consistently sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
• Crispy Skin (Optional): If using bone-in, skin-on chicken, roast skin-side up initially for extra crispiness.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out quickly. Check its internal temperature early, especially if using breasts.
• Flavor Boost: A splash of apple cider added during the last 5 minutes of roasting can add a lovely tang.
• Herb Freshness: Add delicate fresh herbs like parsley or chives after roasting for vibrant flavor and color.
• Make Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables and apples the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile harvest chicken is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. It’s a truly flexible dish.

• Serve with: Pair your one-pan meal with a fluffy bed of quinoa, wild rice, or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Side dish: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a perfect meal prep option.
• Reheating: Gently warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating.
• Variations:
  • Spicy: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
  • Mediterranean: Introduce a new flavor profile with lemon zest, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese after roasting.
  • Hearty: For an even more substantial meal, toss in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free; just ensure no butter is used if substituting chicken broth in any step.

Nutrition

This One-Pan Harvest Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal that provides essential nutrients your body needs, making it one of the healthiest fall recipes.

It’s an excellent source of lean protein from the chicken, crucial for muscle repair and growth. The butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and apples are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and overall well-being. Eating seasonal produce, like the fruits and vegetables found in this recipe, can lead to higher nutrient content because they are harvested at their prime. This naturally gluten-free dish is easily customizable for specific dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy its goodness.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories	420
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	7g
Total Sugars	18g
Protein	30g
Vitamin A	200% DV
Vitamin C	60% DV
Iron	15% DV
Potassium	20% DV

FAQ

Got questions about this easy fall recipe? We’ve got answers to help you cook with confidence!

• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can! Just be aware that frozen vegetables might release more water, so adjust roasting time and ensure they are spread in a single layer.
• How can I make it spicier? To add more heat, increase the amount of smoked paprika or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
• Can I use bone-in chicken? Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work wonderfully. Just increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes and ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
• Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, it is! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep as it reheats well and provides balanced nutrition for healthy lunches throughout the week.
• What are other easy fall recipes? Explore other cozy dinners like hearty chilis, creamy pumpkin pasta, or slow cooker stews for more autumn inspiration.

Conclusion

Embrace the comforting and delicious flavors of fall with this incredibly simple One-Pan Harvest Chicken. This easy fall recipe is designed to simplify your weeknights, offering a mouthwatering, wholesome meal with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy parents, cooking beginners, and anyone looking for a satisfying dinner solution. Gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and delight your family with this fantastic autumn dish. Happy cooking this wonderful season!