Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Apples

A warm and comforting one-skillet meal combining savory boneless chicken thighs with roasted sweet potatoes and crisp apples, infused with fresh thyme and gentle seasonings. Perfect for cozy fall dinners, this balanced dish offers a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors with minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, patted dry

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into chunks
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Oils and Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional for added sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Core and slice the apples into similar-sized chunks. Peel and thinly slice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly to achieve a good sear.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down if skin-on, and cook undisturbed until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables and Apples: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown, roughly 10 minutes. Add the apple chunks last and cook for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly without becoming mushy.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the sweet potatoes and apples. Sprinkle fresh thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the entire dish. Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top if using. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook together for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors have melded.
  5. Final Touches: Remove the lid and increase heat slightly to allow excess moisture to evaporate and form a light glaze. Stir gently to coat the chicken and vegetables in the pan juices. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before searing to develop a caramelized crust.
  • Cut sweet potatoes and apples uniformly for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
  • Fresh thyme enhances flavor more than dried, but both are usable.
  • Adjust or omit maple syrup or honey based on preferred sweetness level.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: harvest chicken skillet, sweet potatoes, apples, autumn recipe, one-pan meal, gluten free, fall dinner