Fall Harvest Balsamic Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, colorful, and packed with vibrant fall flavors, this Fall Harvest Balsamic Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly your jam. I absolutely love how the sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar blends with crisp apples, earthy Brussels sprouts, and roasted butternut squash — it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it all cooks up so quickly in one skillet, making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to autumn meal!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but harmonize beautifully to deliver that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. When picking your produce, look for firm Brussels sprouts and a crisp apple to keep the textures vibrant after cooking.

• Bacon: Adds smoky richness, and don’t skip saving some of that rendered bacon fat for cooking the chicken—it’s flavor gold.
• Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly in the skillet.
• Olive or avocado oil: Use avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point, but any good-quality oil works.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Butternut squash: A fall staple that becomes tender and lightly caramelized.
• Brussels sprouts: Halved for faster cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Apple: I prefer a slightly tart variety like Granny Smith to balance the sweet elements.
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors — be sure to season thoughtfully.
• Balsamic vinegar: The key ingredient that brings tang and a bit of sweetness, creating that irresistible glaze.
• Pecans: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness.
• Pomegranate arils: They burst with juicy brightness that livens up every bite.
• Fresh thyme: For garnish and a subtle herbal note that ties everything together.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. Don’t hesitate to swap out veggies or nuts—you’ll find it just as delightful!

• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and bacon; roast extra butternut squash and add chickpeas for protein. I tried this for a friend visiting who’s vegetarian, and even the meat-eaters loved it!
• Nut-Free: Simply omit the pecans or swap for roasted pumpkin seeds if you want that crunch without nuts.
• Seasonal Swaps: Try adding sweet potatoes or cranberries if butternut squash or pomegranate aren’t available; you’ll still capture that comforting fall vibe.

How to Make Fall Harvest Balsamic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon to Build Flavor

Start by heating your skillet over medium to medium-high heat and adding your bacon slices. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on paper towels to drain, but don’t toss out all that bacon fat—you’ll want to leave about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan to cook your chicken. That bacon fat is where the magic begins to build layers of flavor, so keep the heat on and get ready for the next step.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Pieces

Toss in your cubed chicken breast and cook for around 5-7 minutes, turning frequently so each piece gets some golden color on all sides. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t completely cooked through here; it will finish cooking during the next step when combined with the veggies. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies Until Tender and Slightly Crisp

Remove the chicken and bacon, then add your olive or avocado oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onion, butternut squash, and halved Brussels sprouts. Cook these for 5-7 minutes, letting them brown on the edges and develop that irresistible caramelized flavor. This step is crucial because it brings out the natural sweetness in your veggies and adds a touch of crispness you’ll love.

Step 4: Combine, Glaze, and Finish Cooking

Add your diced apples, the partially cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon back to the pan. Give everything a good toss so all those ingredients mingle. Sprinkle the sea salt and pour in the balsamic vinegar, letting the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes so the balsamic reduces slightly, coating everything in a gorgeous tangy glaze. This finish brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pecans and pomegranate arils—these add that perfect pop of crunch and juicy sweetness right at the end. Garnish with fresh thyme to give a subtle herbaceous lift. Give the whole dish a final toss, taste, and add any more salt if needed. Serve immediately for the best flavors.

How to Serve Fall Harvest Balsamic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh thyme for garnish here—it adds just the right herbal aroma. Sometimes I sprinkle on extra pecans or even a little crumbled goat cheese for creaminess. These little touches make the dish feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the balsamic glaze or a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are also fantastic if you want extra comfort food vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to plate this in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table, garnished with extra pomegranate arils and fresh herbs—it looks gorgeous and makes everyone feel cozy. I’ve also served it over a bowl of fluffy quinoa for a beautiful, colorful presentation that’s both filling and nutritious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftovers straight into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for 3-4 days. When you reheat, the flavors have had time to really meld, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely too. Just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just keep in mind that the pomegranate arils are best added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating this dish on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and bring back moisture. The chicken stays tender, and the veggies don’t get soggy. Add those pomegranate arils right before serving to keep their freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fall Harvest Balsamic Chicken Skillet Recipe really holds a special place in my heart because it captures the essence of fall in such an easy, approachable way. It’s the kind of meal I’m excited to make over and over — it fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and draws everyone to the table hungry and smiling. Give it a try soon; I promise you’ll love how this skilfull mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors turns out. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious, and this recipe proves that beautifully.

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