Description
Warm up your evenings with a flavorful Harvest Chicken Skillet made with smoked turkey bacon and vibrant seasonal vegetables for an easy and cozy dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, autumn-inspired produce, and comforting spices in one pan to create a satisfying meal perfect for family nights or relaxed weeknight treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cube the butternut squash, halve the Brussels sprouts, and thinly slice the red onion. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh thyme. Cut the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and pat the chicken thighs dry for a good sear.
- Cook the Bacon and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until crisp but not burnt. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash cubes. Stir occasionally, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and caramelize. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme during the last minute to release their aromas.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken and smoked turkey bacon to the skillet on top of the vegetables. Pour in apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the lid, increase the heat slightly to evaporate any excess liquid if necessary. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or fresh thyme. Serve the Harvest Chicken Skillet hot, enjoying the melded flavors.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow vegetables to caramelize instead of steam.
- Use fresh thyme to brighten the dish and add a cozy harvest flavor.
- Add apple cider vinegar (natural) gradually, as a little goes a long way toward balancing flavors.
- Allow the skillet to rest covered for a few minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Harvest Chicken Skillet, smoked turkey bacon, autumn vegetables, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight recipe, gluten free