Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts is one of the most popular recipes on my site, and it’s not hard to see why. It will satisfy your taste buds in the best way, fulfill your desire for a nutritious meal, and leave you with only one skillet to clean up afterward.
The original version of harvest chicken skillet with sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and sautéed apples first appeared in my recipe archives nearly 10 years ago (!!), when I was still snapping haphazard recipe photos with my non-smartphone.
Fast forward to today, and this harvest chicken recipe is still one of my (and your) favorites!
- In addition to being an undeniably simple one-pan recipe, it’s also incredibly cozy and delicious.
- The fall-inspired flavors will wrap you in a hug so comforting, you’ll want to keep going back for more.
- From the creaminess of the sweet potatoes to the savoriness of the bacon to the sweetness of the apples, this easy skillet meal truly has it all.
- Plus, you have the added bonus of easy cleanup (SCORE!).
- It’s also Paleo and Whole30 approved, so if you are following either diet, you can enjoy it too.
With this chicken sweet potato Brussels sprouts skillet, you can sneak oodles of veggies, lean protein, and fruit into one single meal.
That’s my kind of multitasking!
5 Star Review
“My family has made this recipe every fall for 4 years now. It has SO much flavor and is perfect for leftovers! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.”
— Rory —
How to Make Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
This harvest chicken breast skillet recipe features all of my favorite fall ingredients—sweet potatoes, apples, Brussels sprouts, and a touch of cinnamon—along with one of my favorite year-round ingredients, BACON.
I love that it’s made in a single pan, is healthy and filling, and reheats well too (just like this Sweet Potato Pasta).
Pssst. If you’re a fellow lover of bacon and Brussels sprouts, give these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts a try.
The Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts. A source of lean protein with mild flavor, chicken breasts are a healthy and versatile ingredient. I love how well they pair with the bacon and veggies.
- Bacon. This bacon harvest chicken skillet wouldn’t be complete without the pieces of salty, crispy thick-cut bacon.
- Brussels Sprouts. Sautéed Brussels sprouts are just as yummy as roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic. In the pan, they become caramelized on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Sweet Potato. One of my go-to fall veggies. They’re naturally sweet and packed with vitamins.
- Granny Smith Apples. Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because they will hold up during the cooking process. Their crisp texture and tart flavor are ideal complements to the more creamy, savory elements in this dish.
- Fresh Thyme. For a touch of fresh, savory herb flavor.
- Cinnamon. The secret cozy ingredient that makes this dish extra comforting. It’s especially delicious with the sweet potatoes.
The Directions
- Brown the chicken. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate. Cook the bacon, then remove it to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove most of the bacon drippings from the pan.
- Saute the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and onion in the bacon drippings.
- Stir in the apples, garlic, thyme, and cinnamon. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, then return the chicken to the skillet with the remaining broth. Cook for a few minutes. Stir in the bacon and ENJOY!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. The bacon will soften a little, but it will still be yummy.
- To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep it from drying out.
Meal Prep Tip
Up to 1 day in advance, cut the chicken into cubes and chop the veggies. Refrigerate each in a separate airtight storage container.
Leftover Ideas
Enjoy leftovers from this chicken skillet over a bed of spaghetti squash (use my easy Crockpot Spaghetti Squash or Roasted Spaghetti Squash method) or farro (just like in my Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad). To turn leftovers into a hearty harvest chicken salad, toss them with some spinach.
What to Serve with Harvest Chicken Skillet
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Cast Iron Skillet. A must-have kitchen tool! This is another excellent, more budget-friendly option.
- Non-Slip Cutting Board. This cutting board will stay put while you chop.
- Vegetable Peeler. Makes light work of peeling potatoes, carrots, apples, and more.
The Best Cast Iron Skillet
This beautiful cast iron skillet will last you a lifetime! It’s ideal for making skillet recipes like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Granny Smith apples are wonderful in this recipe because they hold up well during cooking and have great flavor. However, I think you could use any firm, crisp variety of red apples with good results.
The cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth and coziness to the dish, but you can omit it if you prefer.
For a swap with a similar flavor profile, try using cabbage. I think you could also substitute the Brussels sprouts for broccoli florets (I’d recommend adding the florets in with the apples).
Harvest Chicken Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts trimmed and quartered (about 3/4 pound)
- 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 8 ounces)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth divided
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium high, until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate lined with paper towels.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium low. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp and brown and the fat has rendered, about 8 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate (I simply laid another paper towel on top of the plate with the chicken, then stacked the bacon on that). Discard all but 1 1/2 tablespoons bacon drippings from the pan.
- Increase skillet heat back to medium high. Add Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, onion, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender and the onions are beginning to look translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the apples, garlic, thyme, and cinnamon. Cook 30 seconds, then pour in 1/2 cup of the broth. Bring to a boil and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the reserved chicken and remaining 1/2 cup broth. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. The bacon will soften a little, but it will still be yummy.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition
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I just made this for the first time, and I love it! The flavors meld so well. I’ll definitely be making it again!
Hi Lisa! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
It says to put onions, sweet potato, and brussels in at once….NO!
You put onions in last as they cook faster…learned this the hard way
Sorry to hear that you had trouble with the recipe, E. The amounts and timing have worked well for myself (and others) so I wished it would have been a hit for you too! I know it can be so disappointing to try a new recipe and it does not turn out for you.
Hi there, was just wondering if there was another veggie that I could substitute for the brusel sprouts? This looks amazing but my house isn’t a fan of them.
Hi Jodie! I actually covered this in the post. For a swap with a similar flavor profile, try using cabbage. I think you could also substitute the Brussels sprouts for broccoli florets (I’d recommend adding the florets in with the apples). Hope this helps!
I want to roast the sweet potatoes? How would that change the recipe? Should I omit half of the chicken broth?
Hi Nabila! I’ve only tested the recipe as is so it would be hard for me to say exactly how to change the recipe. Maybe stir the sweet potatoes at the end? I’d probably keep the same amount. If you decide to experiment I’d love to know how it goes.
I just made this and I’m standing at the stove sneaking bites in before I plate it up for my family. It smells amazing and tastes just as good as it smells! I love this combination of flavors – fall in a skillet!
Definitely something we all do! ;) Thank you Emily!
Delicious recipe! I added a dash of bourbon to deglaze the pan and a little nutmeg and a little maple syrup at the end.
Made this tonight and teenage son approved even though I forgot to add the bacon drippings back in.
So happy to hear! Thank you Kerrie!
Love this one. I have made this several times now. I usually add a bit of regular potato as well as the sweet potato.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review, Suz!