Description

The Harvest Chicken Skillet is a savory, colorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, and crisp fall vegetables simmered with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it combines comforting textures and rich flavors while celebrating seasonal produce in an easy-to-make, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
4 slices smoky turkey bacon, diced

Vegetables

1 cup diced butternut squash
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup halved Brussels sprouts
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Spices

1 teaspoon paprika (natural)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Liquids and Oil

2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 cup chicken broth (natural)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (Optional)

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, dice the smoky turkey bacon, and chop all vegetables into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Mince the garlic and roughly chop the onion to create the aromatic base.
Cook Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced turkey bacon and sauté until crispy and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered smoky fat in the skillet for further cooking.
Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the turkey bacon fat. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6 minutes, to lock in juices and develop flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Stir frequently as the vegetables soften and their colors brighten, approximately 7 minutes.
Add Flavors and Broth: Sprinkle paprika, thyme, and chili flakes over the skillet. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and pour in the chicken broth (natural). Mix well, scraping the pan bottom to incorporate all the flavorful bits.
Simmer and Combine: Return the crisped turkey bacon to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. The broth will reduce slightly, coating the ingredients.
Final Touches: Give the skillet a final stir, check seasoning, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright fresh finish before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure proper browning instead of steaming.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain heat and achieve a good sear.
Use fresh seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
Cook bacon first to render smoky fat that builds deep layers of flavor.
Let the skillet rest covered off heat for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: harvest chicken skillet, one-pan chicken recipe, turkey bacon skillet, fall vegetable chicken, quick dinner, gluten free chicken skillet