Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs add juiciness and hold up beautifully in the simmer. Just adjust cook time slightly if they’re bone-in.

Can I substitute the apple cider?

Yep! Mix ¾ cup apple juice with 2 tbsp maple syrup. It’s not quite the same, but it’s still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

You can , but the apples might lose texture. If that doesn’t bother you, go for it!

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet: 30-Min Magic Meal

Description

This cozy Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet is a one-pan fall dinner packed with juicy chicken breasts, sweet apples, caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and a rich apple cider sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or seasonal entertaining!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), sliced
1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms for added earthines

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Instructions

Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet (not cooked through yet).
Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add onions and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and caramelized.
Add apples and mushrooms: Stir in apple slices and optional mushrooms. Sauté 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Deglaze: Pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Simmer: Stir in thyme. Nestle the chicken back in. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve hot. Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or wild rice.

Notes

Swap in boneless thighs for a juicier result.
No apple cider? Use ¾ cup apple juice + 2 tbsp maple syrup.

Use veggie broth for a pescatarian-friendly version.
Don’t skip deglazing the pan—it adds depth to the sauce.
Fresh thyme adds the best flavor, but rosemary or sage are great seasonal swaps.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + sauce
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 460 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg