Autumn Harvest Chicken: The One-Pan Wonder

As the leaves turn amber and the air gets a crisp edge, I find myself craving dishes that mirror the season’s rustic charm. This One-Pan Fall Chicken Dinner captures that cozy, hearty spirit with minimal fuss. Imagine the smell of roasting herbs, sweet squash, and tender chicken filling your kitchen, creating an inviting scene.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and warmth. It embraces the chaos of busy fall days while delivering a meal that tastes like it simmered slowly all afternoon. Plus, everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup feel like a small victory after a fulfilling meal.

One-Pan Fall Chicken Dinner

This rustic dish involves roasting bone-in chicken pieces alongside seasonal vegetables like squash and root vegetables. The ingredients are cooked together in a single pan, developing crispy skin and tender, flavorful vegetables with a comforting aroma. The final result is a hearty, golden-brown chicken meal with a variety of soft and caramelized accompaniments.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks skin-on preferred
• 1 pound squash or butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots large carrots peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling and tossing
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
• to taste salt and pepper
• 3 cloves garlic cloves minced

Equipment

• Large oven-proof skillet or roasting pan
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed squash and sliced carrots with half of the olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the vegetables in a single layer in the skillet or roasting pan.
2. Rub the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt, pepper, and some of the remaining olive oil. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the pan. Sprinkle minced garlic over everything for added flavor.
3. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the pan juices for extra flavor.
4. Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. The vegetables should be golden and soft, with some edges slightly caramelized, and the chicken should have crispy skin and juicy meat.

Notes

Feel free to customize with other seasonal vegetables or herbs. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.

This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want comfort food without the hassle. The blend of seasonal flavors lends a festive touch, making it ideal for casual family dinners or a weekend gathering. It’s a reminder that good food can be quick, comforting, and beautifully seasonal.

With its rich aromas and satisfying textures, this one-pan wonder calls for a slow sip of cider or a warm mug of tea. It’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty and a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things—like a simple, well-cooked meal shared around the table.