Fall is a season of rich flavors, cozy vibes, and comfort food. When it comes to fall recipes, chicken is a go-to protein that pairs wonderfully with the season’s heartwarming flavors like apples, cinnamon, and roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for delicious chicken dishes to try this season, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 11 flavorful fall chicken recipes to try that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with joy.
1. Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Apple cider isn’t just for sipping on chilly evenings; it makes an incredible glaze for chicken, too. This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for fall because it brings together the tangy sweetness of apple cider with savory herbs and spices.
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme. For the glaze, simmer apple cider, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and savory that caramelizes beautifully on the skin of the chicken. Serve this dish with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling meal that screams fall!
2. Butternut Squash Chicken Skillet
When you think of fall, butternut squash is often one of the first ingredients that comes to mind. Its naturally sweet and nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with chicken, making it the perfect fall ingredient.
In this recipe, butternut squash is roasted to golden perfection, then combined with pan-seared chicken breasts. Add in some fresh sage, garlic, and a touch of olive oil for an easy but flavor-packed dish. The caramelized squash and crispy chicken breast make this skillet meal both comforting and satisfying. It’s a wonderful option for a weeknight dinner, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!
3. Pumpkin Spice Chicken Breast
If you love pumpkin-flavored dishes, this Pumpkin Spice Chicken Breast recipe is sure to become a new favorite. While many fall recipes focus on pumpkin in pies or soups, this one uses it to create a subtly sweet and savory marinade for chicken.
Mix pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little honey together to make the marinade. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour to absorb all the flavors. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for a crispy, flavorful outer layer. The pumpkin spice adds a cozy, fall-inspired twist that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
4. Crispy Baked Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries
What’s better than crispy chicken and sweet potato fries on a cool fall evening? This recipe takes the classic combo and elevates it with a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken and perfectly roasted fries that get nice and crisp.
Start by coating chicken breasts in breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika, then bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve them with a side of homemade sweet potato fries, tossed in olive oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. The slight sweetness of the fries complements the savory crunch of the chicken, making this dish an absolute winner for fall nights.
5. Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew
As the weather gets cooler, a hearty stew is the perfect dish to warm up. This Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew is packed with fall flavors from root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
Start by sautéing chicken pieces in a large pot until browned, then add chopped root vegetables, garlic, onions, and chicken broth. Let it all simmer for about an hour until the flavors meld together, and the chicken becomes tender. Add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor. This stew is incredibly comforting, and it’s a great make-ahead meal that you can enjoy all week.
6. Cranberry Chicken Bake
Cranberries are another quintessential fall ingredient, often found in sauces and baked goods, but they also shine in savory dishes like this Cranberry Chicken Bake. The sweetness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic, then top them with fresh or dried cranberries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Bake the chicken in the oven until the skin is crispy and the berries have burst, creating a beautiful sauce. This dish is a great holiday-inspired meal but simple enough to make on a weeknight!
7. Fall Harvest Chicken Salad
For a lighter fall option, this Fall Harvest Chicken Salad brings together the best flavors of the season in a crisp, refreshing salad. The combination of juicy chicken breast, roasted butternut squash, apples, and candied pecans creates a symphony of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
Toss everything together with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This salad is a perfect balance of nutrients and flavors, making it an ideal dish for lunch or dinner. It’s light yet filling, and you’ll love the contrast of flavors in every bite.
8. Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
The sweet and tangy combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard creates the ultimate glaze for chicken thighs. These Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare, but the flavors are anything but ordinary.
Mix maple syrup with Dijon mustard, garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Coat the chicken thighs in the glaze and bake them until they’re golden and caramelized. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a savory-sweet crust. Serve these chicken thighs alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or mashed sweet potatoes for a complete fall meal.
9. Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples
If you’re looking for a hearty, balanced meal that highlights the best of fall produce, this Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples recipe is a great choice. The roasted Brussels sprouts bring a deep, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of apples.
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs, then roast it alongside Brussels sprouts and sliced apples. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, while the Brussels sprouts and apples caramelize beautifully in the oven. The result is a one-pan meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
10. Garlic Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
This Garlic Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Potatoes is a classic fall recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The garlic and herb seasoning on the chicken adds incredible flavor, and the roasted vegetables provide a comforting, filling side.
Season chicken thighs with a blend of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and olive oil, then roast them in the oven alongside carrots and potatoes. The chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside, and the vegetables cook to perfection. It’s the ultimate fall comfort food that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
11. Spicy Honey Lime Chicken
For a little heat with your fall flavors, this Spicy Honey Lime Chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. The balance of spicy and sweet makes this dish perfect for those who like a little kick in their meals.
Mix honey, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to create a marinade. Coat the chicken breasts or thighs in the marinade and let them sit for a bit to absorb the flavors. Grill or pan-sear the chicken, and the result is a juicy, flavorful dish that packs a punch. Serve it with a side of sautéed greens or rice for a complete meal.
These 11 flavorful fall chicken recipes are perfect for bringing the season’s flavors into your home. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and savory like the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, or something hearty like the Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew, there’s a dish here for everyone. Enjoy the comfort of fall with these easy-to-make chicken meals that are full of warmth, flavor, and seasonal goodness. Happy cooking!