Autumn Chicken Dinner

Introduction

When the air turns crisp and leaves start to tumble, an Autumn Chicken Dinner becomes the ultimate comfort meal. Brimming with hearty flavors—roasted chicken, seasonal vegetables, and warming herbs—this dish captures the essence of fall on a single plate. Not only is it a satisfying and flavorful crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup easy and dinner stress-free.

Why This Autumn Chicken Dinner is a Seasonal Favorite

This recipe brings together succulent, golden-roasted chicken thighs with tender root vegetables and apples, all tossed in aromatic herbs. The melding of sweet, savory, and earthy notes means each forkful delivers cozy autumnal flavor. Its simplicity and rustic presentation make it perfect for casual weeknights and special fall gatherings alike.

Harvest-Inspired Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

The secret to a memorable Autumn Chicken Dinner lies in using fresh, in-season produce. Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, crisp apples, and wedges of red onion soak up the herby chicken juices, creating an irresistible medley. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sage, thyme, and rosemary complete the dish, imparting richness and depth.

How to Prep and Assemble Your Autumn Chicken Dinner

Begin by patting your chicken dry—this ensures beautifully crisp skin. Arrange the chicken thighs on a sheet pan, then surround them with an assortment of chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and onion. Sprinkle with herbs, drizzle with olive oil, and toss everything gently to coat. Roast until the chicken is golden and the veggies are meltingly tender.

Serving Suggestions for Your Autumn Chicken Feast

Serve this dish straight from the pan for a rustic table presentation. Pair with a fresh green salad, warm dinner rolls, or a spoonful of cranberry sauce for vibrant contrast. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a few toasted walnuts before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each serving averages around 400–500 calories, depending on the specific vegetables used and their quantities. It’s high in protein and packed with nutrients from the variety of seasonal produce—a wholesome and satisfying meal for any fall evening.

Autumn Chicken Dinner (Recap)

Succulent, herby chicken pairs with caramelized autumn vegetables and apples in this oven-roasted one-pan supper. Balanced with sweet, savory, and earthy notes, it’s an easy yet special meal that makes the most of fall’s bounty.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—a time-saver for busy fall grocery trips and seamless weeknight meal prep.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them on the baking sheet and rub both sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine carrots, sweet potato, onion, apples, and garlic. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, and sage; toss well.
4. Arrange the vegetables and apples around the chicken thighs on the sheet pan, spreading them in a single layer for even roasting.
5. Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), and the vegetables are tender. Stir veggies once halfway through for even browning.
6. Optional: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the pan during the last 5 minutes of roasting for added crunch. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe fits beautifully into a weekly meal planning routine. Save and schedule this recipe to automate your grocery shopping: CookifyAI combines ingredients across all your planned meals and sorts your list by store section.

Planning Benefits:

• Effortlessly calculates total ingredient quantities needed for your week
• Keeps your shopping list streamlined and avoids repeat purchases
• Highlights overlapping ingredients to minimize food waste
• Simplifies weekly prep for smoother, stress-free dinners

Pro tip: When meal planning for busy autumn weeks, schedule this recipe alongside soups and salads featuring shared seasonal ingredients for maximum efficiency.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes