Autumn Chicken Dinner

Introduction

Capture the cozy spirit of fall with this Autumn Chicken Dinner, a recipe designed to celebrate the hearty flavors and comforting aromas of the season. Tender roasted chicken mingles with sweet root vegetables and earthy herbs, all coming together in a single pan for a meal that’s as easy to prep as it is satisfying to eat. When cooler weather calls for wholesome, warming dishes, this recipe rises to the occasion—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Chicken Dinner

What makes this autumn meal a repeat favorite is its incredible blend of savory and sweet. Juicy bone-in chicken infuses flavor into butternut squash, apples, and carrots as they roast together in a fragrant mix of rosemary and thyme. The natural caramelization of the vegetables and fruit adds depth, while the entire dinner bakes up golden and irresistible—all in just one dish, ensuring minimal clean-up.

Creating the Perfect Fall Flavor Base

Begin by selecting bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for rich flavor and moist texture. As you toss the chicken and chopped vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, and a dash of apple cider vinegar, the flavors meld and intensify in the oven. The secret lies in letting everything roast undisturbed until the chicken is golden and the vegetables are tender, letting each ingredient shine.

Assembling and Finishing Your Autumn Chicken Dinner

Layer the vegetables (butternut squash, carrots, red onion, apples) in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces among them, so the juices can seep into the veggies as they cook. Scatter fresh or dried rosemary and thyme over the top before roasting. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic fall presentation—no need for elaborate plating when the colors and aromas speak for themselves!

Serving Suggestions for Your Autumn Chicken Dinner

Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Round out the meal with a warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad of mixed greens. This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course for four, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 and provides approximately 350–400 calories per serving, depending on the size of your chicken portions and the specific vegetables used. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and autumnal antioxidants—a balanced way to enjoy the best of the season.

Autumn Chicken Dinner (Recap)

With crispy-skinned chicken, caramelized root veggies, and a hint of sweet apple, this meal is as pleasing to the senses as it is to your appetite. One pan, peak fall produce, and minimal effort—true comfort food for autumn evenings.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the butternut squash, carrots, apple slices, and red onion in a single layer in the prepared dish.
4. Drizzle half the maple-oil mixture over the vegetables and toss to combine.
5. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken pieces among the vegetables and brush with the remaining maple-oil mixture.
6. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and vegetables are tender and caramelized. If desired, broil the last 2–3 minutes for a crispier chicken skin.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon, and serve warm.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Autumn Chicken Dinner is a fantastic anchor for your weekly meal plan—just prep, roast, and enjoy leftovers for lunches or quick dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to fit it into your week and instantly generate a smart, consolidated shopping list that works for all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient needs across multiple recipes so you buy the right amount
– Organizes items by grocery store section for speedier shopping
– Combines common ingredients—avoiding duplicate buys and food waste
– Simplifies meal timing, so prepping and cooking is more manageable

Pro tip: When you’re planning several dishes, schedule each recipe to seamlessly sync your ingredient quantities and prep timeline.

Cook and Prep Times

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