10 Healthy Fall Chicken Dinner Recipes for Cozy & Nutritious Nights
When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall nothing beats a warm nourishing chicken dinner. Packed with seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients these 10 healthy fall chicken dinner recipes will keep you satisfied while supporting your wellness goals. From hearty one-pan meals to slow-cooked comfort dishes each recipe is designed to be easy flavorful and nutrient-dense.
Let’s dive into these delicious autumn-inspired meals that will make weeknight dinners a breeze!
1. Maple-Glazed Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Sweet savory and packed with fall flavors this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes cubed
- 1 red onion sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl toss sweet potatoes and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika cinnamon salt and pepper.
- Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Place chicken on the baking sheet with veggies. Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
Pro Tip: *For extra crispiness broil for the last 2-3 minutes.*
2. Creamy Butternut Squash & Chicken Skillet
A rich velvety dish that’s secretly healthy!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts cubed
- 2 cups butternut squash diced
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup coconut milk (or Greek yogurt for tang)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned (5-6 min). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet sauté butternut squash until slightly soft (8-10 min).
- Add garlic powder nutmeg salt and pepper. Stir in coconut milk.
- Return chicken to the skillet simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fold in spinach until wilted. Serve warm.
Pro Tip: Top with toasted pecans for crunch!
3. Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken
Fall flavors shine in this effortless slow-cooked meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 apples sliced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp allspice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken apples and onion in a slow cooker.
- Whisk together apple cider mustard thyme allspice salt and pepper. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Optional: Reduce sauce in a pan for a thicker consistency.
Pro Tip: Serve over wild rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
4. Harvest Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
A refreshing yet hearty salad perfect for fall lunches or dinners.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts toasted
- 1 apple diced
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Add roasted sweet potatoes for extra warmth.
5. One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken & Brussels Sprouts
Minimal cleanup maximum flavor!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts halved
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with oil garlic rosemary salt and pepper.
- Arrange on a baking sheet with chicken.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes flipping halfway.
Pro Tip: Squeeze lemon before serving for brightness.
6. Pumpkin & Sage Chicken Pasta
A creamy dairy-free pasta that screams autumn.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts sliced
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp fresh sage
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté chicken in a pan until cooked. Set aside.
- In the same pan mix pumpkin puree almond milk sage garlic salt and pepper.
- Toss in pasta and chicken. Add pasta water if needed.
Pro Tip: Top with roasted pepitas for texture.
7. Spiced Chicken & Pear Stuffed Acorn Squash
A stunning nutrient-packed dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 acorn squash halved
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 pear diced
- ¼ cup quinoa cooked
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Roast squash halves at 375°F (190°C) for 25 min.
- Cook chicken pear quinoa and spices in a skillet.
- Stuff squash with mixture and bake 10 more minutes.
8. Moroccan Chicken Stew
Warm aromatic and packed with veggies.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ cup dried apricots
Instructions:
- Brown chicken in a pot. Remove.
- Sauté carrots spices chickpeas and apricots.
- Add 2 cups broth return chicken simmer 25 min.
9. Cranberry Balsamic Chicken
Tangy sweet and perfect for fall.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Sear chicken in a pan.
- Mix cranberry sauce vinegar and honey. Pour over chicken.
- Simmer 10 minutes.
10. Cheesy Chicken & Cauliflower Bake
Low-carb high-protein comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Steam cauliflower until tender.
- Mix with chicken yogurt and spices. Top with cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 min.
Final Thoughts
These 10 healthy fall chicken dinner recipes prove that comfort food can be nutritious flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving something creamy roasted or slow-cooked there’s an option here for every autumn evening.
