12 Fall Chicken Recipes for Cozy Family Dinners

As fall settles in, it’s time to enjoy chicken recipes that capture the season’s essence. Autumn is perfect for dishes that blend rich flavors with comforting ingredients. Think of succulent chicken cooked with apples, squash, and a touch of cinnamon.

These recipes are designed to bring warmth and coziness to your table, ideal for crisp evenings and family gatherings. Discover hearty meals that turn simple chicken into a seasonal delight, perfect for making the most of fall’s bountiful harvest.

1. Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken

Picture a golden-brown roast chicken, drizzled with a glossy maple glaze that caramelizes to perfection. This dish combines the savory richness of roasted chicken with the sweet, earthy notes of maple syrup. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, with each bite offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and brush it generously with the maple glaze.
4. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh thyme.

What to Serve With: Roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes make a hearty side.

What to Drink With: A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine pairs beautifully with this dish.

2. Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Imagine tender chicken simmering in a rich apple cider sauce, infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and cloves. This skillet dish is a delightful mix of sweet and savory, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add apple cider, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

What to Serve With: Serve with sautéed green beans or a side of wild rice.

What to Drink With: A fruity white wine or sparkling cider enhances the apple cider flavors.

3. Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Dive into a bowl of comforting pumpkin chicken curry, where tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a creamy, spiced pumpkin sauce. This dish is a fusion of warm spices and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, making it perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
2. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add pumpkin puree and coconut milk. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

What to Serve With: Serve with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

What to Drink With: A medium-bodied red wine or a mango lassi complements the curry’s spices.

4. Butternut Squash Chicken Stew

Warm up with a hearty butternut squash chicken stew, where tender chicken and sweet squash simmer together in a rich, savory broth. This stew is perfect for cool evenings, offering a comforting and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cubed
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
2. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned.
3. Stir in butternut squash, chicken broth, thyme, and cumin. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the squash is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

What to Serve With: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

What to Drink With: A light white wine or a herbal tea pairs nicely with this stew.

5. Cranberry Chicken Bake

Enjoy a burst of tart and sweet with cranberry chicken bake, where juicy chicken pieces are baked with a cranberry sauce that brings a delightful tangy contrast. It’s an easy and elegant dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (from a can or homemade)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and rosemary.
4. Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve With: Roasted Brussels sprouts and a side of quinoa balance the meal.

What to Drink With: A fruity red wine or a sparkling water with a twist of lime complements the cranberries.

6. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Warm up with a bowl of chicken and wild rice soup, a hearty and nourishing option packed with tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s comfort in a bowl!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in wild rice, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

What to Serve With: Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.

What to Drink With: A light white wine or herbal tea enhances the soup’s comforting flavors.

7. Balsamic-Glazed Chicken with Roasted Veggies

Experience a symphony of flavors with balsamic-glazed chicken paired with roasted veggies. The tangy balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, while the roasted vegetables bring a delightful crunch and sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and brush with the balsamic mixture.
4. Arrange chopped vegetables around the chicken and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

What to Serve With: A light quinoa salad or a side of couscous complements the dish.

What to Drink With: A medium-bodied red wine or a sparkling water pairs well with the balsamic glaze.

8. Honey-Mustard Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and tangy with honey-mustard chicken served alongside tender sweet potatoes. This dish combines a zesty mustard glaze with the natural sweetness of honey and the earthiness of sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl.
3. Place chicken thighs and sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
4. Brush the chicken with the honey-mustard glaze and toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.

What to Serve With: A simple green salad or steamed broccoli complements the meal.

What to Drink With: A crisp white wine or a light, refreshing iced tea pairs perfectly.

9. Rosemary Chicken with Root Vegetables

Indulge in the savory aroma of rosemary chicken paired with hearty root vegetables. This dish brings together juicy chicken and a medley of root veggies, all roasted to golden perfection with a hint of rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 large potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsnip, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss potatoes, carrots, and parsnips with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange vegetables around the chicken and roast for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

What to Serve With: A light green salad or some whole-grain rolls work well.

What to Drink With: A robust red wine or a glass of sparkling water enhances the flavors.

10. Harvest Chicken Salad with Apples and Pecans

Savor the crisp freshness of harvest chicken salad, where tender chicken meets crunchy apples and toasted pecans. This salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mixed greens for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, apple, pecans, celery, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve on a bed of mixed greens.

What to Serve With: Enjoy with a slice of whole-grain bread or some pita chips.

What to Drink With: A light white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the salad.

11. Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Experience creamy, comforting chicken and mushroom risotto, where tender chicken and savory mushrooms blend in a rich, creamy risotto. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering both flavor and warmth in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
5. Gradually add chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the rice is creamy and cooked through.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

What to Serve With: A simple green salad or some garlic bread is a great side.

What to Drink With: A crisp white wine or a glass of sparkling water pairs well with the creamy risotto.

12. Slow Cooker Chicken and Pumpkin Chili

Cozy up with a bowl of slow cooker chicken and pumpkin chili, a delightful twist on traditional chili that combines tender chicken with the sweet earthiness of pumpkin. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add pumpkin puree, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
5. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir everything together.

What to Serve With: Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips.

What to Drink With: A crisp, refreshing lager or a fruity apple cider complements the flavors of the chili.

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