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Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet

A cozy one-pan fall dinner with chicken, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, onion, and crispy bacon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 365

Ingredients
  

For the skillet
  • 4 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
  • 12 ounces Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cut into small cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for finishing

Equipment

  • 1 cast-iron skillet large
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chef's knife
  • 1 slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the drippings in the skillet.
  2. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the garlic powder. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. If the skillet looks dry, add the olive oil. Add the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown around the edges.
  4. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are blended.
  6. Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Cut the butternut squash into small even cubes so it cooks quickly. Avoid overcrowding the skillet so the chicken and Brussels sprouts brown properly. Reheat leftovers until hot throughout.