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As the leaves turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a homemade dinner to celebrate the season. My Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall with juicy apple chicken sausage and a colorful medley of roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and cauliflower. In just 30 minutes, you’ll create a healthy dinner that brings comfort and joy to your table, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, freeing you from the hassle of excessive cleanup—what’s not to love? Are you ready to savor this cozy dish and make every bite a celebration of autumn?
Why will you adore this dish?
Simplicity at Its Best: This Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a welcoming choice for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Medley: With sweet butternut squash and savory apple chicken sausage, every bite is a celebration of autumn’s best flavors.
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One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your delicious creation and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with seasonal veggies, this dish provides essential vitamins and protein, keeping your meals both healthy and satisfying.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, making it adaptable to your dietary preferences or what’s in season. For another quick meal, check out my Healthy White Chicken Chili!
Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan Ingredients
For the Roasted Veggies
• Brussels Sprouts – Adds crunch and a slight bitterness; trim and halve for even roasting.
• Butternut Squash – Contributes natural sweetness; cut into small cubes for quick cooking.
• Cauliflower – Offers a mild flavor and bulk; cut into small florets to ensure consistent roasting.
• Olive Oil – Essential for roasting to add richness; use 1 tablespoon for veggies.
• Dried Rosemary – Provides a fragrant, woodsy flavor; feel free to substitute with sage or thyme.
• Dried Thyme – Complements the rosemary; can be omitted if you like.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances flavors; adjust to your taste.
For the Protein
• Apple Chicken Sausage – The star protein; choose pre-cooked sausage for easy preparation.
• Bacon – Gives a savory crunch; optional but highly recommended for crumbling on top.
For Serving
• Grains (Optional) – Such as rice, couscous, or quinoa; great for adding substance to your meal.
• Parmesan and Fresh Herbs – Optional garnishes that boost flavor and presentation; sprinkle for a delightful finish.
Prepare to enjoy this Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan creation that harmonizes seasonal ingredients into a wonderfully cozy, healthy dinner!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures your Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan will roast beautifully, creating tender veggies and crispy sausage. While the oven heats up, take a large rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, which will make for easy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, cubed butternut squash, and cauliflower florets. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle in the dried rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning, adding a burst of flavor for your cozy sheet pan meal.
Step 3: Initial Roasting
Spread the seasoned vegetable mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet to ensure they roast properly. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 5 minutes. This initial time helps to start softening the veggies while keeping them firm enough for the next steps.
Step 4: Prep & Add Sausage
While your vegetables are roasting, slice the apple chicken sausage into 1-inch coins. In a separate bowl, mix the sausage with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the sausage, tossing everything together to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Finish Roasting
Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for another 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish during this time, ensuring that the sausage gets crispy and the vegetables become tender with caramelized edges. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are golden and the sausage is sizzling, releasing mouthwatering aromas.
Step 6: Crisp Bacon
While the sheet pan is finishing its time in the oven, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. This step usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once finished, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease and prepare for crumbling on top of the dish.
Step 7: Serve
Once your Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan is done roasting, take it out of the oven and let it cool briefly. Top the warm mixture with the crumbled bacon for added crunch. Serve on a bed of grains like rice or quinoa if you desire, and finish with optional sprinkles of Parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead Options
These Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan ingredients are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can chop the Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and cauliflower up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you’re using apple chicken sausage, slice it the night before and keep it in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal, just toss the veggies and sausage together with the olive oil and seasonings, then follow the roasting steps as outlined. This way, you’ll have a scrumptious dinner on the table with minimal effort, bringing cozy autumn flavors to your busy weeknight!
Expert Tips for Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan
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Even Sizing: Ensure all vegetables are cut to similar sizes. This promotes even cooking and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain raw.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Space out the veggies and sausage on the sheet pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, which can affect texture.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup a snap and prevents ingredients from sticking. A win-win for busy weeknights!
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Don’t be afraid to play a bit with the seasoning to match your family’s preferences.
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Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize the Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan by swapping in your favorite seasonal veggies or different flavors of sausage for an exciting twist.
How to Store and Freeze Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, spread the mixture on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, allowing the Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan to regain its crispy texture.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
What to Serve with Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan
As you delight in this vibrant medley of flavors, consider these comforting accompaniments that will round out your fall-inspired feast perfectly.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes offers a delightful contrast to the roasted veggies and savory sausage.
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Savory Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette brings brightness and a hearty texture, complementing the dish beautifully.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, garlicky breadsticks provide the perfect vehicle for sopping up the delicious juices from the sheet pan—the ultimate cozy pairing!
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing adds a vibrant crunch to your meal, balancing the hearty elements.
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Roasted Apples: Caramelized sliced apples sautéed in butter and cinnamon offer a sweet, seasonal touch that complements the dish’s savory flavors wonderfully.
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Autumn Spiced Cider: A warm glass of spiced apple cider enhances the cozy ambiance of your dinner, infusing every sip with notes of cinnamon and clove.
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Pumpkin Pie Squares: For dessert, pumpkin pie squares drizzled with caramel sauce are a sweet finish that celebrates the flavors of fall, leaving your guests in blissful delight.
Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan Variations
Feel free to mix things up and personalize this cozy dish with your favorite ingredients!
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Sausage Swap: Try swapping out the apple chicken sausage for turkey or pork sausage for a different flavor profile. Each option brings a unique twist to your hearty meal.
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Sweet Potato Change: Replace butternut squash with sweet potatoes for added sweetness and a slightly different texture. Sweet potatoes can add a delightful creaminess that complements the other ingredients.
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Veggie Variety: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or even add in bell peppers. Using what’s fresh and available can enhance the flavors and colors on your plate.
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Herb Infusion: Substitute dried rosemary and thyme with fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh herbs pack an aromatic punch that elevates the dish even further.
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Spice It Up: For a hint of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the veggies before roasting. This adds a delicious kick to warm you up on chilly nights.
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Garnish Glory: Finish off with toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add crunch and a rich flavor contrast. It’s a delightful way to surprise your taste buds!
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Bacon Alternatives: If you want to keep it lighter, consider crispy tempeh or turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon while still achieving that savory crunch.
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Grains Galore: Consider using farro or quinoa in place of rice for a nutty flavor and an extra boost of nutrients. Plus, they add great texture to the dish.
With endless possibilities, the Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan can easily become a family favorite. For more inspiration, check out my Cheesy Chicken Roll for a different take on chicken-based meals!
Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select and prepare Brussels sprouts?
When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for bright green, firm balls without dark spots or yellowing leaves. Trim the stem and slice them in half for even roasting. This ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior, enhancing their flavor wonderfully.
How should I store leftovers from the Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, they can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan after cooking?
Absolutely! For best results, let the dish cool completely before portioning it into airtight containers. Make sure to label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, restoring that lovely crispy texture.
What should I do if my vegetables are overcooked or soggy?
If you find your veggies are overcooked or soggy, it may be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Always spread the mixture out in a single layer. To remedy overcooked veggies, try a quick sauté in a pan to reintroduce some texture, or repurpose them in a soup or puree where consistency isn’t an issue.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan can be gluten-free if you select gluten-free grains for serving, like quinoa or certain rice varieties. Additionally, check the packaging of the chicken sausage to ensure it meets gluten-free standards, providing safety for those with dietary restrictions.
What other proteins can I use if I can’t find apple chicken sausage?
Feel free to swap in your favorite sausage types—turkey or pork sausage both work wonderfully. Alternatively, for a meatless version, consider using chickpeas or tofu, marinated in spices for added flavor, which can provide protein while keeping the dish satisfying and delicious.
Autumn Harvest Chicken Sheet Pan: Cozy Flavors in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, cubed butternut squash, and cauliflower florets. Drizzle with olive oil and add dried rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables with seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned veggies evenly on the baking sheet and roast for approximately 5 minutes.
- Slice the apple chicken sausage into 1-inch coins. In a separate bowl, mix the sausage with the remaining olive oil.
- After 5 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven, add the sausage, and toss everything together.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 18-20 minutes until the veggies are tender and sausage is crispy.
- While roasting, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes) and set aside to drain on paper towels.
- Once finished, remove the pan from the oven, let it cool briefly, and top with crumbled bacon. Serve with grains and optional garnishes of Parmesan and fresh herbs.
