Autumn Harvest Chicken & Veg One-Pot | Cozy Fall Recipe

Autumn Harvest Chicken + Veg One-Pot Dish

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Today, we’re talking about something that feels both timeless and tender — Harvest Time. The season of gathering, of slowing down, of looking at what we’ve grown — both in our gardens and in our lives — and being grateful.

There’s something almost sacred about this time of year. The air turns crisp. The markets are heavy with pumpkins, squash, and apples. And the kitchen — that cozy heart of the home — starts to hum again with the sound of chopping, stirring, roasting.

Harvest isn’t just about what we pull from the soil. It’s about what we’ve cultivated in ourselves. It’s gathering the bounty from all the seeds we’ve planted throughout the year and celebrating our accomplishments.

The goals we’ve tended quietly. The relationships we’ve nourished. The dreams that maybe took longer to grow than we expected — but grew all the same.

And today, I want to celebrate all of that — through a recipe that’s as comforting as a fuzzy blanket and as warming as a cup of hot cocoa or relaxing herbal tea with honey.

We’re making my Autumn Harvest Chicken and Vegetable One-Pot dish that captures everything I love about the harvest season — warmth, color, and total comfort.

It’s a simple one-pot recipe that layers tender chicken thighs with hearty root vegetables and fresh aromatic herbs, creating a meal that feels like a cozy embrace. Perfect for slow evenings, family dinners, or Sunday meal prep.

This delicious one-pot meal is more than comfort food — it’s a reminder that good things take time.

That flavor, like fulfillment, develops slowly.

So light a candle, stir the pot, and savor your harvest. 🌾 🍂

🎙️ Listen to the full podcast episode above or on #Spotify

🎬 And stay tuned for the recipe video on #YouTube launching this week at ⁠www.youtube.com/@artfulgourmet⁠

Autumn Harvest Chicken and Vegetable One-Pot Dish

Autumn Harvest Chicken + Veg One-Pot Dish
theartfulgourmet

Autumn Harvest Chicken and Veg One-Pot | Cozy Fall Recipe

A cozy one-pot fall dinner with chicken, root vegetables, and fresh herbs—inspired by harvest season and gratitude. Simple, nourishing, and full of flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, French, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless or bone-in chicken thighs (skinless or skin-on)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 potato, cubed or handful of baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 small sweet potato, cubed
  • 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp Spanish paprika or All-Purpose seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter (or cream)
  • fresh herbs (parsley, sage, or rosemary) for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Sear the Chicken:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place thighs (skin-side down if using) and sear until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
  1. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
  2. Stir in carrots, potatoes, sweet potato, and butternut squash. Sprinkle with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Deglaze and Simmer:
  1. Pour in the broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  2. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 35–40 minutes.
Finish and Serve:
  1. Once the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked, stir in butter or cream for a silky finish.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve:
  1. Ladle into bowls. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty fall meal.

Notes

🌿 Chef’s Notes
  • For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
  • Add a splash of white wine before simmering for extra depth.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully — even better the next day.

More Fall comfort food recipes you might like:

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs with Roasted Broccolini

Luscious Truffle Mac + Cheese

Mississippi Pot Roast + Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

Welcome to The Artful Gourmet: A New Chapter in Food & Lifestyle

Welcome to The Artful Gourmet 2.0!

 

Hi, I’m Kristen Hess — Food Stylist, Photographer, Blogger, and Creator of The Artful Gourmet. Welcome to my new updated blog 2.0! I am so excited to get back into blogging again after working full-time as a Senior Food Stylist for a big agency / grocery retailer in Texas for the past few years…it’s so great to get back into my groove and focus on my business again. And it feels amazing to be sparked by a new perspective and brainstorm all the crazy cool content I’m planning to create. I have so many exciting things to announce that I’ve launched, and am planning for the rest of year (and going forward!), so keep reading below!

Strawberry Jam

Food is more than something we eat — it’s art, culture, creativity, and joy. The Artful Gourmet brand/blog/show is all about celebrating food as art, as story, and as a way of life.

farmers market produce

I’ll take you behind the scenes of my culinary world, sharing recipes and food stories,

Kristen Hess, Hosting Food Blogger Event in NYC

restaurant and product reviews, cool food events I’ve hosted, photographed or attended,

camera

food styling and photography tips, social media and creative business advice,

culinary travel adventures, lifestyle tips and advice, and inspiration for living artfully every day – One Bite At A Time.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

I’m also bringing back my Things I Love column (and a new Friday Favs social media video) featuring all the cool, delicious and fun food, places, people and things that I’ve discovered and that deserve a shoutout!

Kalamata Olive Spread

Keep an eye out for my upcoming YouTube cooking show, “Groovy Eats”, where I’ll be whipping up some fun recipes and cocktails from past decades with a twist (literally!) and some groovy tunes to jam out to in each episode.

So whether you’re here to cook, create, learn something new, or simply indulge in the beauty of food and life, you’re in the right place. Let’s celebrate the art of food — together.

Recently launched The Artful Gourmet Podcast + YouTube Channel (@thearfulgourmet)!

Join me, Kristen Hess — Food Stylist, Photographer, Content Creator, and Voice behind The Artful Gourmet YouTube channel

and The Artful Gourmet Podcast that you can listen to on any of the major podcast streaming networks – #Apple Podcasts, #Spotify, #Amazon Music, and #iHeartRadio!

For years, I’ve dreamt of creating a space where food, photography, and lifestyle converge. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Artful Gourmet YouTube channel, a project that’s been a long time in the making. Join me as we embark on this exciting journey together!

This project’s been really a long time coming now. I think I’ve been planning this for a few years now! With a passion for food styling and photography, I aim to create a YouTube and Podcast channel that’s not only about recipes and food photography, but also about life, creativity, and business. With inspiring conversations that spark confidence, creativity and curiosity in your own lives, too.

The Artful Gourmet channel will feature a variety of content, including:

  • Engaging interviews and peer conversations
  • Live sessions/Q+A with Kristen
  • Recipe shorts/videos on social media and a new cooking show – “Groovy Eats” 
  • Photography and food styling videos, live demos, and tips + tricks
  • Business and lifestyle mindset advice (See “IntoFocus” Series on YouTube)
  • Restaurant reviews, product reviews and culinary excursions/stories

I personally invite you to be part of this vibrant community! And don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share my channels – I really appreciate your support as it will be invaluable as the channels both grow and evolve into something more.

The Artful Gourmet YouTube and Podcast channels are more than just online platforms; they are both communities where creativity and passion collide, and come to life.

So whether you’re here to cook, create, learn something new, get inspired, be entertained, or simply to savor, you’ll find something delicious waiting for you.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and like my pages so you never miss an episode  and let’s celebrate the art of food, together.

Peach Avocado Salad

Follow Me for more fun content to devour:

PORTFOLIO:  ⁠https://www.kristen-hess.com⁠ 

LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/klhinnyc⁠

INSTAGRAM ⁠@artfulgourmet⁠

FACEBOOK @artfulgourmet⁠ 

X @artfulgourmet⁠ 

PINTEREST ⁠@artfulgourmet⁠ 

TIKTOK ⁠@foodiegirl87⁠ 

YOUTUBE @theartfulgourmet⁠ 

Exciting Announcements + More… Stay Tuned!

Kristen Hess in Voyage San Antonio Magazine

I was recently invited to be featured in Voyage San Antonio Magazine! They interviewed me for a story on their Local Stories page which highlights and celebrates local business owners, leaders and influencers in San Antonio TX.

Excited and honored to be chosen for this prestigious press opportunity and you can read the article here online!

Exciting News! Heading to Miami for a full day of filming and photoshoot for the TV documentary

I also have some more really exciting news…I recently auditioned to be in a new TV documentary series highlighting successful women in business and entrepreneurs. AND – my episode just got the GREEN LIGHT for production! I’ll be flying to #Miami for a full day of filming and a photoshoot for my episode this Fall, and will also be attending a super cool networking event with other #entrepreneurs and #celebrities that are also cast members of the show! My episode on the show will be aired on major streaming networks in 2026, so stay tuned! (Can’t say which ones yet, but it’s a pretty big deal!)

So, that’s it for this week – so check back soon for more delicious recipes, stories and fun content in the weeks to come!

XO, Kristen 

 

A Spicy Twist on Chicken Parmesan

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

I am so excited to share my recipe for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan that I created for a recipe contest using Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce. Miller’s began as a home kitchen experiment, cooking up homemade hot sauces for family and friends. Twenty years later, their unique award-winning banana pepper sauces are still crafted with care and attention to detail.

Miller's Banana Pepper Sauce

They use only fresh, vine-ripened banana and habanero peppers picked at the peak of freshness. They are then mixed with a special blend of spices (paprika, turmeric) raw sugar, distilled vinegar and mustard seeds to create a sweet and spicy sauce like no other! They have a mild, hot and habanero version of their sauce and each one is absolutely delicious, and also gluten-free and non-GMO verified.

The bold taste of Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce is the perfect complement to everything, from cheese and hard pretzels, to burgers, BBQ, chicken and salmon. The possibilties are endless!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

For this recipe contest, I decided to create a spicy twist on traditional Chicken Parmesan by using their Hot Banana Pepper Sauce to create a Buffalo-style Chicken Parmesan topped with this amazing hot sauce and some blue cheese dressing drizzles (or ranch dressing if you prefer!) to cool the heat. I’m originally from Upstate NY (Buffalo + Rochester), so as you can imagine I am absolutely obsessed with hot sauce, hot wings (and blue cheese!).

Miller's Hot Banana Pepper Sauce

Miller’s Banana Pepper hot sauce is unique in that it has a spicy heat but also a hint of sweetness that makes the perfect combination for this Buffalo Chicken Parmesan recipe. You can also use the mild or habanero sauce (depending on the heat level you want) for this recipe and it would be just as delicious!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

This dish is totally delish on its own, but there are so many fun ideas you can do to switch it up for different occasions like Game Day appetizers, lunch or a simple lovely dinner… Cut the chicken cutlets in half and make Spicy Chicken Sliders on toasted hawaiian slider buns, or cut the chicken into strips and make some Spicy Buffalo Chicken Fingers served with crispy fries, carrots and celery with blue cheese or ranch dressing and extra Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper sauce for dipping, of course!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

For a healthy lunch or dinner idea, slice up the spicy chicken parmesan cutlets and serve over a garden salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing, or serve it as the main entree with some creamy Gorgonzola pasta (see my recipe below) with some crusty garlic bread.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

Anyway you decide to serve it I guarantee you’re going to thank me (and your tastebuds will too!)…so hold on to your hats and get ready for a serious spicy flavor explosion with my recipe for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan + Gorgonzola Pasta.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

Here’s How to Make It

Step 1: Make the Chicken

Panko breadcrumbs are the key ingredient for the coating but, I mix in regular Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to the mix to give the chicken that perfect crunch along with some paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder and onion powder for a little extra flavor goodness.

coat the chicken

Set up your dredging station with three bowls: first bowl use a fine searing flour (like Wondra) or an all-purpose flour to coat the chicken. Second bowl is for your eggs, and the third bowl is for the Panko/breadcrumb/Parmesan cheese mixture. Feel free to double coat the chicken with another layer of egg and breadcrumbs/cheese if you want a thicker crunchier coating on the Chicken Parmesan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

baked chicken

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Banana Pepper Sauce

top the baked chicken with hot sauce and cheese

Next make the sauce in a small saucepan on the stove. Add the Miller’s hot Banana Pepper sauce along with some butter. Mix with a spoon and let it melt together into a lovely silky buttery hot sauce.

top the baked chicken with hot sauce and cheese

Pour the sauce over the baked crunchy chicken to let the coating soak up the buttery hot sauce. Then top the chicken with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan and broil on high for a few minutes until the cheese melts and gets all bubbly and browned.

take the chicken out of oven

For serving, top the baked Chicken Parmesan with extra drizzles of blue cheese dressing (or ranch, if you prefer) and sprinkle the Spicy Chicken Parmesan with sliced chives for garnish. Delish!!!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan

Step 3: Make the Gorgonzola Pasta

First you’ll need to cook your pasta, drain and set aside for mixing in the sauce later (I used spaghetti but any pasta shape will work here!)

Make the Gorgonzola sauce

While your pasta is boiling, make the luscious cheesy sauce in a medium saucepan by melting the butter and sautéing the shallots (or minced onion) until soft for a couple of minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the milk and half and half and stir together to warm it up then add the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley, stirring together until it gets creamy and emulsified.

top the pasta with Gorgonzola sauce

Pour the sauce over the pasta in a large pot and toss together, adding the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce up into your desired consistency (it should be smooth and creamy but not too thick or thin). Top with freshly cracked black pepper, extra Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley and serve with the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan and some crusty bread or a salad.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan plated with Gorgonzola pasta

I hope you enjoy this fun twist on Chicken Parmesan and Buffalo Chicken! I know it’s gonna be one of my fav go-to recipes from now on..and I can’t wait to experiment with the other Miller’s hot sauces to create more delish recipes! Enjoy 🙂

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan + Gorgonzola Pasta

5 from 1 vote
A spicy twist on Chicken Parmesan - this recipe features Miller's Sweet + Spicy Banana Pepper Hot Sauce over crunchy parmesan chicken, topped with fresh mozzarella, blue cheese/ranch drizzles and chives; served over a creamy dreamy Gorgonzola pasta.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian, Southern

Ingredients
  

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup pan searing flour or all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • .75 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • .75 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 vegetable or canola oil spray
  • 1/2 cup Miller's Banana Pepper Hot Sauce plus extra for serving
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup fresh (or whole milk) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp sliced chives, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling/serving
Gorgonzola Pasta
  • 14 oz spaghetti (or any pasta shape desired)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot (or 1/2 onion), finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
  • 8 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • 6 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, divided
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided

Equipment

  • 1 sauce pan for sauce
  • 1 large pot for boiling
  • 1 sheet pan for baking
  • 1 wire rack
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 pasta spoon
  • 1 large spoon

Method
 

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thin halves. Place under a piece of plastic wrap and pound with a tenderizer or heavy pan until chicken is 1/4" thick. Repeat with remaining pieces to make thin cutlets, pat dry and season both sides with salt.
  2. Place the flour in a large shallow dish or bowl. Beat the eggs with a few drops of Miller's Banana Hot Sauce and place in another shallow bowl. Toss the Panko breadcrumbs with the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano and place in a third bowl.
  3. Dredge the chicken through the flour, then the eggs beaten together with hot sauce and then dredge through the breadcrumbs mixture. For a thicker coating, you can dip each piece of chicken back through the eggs and the crumbs a second time.
  4. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top. Place the cutlets on top of the wire rack and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes, turning over halfway through. Set aside.
  5. While the chicken cutlets are baking, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the Miller's Banana Pepper Sauce and butter, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and sauce comes together. Spoon sauce over the tops of the chicken cutlets, reserve remaining sauce for serving.
  6. Heat the oven broiler to high and place a rack in the top third of oven. Sprinkle the chicken with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on the same pan you baked them on.
  7. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and light golden brown (watching closely so it doesn't burn).
  8. Transfer chicken to a platter and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and additional Miller's Hot Banana Pepper sauce. Top the Chicken Parmesan with sliced chives. Serve the chicken with creamy Gorgonzola pasta (recipe follows) on the side, or sliced over an Italian green salad with some crusty garlic bread, if desired.
Gorgonzola Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of salted cooking water, and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat, and add chopped shallots or onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add the milk and half and half (or heavy cream), Gorgonzola cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir together until the Gorgonzola thickens and melts into a creamy consistency.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the Gorgonzola sauce and stir together, adding in the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen up the sauce to your desired consistency. It should be thick, creamy and saucy; coating the noodles well with small chunks of the blue cheese.
  5. Divide the pasta between serving plates. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped parsley. Serve with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan and an Italian green salad and crusty garlic bread, if desired.

Notes

If you aren't a fan of blue cheese or Gorgonzola,  you can always substitute Ranch dressing to drizzle on top of the Buffalo Chicken Parmesan, and you can simply toss the cooked pasta with some olive oil, garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
This dish would be delicious with or on top of a green salad with some crusty bread and glass of wine! Or use the same base recipe for the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan, cutting the chicken into smaller cutlets to make sliders or chicken sandwiches/subs. You can also cut the chicken into tenders and make spicy Chicken Fingers with a side crispy fries (with additional Miller's Banana Pepper Sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving of course!) 

 

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan

Also, if you make this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan and Gorgonzola Pasta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating!  I love to hear from all my followers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment or email. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to share this post and tag me on Instagram! I love looking through the photos of recipes you all have made!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan

To learn more about Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauces, visit them online at https://www.eatmillers.com AND check out their social media pages below for more info and fun recipe ideas!

Miller’s Facebook

Miller’s Twitter

Miller’s Instagram

You can find Millers Banana Pepper sauce at Whole Foods, Wegmans and on Amazon. Use can also use Miller’s store finder to find a store carrying their products near you.

@eatmillersofficial #millersrecipechallenge #betterwithmillers #anythingbutbland

Looking for more spicy chicken recipes? Here are a few to try:

Keto Nashville Chicken Sliders

Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos

Chef John’s Nashville Hot Chicken

Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken

Spicy Chicken Katsu

Happy New Year 2025!

It’s been awhile since I have been writing and posting on my blog and can I just tell you I AM SO HAPPY TO BE BACK!!! So much has happened over the past three years since I moved to San Antonio, Texas and started working as a full time Food Stylist for H-E-B, the premiere grocery store chain in Texas (and in the world, if you are a true born Texan).

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