One pan fall chicken

This one-pan fall chicken is cozy and comforting, highlighting seasonal ingredients and rich flavors perfect for autumn nights.

There’s something special about a one-pan meal that brings both convenience and comfort to the kitchen. My One-Pan Chicken Drumsticks with Broccoli Cheese Rice recipe has been a go-to favorite for so many of you, and I’ve been thrilled to see how much love it’s received on social media. It’s gone viral time and time again for a reason: it’s easy, delicious, and family-friendly. Today, I’m updating the recipe with a seasonal spin that includes fall-inspired ingredients like wild rice, mushrooms, and rainbow carrots—a hearty combination that will warm you up on even the chilliest autumn days.

This updated version showcases the adaptability and versatility of the original recipe, which has been a hit in households everywhere because it ticks all the boxes: minimal ingredients, one-pan cleanup, and flavors that please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s been shared and recreated by home cooks on social media countless times, proving that when you find a dish that’s this easy and satisfying, it’s hard to keep it to yourself.

Why This Recipe Continues to Go Viral

What makes this recipe so relatable? It’s a classic example of a dish that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles without sacrificing on taste or presentation. The original One-Pan Chicken Drumsticks with Broccoli Cheese Rice took off because it was a solution for people who craved comfort food but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The straightforward method and limited ingredients made it accessible, while the end result—juicy, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy rice—felt indulgent without being complicated.

This new fall-inspired version elevates the dish by using seasonal ingredients that are at their peak right now. Wild rice, known for its nutty, earthy flavor, is a perfect autumn staple that adds a more robust texture and taste compared to traditional white or long-grain rice. Rainbow carrots not only bring vibrant color but also a touch of natural sweetness, balancing the savory elements of the dish. And of course, baby bella mushrooms add that umami depth that makes every bite feel rich and satisfying.

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One-Pan Fall Chicken with Wild Rice, Mushrooms, and Rainbow Carrots

This one-pan fall chicken is cozy and comforting, highlighting seasonal ingredients and rich flavors perfect for autumn nights.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author natasha

Ingredients

• 6 small to medium chicken drumsticks patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 package of wild rice Rice-A-Roni
• 1 cup baby broccoli
• 1 cup baby bella mushrooms sliced
• 1 cup baby rainbow carrots sliced
• 1 2/3 cup veggie or chicken broth
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• Fresh parsley chopped, for serving

Chicken Seasoning

• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt-free all-purpose seasoning
• 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1/2 tsp allspice powder

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, all-purpose seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, and allspice. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they’re fully coated.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken drumsticks and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Add the Remaining Ingredients: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of butter, allowing it to melt. Stir in the wild rice package, coating it in the butter and any chicken drippings left in the pan. Add baby broccoli, sliced mushrooms, and rainbow carrots. Pour in the broth and add the rosemary and thyme sprigs.
• Return Chicken to the Pan: Nestle the seared chicken drumsticks back on top of the rice and vegetables. Cover with a lid or foil.
• Bake: Place the skillet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour at 375°F, or until the chicken is tender and pulling away from the bone.
• Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, and carefully discard the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Chicken Options: If you don’t have drumsticks, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts will work just as well! For boneless chicken, reduce the cook time to about 30-40 minutes to ensure the meat stays juicy and tender.

Rice Variations: This recipe is flexible! While wild rice adds an earthy flavor, feel free to use long grain white rice, brown rice, or basmati if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as needed based on the type of rice you choose.

Veggie Substitutions: Any seasonal vegetables will work great here! Swap out the mushrooms for butternut squash, the baby broccoli for Brussels sprouts, or add sweet potatoes for an extra touch of fall flavor.

Herb Variations: No rosemary or thyme? No problem! You can use dried herbs, like dried thyme or oregano, or even add a bay leaf for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Cheese Option: For a creamier finish, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (like sharp cheddar or parmesan) during the last 10 minutes of baking.

A Recipe That Evolves with the Seasons

One of the reasons this dish has remained popular is its incredible adaptability. When I first created it, the goal was to make a meal that anyone could whip up in under an hour using ingredients they likely already had on hand. The broccoli cheese rice base was a crowd-pleaser, but as the seasons change, so do our cravings. That’s why I’ve given this recipe a fall makeover, showing how easily it can transform into something that feels new, fresh, and totally seasonally appropriate.

With just a few simple swaps, this dish now feels like an entirely different meal. It’s heartier, earthier, and perfect for the cool, crisp weather. I love how the wild rice and mushrooms work together to create an elevated texture and flavor profile, while the rainbow carrots add visual appeal and a touch of sweetness. It’s proof that the best recipes are the ones that can evolve and grow with you, adapting to whatever is in your pantry—or your local farmers market!

The Perfect Family Meal, All Year Long

This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the smell of searing chicken wafting through the house, the satisfaction of stirring together hearty grains and vegetables, and the joy of serving up a meal that makes everyone at the table smile. Whether you’re making the classic broccoli cheese version or this new fall-inspired take, you’ll find that it’s a meal that not only fills your belly but warms your heart too.

I always believe in cooking with the seasons, using ingredients when they’re at their freshest and most flavorful. That’s why I’m so excited to share this updated recipe with you. It’s still the same viral sensation you know and love, just dressed up for fall. So, if you’re looking for a way to embrace autumn’s bounty while sticking to a tried-and-true favorite, this is it.

A Dish That Inspires Creativity

One of the most exciting parts about cooking is that no two dishes ever have to be the same. With my One pot chicken and wild rice skillet recipe as your base, you can mix and match ingredients depending on what you have available or what you’re in the mood for. Swap out the mushrooms for butternut squash, or use sweet potatoes instead of carrots. Add a handful of fresh spinach or a sprinkle of sage for extra color and flavor. The possibilities are endless!

That’s the beauty of this dish and why I think it’s resonated with so many of you. It’s a recipe that doesn’t lock you into a strict formula. Instead, it gives you the freedom to make it your own. So, whether you’re a fan of the classic version or excited to try this new fall-inspired update, I hope this one-pan chicken and rice will continue to be a staple in your home for years to come.

Share Your Creations!

If you try this one pan fall chicken and rice recipe, I’d love to see your take on it. Tag me on Instagram @asiliglamcooks so I can check out your creations. Seeing how you make my recipes your own is one of my favorite parts of this journey! Enjoy every delicious bite, and happy cooking this season! 🍂✨