Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast is a quick and simple recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time. The searing heat from the cast iron skillet creates a beautifully golden-brown crust, while the chicken stays tender and moist on the inside. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a protein-packed meal without much fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with nearly any side dish, making it a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh herbs (optional for garnish, such as rosemary or thyme)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the chicken sear nicely in the skillet.

2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt and the oil to become hot.

4. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crispy.

5. Flip the chicken and lower the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add a sauce: After cooking the chicken, you can deglaze the skillet with a bit of chicken broth or white wine and create a quick pan sauce with garlic, lemon, or cream for added richness.

• Spicy option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.

• Herb variation: Use different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for different flavors.

• Cheese-topped: Add shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan) on top of the chicken breasts during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt for a cheesy, delicious finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skin won’t stay as crispy.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.

2. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can! If using skin-on chicken breasts, sear the skin side first to get it crispy before flipping it over to cook through.

3. Can I use a different type of pan if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet. Just make sure it can hold and evenly distribute heat.

4. Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Yes, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t require any flour or breading.

6. Can I cook the chicken on the grill instead of in a skillet?

Yes, you can grill the chicken breasts on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Can I double the recipe to serve more people?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger skillet or cook the chicken breasts in batches so that they sear evenly.

8. How can I make the chicken even more flavorful?

Consider adding a dry rub or seasoning mix with your favorite herbs and spices, or marinate the chicken beforehand for added depth of flavor.

9. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will have a bit more fat and flavor but will require similar cooking times.

10. Why is my chicken dry?

Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature and remove it from the heat once it reaches 165°F. Resting the chicken after cooking also helps retain moisture.

Conclusion

This Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe is a go-to method for making a delicious, tender, and juicy chicken breast with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal and adaptable with different seasonings or side dishes. Whether you enjoy it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes, this recipe is sure to be a staple in your cooking routine.

Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast

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This Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe guarantees juicy, tender chicken with a golden, crispy crust in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple and flavorful recipe is versatile enough to pair with any side dish. Using a cast iron skillet ensures a beautifully seared chicken, while the easy seasoning blend enhances the flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this quick and delicious meal is bound to become a staple.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5min
• Cook Time: 15min
• Total Time: 20min
• Yield: 4servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme)

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Instructions

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the chicken sear properly.

• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and butter. Let the butter melt and the oil get hot.

• Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, searing them for 5-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.

• Flip the chicken and lower the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.

• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

• Variations: Add a sauce by deglazing the skillet with chicken broth, white wine, or cream. Spice it up with cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a cheesy finish, top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking.

• Storage/Reheating: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave (though the skin won’t be as crispy in the microwave).

• Freezing: This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, but cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months if needed.