Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast is a quick and easy meal that packs a ton of flavor. The cast iron skillet ensures that your chicken breast gets a perfect, crispy sear while locking in all the juices, resulting in a moist and tender bite. The recipe is customizable with different herbs and spices, making it versatile enough for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this chicken breast recipe is both simple and delicious, taking just a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)

(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. This helps ensure the chicken will sear properly in the skillet.

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

3. Heat the olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts.

4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving it. This will allow the chicken to develop a nice golden-brown crust.

5. Flip the chicken breasts over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

6. If you like, you can add fresh thyme or rosemary to the skillet during the last minute of cooking for added flavor.

7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 12-14 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice to the chicken for a fresh, citrusy flavor.

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

• Garlic Butter Chicken: Finish the chicken in the skillet with an extra tablespoon of butter and minced garlic for a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce.

• Balsamic Chicken: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar and simmer to create a tangy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but reheating in the oven helps preserve the chicken’s crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

2. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet, though a cast iron skillet provides the best sear due to its heat retention. Non-stick or stainless steel will work as well.

3. How do I make sure my chicken stays moist?

Make sure to cook the chicken over medium heat and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking also helps retain moisture.

4. Can I marinate the chicken before cooking?

Yes, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking can enhance the flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs works well.

5. What can I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

6. How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

Try adding different spices such as cumin, oregano, or thyme. You can also top the chicken with a flavorful sauce like a chimichurri or balsamic glaze.

7. Can I cook chicken breasts from frozen?

It’s best to thaw chicken breasts before cooking them for even cooking. However, if cooking from frozen, you’ll need to increase the cooking time and check the internal temperature carefully.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you have a large enough cast iron skillet. If your skillet is too small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

9. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe is keto-friendly, as it contains no carbs and is high in protein and healthy fats.

10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the chicken to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Conclusion

Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast is an easy, fast, and flavorful way to cook chicken that will elevate any meal. The cast iron skillet creates a beautifully crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether you stick with the basic seasoning or try out some of the variations, this recipe will be a go-to in your kitchen.

Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast

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Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that ensures tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and a cast iron skillet to create perfectly seared chicken breasts every time. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is versatile and can be customized with various herbs, spices, and seasonings to suit your taste.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5min
• Cook Time: 15min
• Total Time: 20min
• Yield: 2servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Searing & Pan Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

• Prep the Chicken:
  Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Cook in Cast Iron Skillet:
  Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts.

• Sear the Chicken:
  Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving it, allowing it to form a nice, golden-brown crust.

• Flip and Cook the Other Side:
  Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra flavor, add fresh thyme or rosemary during the last minute of cooking.

• Rest and Serve:
  Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice for a fresh, citrusy kick.

• Spicy Chicken: Incorporate cayenne pepper or chili flakes to spice things up.

• Garlic Butter Chicken: Finish with an extra tablespoon of butter and minced garlic for a rich, flavorful sauce.

• Balsamic Chicken: After cooking, deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar to create a tangy sauce.