Name: Cast Iron Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for garnish; Lemon slices

Cast Iron Chicken Breast is a delicious, juicy meal cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. The beauty of using a cast iron skillet lies in its ability to distribute heat evenly, creating a perfectly seared exterior while keeping the chicken tender inside. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Chicken breast, when cooked in a cast iron pan, retains moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy. With a golden-brown crust and tender meat, this dish works well with any side, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: Essential for getting that perfect sear on the chicken. You can also use avocado oil or butter for a richer flavor.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings add depth. You can substitute them with fresh minced garlic and onions, but keep in mind the powders create a more even coating.
Paprika: This gives the chicken a mild smokey flavor. You can substitute it with smoked paprika for extra smokiness or cayenne for heat.
Lemon: Adds freshness and tang. Lime juice can be used as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides. Drying the chicken ensures a better sear in the cast iron skillet.
Heat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers. This ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and gets a golden crust.
Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until a deep golden crust forms. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken.
Finish Cooking: Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. This locks in the moisture, keeping the chicken juicy.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If the chicken isn’t ready, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.

Pro Tips

Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken to ensure an even sear.
Don’t move the chicken around too much while cooking to allow for a golden crust.
If you want to add extra flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme while the chicken is cooking.

Print Recipe

Healthy