Healthy Food Recipes: Chicken Cooked in Cast Iron Skillet

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Steps to Cook:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.

4. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it develops a golden-brown sear. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

5. Bake the chicken for 15-18 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

6. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Cover the chicken loosely with foil to keep it warm.

7. In the same cast-iron skillet, add the cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and diced bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.

8. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

9. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top.

10. Serve the chicken and vegetables immediately, spooning the flavorful sauce over the top.

Cook’s Note:

• For best results, use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The cast-iron helps to create a beautiful sear on the chicken and evenly distributes the heat.
• Feel free to adjust the types of vegetables used in this recipe based on your personal preferences or what you have available.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or heavy cream at the end.
• Serve this dish with a side of roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or a serving of whole-grain rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.

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