Healthy Baked Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Herbs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Chicken: a. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.

2. Heat the Cast Iron Skillet: a. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes. b. Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.

3. Sear the Chicken: a. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. b. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and develops a nice sear. c. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Make the Pan Sauce: a. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. b. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. c. Cook the butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Finish Cooking the Chicken: a. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the butter sauce. b. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. c. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

6. Rest and Serve: a. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. b. Serve the chicken immediately, drizzled with the pan sauce and accompanied by lemon wedges.

Cook’s Note:

• For best results, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. This will help create a nice sear on the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thicker breasts may require a few extra minutes of cooking.
• If the pan sauce starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning.
• Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or shallots to the pan sauce during the last minute of cooking.

This healthy baked chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dinner option. The combination of the seared chicken, the flavorful pan sauce, and the bright lemon wedges creates a balanced and satisfying meal. The use of a cast iron skillet ensures a perfect sear on the chicken, while the covered cooking method ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. Serve this dish with your choice of sides for a complete and nutritious meal.