Cast Iron Chicken Breasts

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 (approximately 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

Steps to Cook:

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

2. Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet: a. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. b. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.

3. Sear the Chicken: a. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot cast iron skillet. b. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until a nice golden-brown crust forms.

4. Finish in the Oven: a. Transfer the cast iron skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. b. Roast the chicken for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Rest and Serve: a. Remove the cast iron skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. b. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. c. Serve the cast iron chicken immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cook’s Note:

• Choose a high-quality, well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best results.
• Ensure the cast iron skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
• Adjust the cooking time in the oven based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
• Letting the chicken rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Pair the cast iron chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

This cast iron chicken recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare a healthy, protein-packed meal. The combination of searing the chicken in the cast iron skillet and finishing it in the oven results in a juicy, flavorful, and beautifully-cooked chicken breast.

The seasoning blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary adds a depth of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. The high-heat searing creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside, while the oven-roasting ensures the chicken is cooked through and remains tender and juicy on the inside.

One of the key advantages of using a cast iron skillet is its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly, leading to a more consistent cooking result. The cast iron skillet also helps to develop a beautiful sear on the chicken, which adds an additional layer of flavor and texture.

To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s important to choose a high-quality, well-seasoned cast iron skillet and to make sure it’s thoroughly preheated before adding the chicken. This will help create that signature sear and prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

Once the chicken is seared, transferring the cast iron skillet to the oven allows the chicken to finish cooking through, reaching the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Be sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final dish.

The versatility of this cast iron chicken recipe makes it a great option for a variety of occasions, from a simple weeknight dinner to a more elaborate meal. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, for a complete and nutritious meal.

Experiment with different seasoning blends to customize the flavor profile to your liking. You can also try this recipe with other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Overall, this cast iron chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.