Tired of bland, dry chicken breasts? This cast iron chicken breast recipe is about to change your weeknight dinners forever! It's unbelievably easy, incredibly flavorful, and cooks up juicy and tender chicken every single time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy meal is also incredibly versatile – adapt it to your taste with different herbs, spices, and sides. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying dinner that's as impressive as it is simple!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully in the cast iron skillet.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to season both sides evenly.
Searing to Perfection:
- Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. A good quality cast iron skillet is key for even cooking and that delicious sear.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, undisturbed, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This step develops a fantastic flavor and texture.
Finishing the Chicken:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet.
- Pour a ½ cup of chicken broth or water into the pan (optional, but recommended for extra juicy chicken).
- Cover the skillet and cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken breast with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or even quinoa are all excellent choices.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Let it rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, sage, or basil.
- Garlic lovers: Add a few minced cloves of garlic to the skillet along with the oil.
- Lemon Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
This cast iron chicken breast recipe is a quick dinner idea that is both healthy and delicious. It’s a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!