Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breasts

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Use a cast iron skillet to cook perfectly juicy and tender chicken breasts. Make sure your skillet is hot and the chicken sizzles as it hits the pan to prevent sticking.

Sliced Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast on a plate with a lemon wedge
2
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Stand Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 (6-ounce) skinless boneless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

  • 4 thyme sprigs

  • 2 rosemary sprigs

  • lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breasts ingredients on a counter

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Season chicken all over with Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

    Seasoned chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium until shimmering. Add chicken, rounded side down, and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom
    side is browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and continue to cook, undisturbed, until the other bottom side is browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

    Seasoned chicken breasts cooking in a cast iron skillet on a burner

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook until butter is melted, about 1 minute. Carefully tilt pan toward you so butter pools and spoon herb butter over the top of each breast, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of breast registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), 3 to 5 minutes.

    Seasoned chicken breasts cooking in a cast iron skillet on a burner with butter and herbs

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with pan drippings and lemon wedges, if desired.

    Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breasts on a platter with lemon wedges next to a cast iron skillet

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

    Cook’s Note

    A good rule of thumb for seasoning chicken breast is 1 teaspoon seasoning per pound of chicken.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

451 Calories
25g Fat
2g Carbs
53g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 451
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 9g 47%
Cholesterol 175mg 58%
Sodium 600mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 53g 106%
Vitamin C 2mg 3%
Calcium 51mg 4%
Iron 2mg 14%
Potassium 477mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.