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Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe

5.2 from 10 reviews

This Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, tender, and flavorful chicken breasts cooked to juicy perfection in a cast iron skillet. Infused with garlic, onion, oregano, and lemon zest, this quick and simple method ensures a moist, delicious main dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil, canola oil, or avocado oil

For Serving

  • Slices of butter
  • Slices of lemon

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming during cooking.
  2. Butterfly Chicken Breasts: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise through the center to create even thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Season: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle lemon zest over all sides for a fresh citrus aroma.
  4. Heat Skillet and Add Oil: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add your choice of oil (sunflower, canola, or avocado) and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Sear Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side without moving them to form a golden-brown crust. Adjust the heat slightly if the chicken starts to burn.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Top with slices of butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. Butterfly thicker breasts if needed.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain heat and proper searing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial to keep it juicy.
  • Butter and lemon enhance flavor but are optional depending on dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast, cast iron skillet, juicy chicken, quick dinner, seared chicken, lemon zest chicken