Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe
This Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection in a cast iron pan. Easy to prepare with simple pantry spices like onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and lemon zest, the chicken is seared until golden and juicy, then finished with butter and fresh lemon for an irresistible dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (free-range or organic, corn-fed preferred)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from a wax-free lemon)
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil (or canola/avocado oil)
For Serving:
- A few slices of butter (unsalted or salted, good quality)
- A few slices of lemon (large and juicy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a chopping board and pat them dry with kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture for better searing.
- Slice Chicken for Even Cooking: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into two thinner pieces to create 4 chicken breasts of similar size and thickness, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and sprinkle lemon zest on top to infuse vibrant flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm up a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil of choice to coat the pan, preparing it for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown. Adjust the heat downward if the chicken begins to burn and add more oil if sticking occurs.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Add a few slices of butter on top of the rested chicken and squeeze fresh lemon juice over to add richness and brightness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking ensures a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Cutting the chicken into equal thickness pieces helps avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- Using a cast iron skillet adds superior heat retention and even cooking for a perfect crust.
- Letting the chicken rest is key for juicy texture.
- Fresh lemon juice and quality butter enhance the flavor just before serving for a rich finish.
- Substitute dried parsley or Italian seasoning for oregano if preferred.
Keywords: cast iron chicken breast, skillet chicken, juicy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, pan seared chicken, lemon chicken, simple chicken dinner
