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Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast

Featured in Fast and Simple Recipes for Busy Days.

This Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast recipe delivers exceptionally juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal ingredients and effort. The method begins with butterflying chicken breasts for even cooking and maximum surface area for seasoning. A simple blend of spices and fresh lemon zest creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that's both savory and bright. What makes this recipe special is the cast iron cooking technique, which creates a perfect sear while locking in moisture. The brief resting period after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. With just 185 calories and 22g of protein per serving, this gluten-free, Whole30-compliant dish proves that healthy eating doesn't require sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
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Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:50:47 GMT
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This cast iron skillet chicken breast recipe is a true kitchen staple, offering a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal with minimal fuss. The chicken breasts, cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, emerge juicy and tender, infused with a delightful lemony butter sauce. It's an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant meal for any occasion.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. Choose high-quality, free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor.
  • Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These pantry staples add a savory depth to the chicken.
  • Dried Oregano: Provides a warm, herbaceous note that complements the chicken.
  • Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.
  • Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil, or Avocado Oil: Used for searing the chicken, these oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for cast iron cooking.
  • Butter and Lemon Slices: Used for serving, adding richness and a touch of acidity.
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Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut each breast lengthwise through the center to create four thinner pieces of equal thickness. This ensures even cooking.
Seasoning the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
Heating the Skillet:
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it heat until it shimmers. This ensures the chicken sears properly.
Searing the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Resting and Serving:
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Top with a few slices of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

This cast iron chicken has become a regular in my kitchen. It's so simple to make, yet it always delivers a delicious and satisfying meal. I love how versatile it is, pairing well with just about any side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this juicy chicken with a lightly dressed green salad for a light and healthy meal. Pair it with arugula and a balsamic dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Steamed or grilled baby potatoes with oregano and melted butter make a comforting side. Steamed or grilled asparagus spears add a vibrant and nutritious touch.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. Use fresh herbs like oregano or parsley for a more vibrant flavor. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet while cooking for added moisture and flavor.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze leftover chicken for 3-4 months. Reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out.

This juicy cast iron chicken is a fantastic and versatile recipe that's sure to become a favorite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the cast iron skillet?
Make sure your skillet is well-heated before adding oil, then add chicken only when the oil is shimmering hot. Also, don't flip the chicken too early - it will release naturally when properly seared.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great in this recipe. They may need 1-2 minutes longer cooking time but will be even juicier.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have no pink in the center. Since these are thin-cut, 5 minutes per side is usually perfect.
→ Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
Yes, though cast iron gives the best sear, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. Avoid non-stick pans as they don't create the same flavorful crust.
→ What sides pair well with this chicken?
Try roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete, healthy meal.

Juicy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly juicy chicken breasts cooked in a cast iron skillet with simple seasonings and bright lemon flavor.

Prep Time
7 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
17 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken breasts)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
02 1 tsp onion powder
03 1 tsp garlic powder
04 1 tsp oregano
05 Sea salt & black pepper
06 1 tsp lemon zest
07 1 tbsp sunflower oil/canola/avocado oil

→ For serving

08 Slices of butter
09 Slices of lemon

Instructions

Step 01

Pat dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel. Cut each chicken breast lengthwise through the center.

Step 02

Season both sides with onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle lemon zest all over the chicken breasts.

Step 03

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola/avocado/sunflower oil. Sear chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side until cooked. If the chicken starts burning, lower the heat a little bit.

Step 04

Remove from the skillet and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add butter or olive oil on top for more flavor, and squeeze a little bit of lemon juice all over.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy if served with butter

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 9.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 22 g