This recipe for Cast Iron Chicken Breasts with Garlic Herb Butter is a winner! Juicy chicken is cooked in a hot skillet and topped with a yummy melt of garlic and herbs. Yum!
I love how the butter sizzles and makes everything taste amazing. Plus, it’s quick to whip up! Perfect for busy nights when I want something tasty without a fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook evenly and are easy to handle. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my first choice for sautéing, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point or a different flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to taste.
Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste. Use fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley if you can. If not, dried herbs work too—just remember they’re more concentrated, so use less (1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh).
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Breasts are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken breasts perfectly can be tricky but don’t worry! Here are some important steps:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps in getting a good sear.
- When searing, don’t move the chicken around too much; let it develop a nice golden brown crust, which adds flavor.
- Using a meat thermometer can really help ensure your chicken is not overcooked. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for juicy results.
- Lastly, letting the chicken rest after baking is key. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
How to Make Cast Iron Chicken Breasts With Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook, which includes both searing the chicken and baking it in the oven. In total, you should set aside about 40-45 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly once it goes in the oven.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Grab some paper towels and pat the chicken breasts dry. This is important for getting a nice sear! Once they’re dry, season both sides with salt and pepper to make them flavorful.
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a cast iron skillet, pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium-high until it’s shimmering. This is the perfect temperature for searing your chicken.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts into the skillet carefully. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; if needed, cook in batches to keep that nice sear!
5. Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
While the chicken is searing, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until everything is well combined. This flavorful butter will take your chicken to the next level!
6. Flip the Chicken:
Once the first side is nicely seared, flip the chicken breasts over. Generously spoon the garlic herb butter mixture over the top of each piece. Yum!
7. Finish Cooking in the Oven:
Now it’s time for the oven! Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and it’s cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
8. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time helps keep the juices locked in, making each bite delicious!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the chicken for a lovely touch and serve it hot. Enjoy your scrumptious cast iron chicken breasts with garlic herb butter! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Substitute the Chicken Breasts with Another Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just remember that thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs in place of fresh ones. Typically, use one-third of the amount in dried herbs compared to fresh. So, for this recipe, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and rosemary instead of a tablespoon of fresh.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it on low power, keeping it moist with a damp paper towel.
Can I Use a Different Type of Skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, you can use any oven-safe skillet that can withstand high heat. Just make sure it is well-seasoned to prevent sticking, or use a little extra oil when searing the chicken.
