Description
Sizzling cast iron chicken breasts with garlic herb butter deliver restaurant-quality comfort right from your kitchen. Crispy exterior and juicy interior promise a flavor explosion that makes weeknight dinners feel like gourmet celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the ideal environment for even chicken cooking.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly dry chicken breasts, ensuring a perfect sear by removing excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer, indicating optimal searing temperature.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 5-7 minutes on the first side.
- Simultaneously prepare the garlic herb butter by blending softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Flip the chicken breasts and generously spread the aromatic herb butter across the top of each piece.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting a beautifully seared and herb-infused chicken dish.
Notes
- Choose a high-quality cast iron skillet that’s well-seasoned to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for uniform cooking, which helps avoid uneven doneness.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
- Use room temperature butter for the herb mixture to help it blend smoothly and spread evenly over the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if using pre-mixed seasonings.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano or chives to customize the flavor profile and add personal flair.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg