Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and never fails to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, aromatic garlic herb butter, and the sear from the cast iron skillet creates a mouthwatering experience that you won’t be able to resist. So, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this dish whenever I want something quick and delicious for dinner. The cast iron skillet gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust, while the garlic herb butter adds incredible flavor. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a simple yet impressive meal that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) make for a fantastic lunch the next day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your kitchen too!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional substitutions: If you’re in a hurry, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. I sometimes swap out the thyme for rosemary, depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking.
Directions
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust.
6. Once the chicken is nicely seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter hot, and enjoy!
Notes
Through trial and error, I’ve found that using a cast iron skillet is key to achieving that perfect golden crust on the chicken. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a regular skillet, but you might not get the same level of caramelization.
Variations
I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, and one that didn’t work out so well was adding lemon juice to the garlic herb butter. The acidity from the lemon ended up overpowering the other flavors. However, feel free to try it yourself if you’re curious!
Equipment
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a regular skillet or even a grill pan as a workaround. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter never lasts more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables and a simple green salad. The flavors complement each other perfectly. However, feel free to get creative with your sides and serve it with your favorite accompaniments. Let your taste buds guide you!
Pro Tips
One lesson I’ve learned from my mistakes is not to rush the searing process. It’s tempting to crank up the heat, but taking the time to properly sear the chicken will result in a more flavorful and juicy end result.
FAQ
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead?
A: Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken breasts may require slightly longer cooking times to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It’s best to thaw the chicken breasts before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
Now that you have the recipe for this mouthwatering Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. Trust me, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Happy cooking!
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet and topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter. This dish is simple yet impressive, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves.
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Heat a cast iron skillet, add olive oil, and sear chicken on both sides until golden brown.
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Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
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Let the chicken rest before serving hot.