We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.
The Best Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe
When it comes to cooking chicken breast, using this cast-iron skillet cooking method with my favorite recipe can be a total game-changer!
The even heat distribution and excellent heat retention of a cast iron pan make it the ideal choice for achieving perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breasts for a quick and easy meal any night of the week!
I will walk you through making The Best Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe with simple ingredients and show you how easy it really is to have juicy boneless chicken breasts whenever you want!
I love making up some of these tender chicken breasts for meal prep so I can have a chicken topped salad or add it to my Easy Low Carb Keto Crustless Pizza Casserole Recipe.
Using just a few common ingredients is one of my favorite ways to transform this recipe into one of my most easy chicken recipes!
Keep reading for frequently asked questions, simple tips, ways to change up the flavors and ideas on how to use your cast-iron chicken breast in low carb recipes!
The Magic of Cast Iron Skillets
Let’s briefly discuss why using a cast iron skillet is the best way to get the most tender chicken!
Cast iron pans are renowned for their excellent heat retention, which ensures that the chicken breasts cook evenly.
The ability to withstand high temperatures means that you can achieve a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside, and go straight to the oven without missing a beat!
Cast iron skillets also develop a natural non-stick surface over time, enhancing the cooking experience and making cleanup a breeze.
Check out How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet with Bacon Grease so you can start with a naturally non-stick surface everytime!
What you will need to make these cast iron chicken breasts!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Oil for the pan, bacon grease preferred
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let’s make the best cast iron chicken breast recipe.
Start by patting the whole chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
This ensures a better sear and helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat.
For best results, start with a preheated hot pan.
The higher temperatures give you the best method to get the best sear on the chicken.
Using skinless chicken rather than chicken with skin, ensures it cooks quickly as there is no barrier between the meat and the pan.
Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it becomes hot.
You know its hot enough when you sprinkle a bit of water on the surface and it dances around.
Add the bacon grease or vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan for a quick pan sear.
You should hear a sizzling sound when the chicken hits the hot cast iron skillet.
To get a good sear, let the chicken cook undisturbed in the bottom of the pan for 6 minutes until it turns golden brown.
I only have a 10 inch skillet and can only have 3 large breasts in my skillet.
If you have a larger skillet, go for as many that will fit in a flat layer, not overlapping.
The time will not change for the recipe.
Using tongs, flip the chicken breasts to the other side.
Now immediately put into your 400 F oven and bake for 13 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
The high temperature ensures it gets cooked all the way through.
If you cut into the thickest part of your largest chicken breast and it seems to not be firm enough, return it to the oven for 5 minutes at a time.
If you have only a few that need more time, only return them to the oven and remove the thinner ones from the skillet as to not over cook them.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
They will still be very juicy so make sure you cut on a surface that can handle the juices running everywhere.
I once experienced a mess when I cut them on a flat cutting board and then tried to move the board!
Juices ran all over the place and it was a mess!
Serve the chicken breasts whole or sliced, alongside your favorite simple sides such as these Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussels Sprouts, fresh sauteed green beans, or a fresh salad topped with some of my Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Ranch Dressing for a complete meal!
If you happen to have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
It can be frozen once cooked up to 2 months in an airtight freezer bag.
Tips, FAQs, and ways to customize this easy cast iron skillet chicken breast recipe!
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, invest in a reliable meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and guarantees that the chicken reaches the recommended safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Raw chicken will still be slightly pink and a bit mushy. You are looking for firm and white meat.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches or using a large cast iron skillet is essential to avoid overcrowding and getting the best sear. When you sear chicken, make sure you are not overcrowding as this can lead to steaming rather than searing, resulting in less flavorful chicken.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is crucial. This step ensures that the juices redistribute, enhancing the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Experiment with additional seasonings: While the recipe provided is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or sprinkle some lemon juice and lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
- Make some all-purpose seasoning: Make up some of my Gluten Free Copycat Red Robin Seasoning and use it instead of the spices listed.
- Can I use other boneless cuts of chicken in this recipe? You can use chicken thighs or chicken cutlets in this recipe, you just need to adjust the cooking time to a 6 minute sear and only 6 minutes in the oven for a bake. If you have chicken tenders, I would only cook them for the initial 6 minutes then turn them over for an additional 3 minutes since they cook so fast. You may consider making my Extra Crispy Chicken Strips instead with the chicken tenders.
- What about using bone-in chicken pieces? If you only have bone in pieces, either cut the bone from them, or try this recipe for Keto Baked Italian Chicken Thighs. It starts with a sear, then you make a creamy sauce for them to bake in.
- What kinds of oil do you recommend using if I do not want to use bacon grease? I would recommend an oil with a high smoke point, that can withstand high heat like avocado oil, compound butter mixed with herbs or sesame oil. Oils like olive oil are too delicate and will burn easily in high temperatures and render it unhealthy. would be a great choice!
- What other spices and herbs can I try for a different flavor that would be good? If you like a little heat, try some chili powder. If you like an herby flavor try a sprinkle of italian seasoning with minced fresh garlic! If you are using fresh herbs, add them on right before the 5 minute rest time so they retain their delicious flavors.
The Best Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- 10" cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 3-4 large Boneless skinless chicken breasts approx 1.5-2lb
- 2 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tbsp Garlic powder
- Oil for the pan bacon grease preferred
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by patting the whole chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat.
- Using skinless chicken rather than chicken with skin, ensures it cooks quickly as there is no barrier between the meat and the pan.
- Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it becomes hot.
- You know its hot enough when you sprinkle a bit of water on the surface and it dances around.
- Add the bacon grease or vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan for a quick pan sear.
- You should hear a sizzling sound when the chicken hits the hot cast iron skillet.
- To get a good sear, let the chicken cook undisturbed in the bottom of the pan for 6 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Using tongs, flip the chicken breasts to the other side.
- Now immediately put into your 400 F oven and bake for 13 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- If you cut into the thickest part of your largest chicken breast and it seems to not be firm enough, return it to the oven for 5 minutes at a time.
- If you have only a few that need more time, only return them to the oven and remove the thinner ones from the skillet as to not over cook them.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken breasts whole or sliced, alongside your favorite simple sides such as these Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussels Sprouts, fresh sauteed green beans, or a fresh salad topped with some of my Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Ranch Dressing for a complete meal!
- If you happen to have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
- It can be frozen once cooked up to 2 months in an airtight freezer bag.
Notes
Here are some other chicken recipes you may enjoy!
Cooking chicken breast in a cast iron skillet is a foolproof way to achieve incredible flavor and juicy results.
By following this simple recipe and incorporating the tips mentioned, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends.
The combination of the cast iron skillet’s heat retention and the well-balanced seasoning blend will make your chicken breasts the star of any meal.
So, dust off your cast iron skillet and get ready to enjoy a flavorful, tender, and unforgettable chicken breast experience!
Don’t forget to PIN the pinnable recipe card to your Pinterest board or print out the complete recipe card.
We are affiliates with various companies , including an Amazon Associate, and earn a small commission from these companies when you purchase through my affiliate links.
This is at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting my site and also purchasing through these links to help me to create new keto recipes for you to try!
I love it when you leave a comment with your results.
We all have our own ideas and ways of making recipes so you may share some new things I have not thought of!
Come follow me on social media as I post new recipes and videos on Instagram and Pinterest all the time!
If you love cast iron as much as I do, then you would absolutely LOVE my 2nd cookbook “Chaffles Cast Iron and The Crock” !!
Here are some other chicken recipes you may enjoy!
[…] Try it as a side dish pairing with The Best Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe! […]