Cast Iron Chicken Breast

Name: Cast Iron Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb Chicken Breasts (about 3 chicken breasts); 1.5 tbsp Italian Seasoning; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 3/4 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 2 tbsp Avocado Oil

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Cast Iron Chicken Breast is flavorful and moist in less than 15 minutes. It’s perfect as an easy weeknight main dish or for meal prep. Learn how to make cast iron skillet chicken breast (stove top) with simple ingredients using this easy recipe.

Why Make this

Juicy Chicken Breasts: using a hot cast iron skillet is the best way to lock in the meat’s juices and give it a great sear on the outside
Simple Ingredients: I used just 6 total ingredients like boneless skinless chicken and spices that most people have in their pantry
Quick: If you’re busy, this simple recipe comes together in about 15 minutes.
Versatile: You can use these chicken breasts in other recipes like my chicken bone broth soup.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken Breasts: I’m using fresh chicken breasts. You can pound them out with a meat mallet to even them out before cooking.
Italian Seasoning: this is a great way to add delicious flavor of herbs without having fresh herbs on hand
Garlic Powder
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
Avocado Oil: I prefer avocado oil for this recipe since it has a high smoke point, but I’ve also used olive oil when I’m in a pinch.

sea salt, garlic powder, italian seasoning, olive oil, and black pepper in separate bowls and 2 chicken breasts

How to Sear Chicken Breasts

Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with a paper towel. Mix the spices in a small bowl and apply them evenly to all sides of the chicken
Preheat a cast-iron skillet with avocado oil to medium heat and sear both sides of the chicken breast.

step-by-step instructions to make flavorful chicken using this Cast Iron skillet Chicken Breasts recipe

Top Cooking Tips & FAQs

Use even-sized chicken breasts: No chicken breast is the same so it’s best to pound them out so that they’re about the same thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken breasts: Chicken should be cooked until the thickest part of the chicken breast has an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Be sure to adjust the cook time if you have thinner boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Preheat your cast iron skillet: getting a golden brown sear requires that you start with a hot pan. To preheat the pan, just turn it on medium heat for 2-3 minutes before you start cooking.
For the best flavor, mix your spices separately before adding them to the chicken breasts: this helps the spice mixture coat the chicken evenly.
Cook at room temperature: this cast iron skillet chicken breast recipe works best when you allow the meat to come to room temperature before cooking.

Storage and Leftovers

You can store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. I don’t reheat it and simply use the leftovers in cold salads for lunch.

How long to cook chicken breasts in a cast iron pan?

It depends on the size of your chicken breasts. I cook them for 4-5 minutes per side or until the meat reaches about 160 degrees. While you let the meat rest, it will continue cooking to 165 degrees (the recommended food-safe temperature).

Cast Iron Chicken Breasts placed on a wooden board and topped with slices of lemon

What to Serve with Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts taste great with almost any of your favorite sides. But, some of my favorites side dishes are:

Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Sides for Chicken Parmesan: though this isn’t chicken parmesan, there are some great options that would work for this dish like caesar salad, pesto pasta, and more.