Cast Iron Chicken Breasts with Garlic Herb Butter

Quick Info

Prep: 10m | Cook: 20m | Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 medium chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Garlic Herb Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or herbs of choice)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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🍳 Equipment

• Large cast iron skillet
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Small mixing bowls
• Paper towels

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📋 Instructions

1. Make Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper until uniform. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
4. Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels and season liberally on both sides with the spice mixture.
5. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with about 1 tablespoon of oil.
6. Sear chicken breasts on one side for 5 minutes. Flip and immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake at 425°F for 10–15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160–162°F (it will reach 165°F while resting).
8. Remove from oven and immediately top each chicken breast with about 1 tablespoon of garlic herb butter.
9. Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

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💡 Notes & Variations

• Thinner breasts bake in 5–10 minutes; thicker cuts can take 15–20 minutes.
• Extra garlic herb butter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

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