Hey there, fellow food enthusiast! Today, I want to share with you my go-to recipe for a mouthwatering dish - Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter. This recipe is a winner in my kitchen, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in yours too. So let's dive right in and discover the magic of this flavorful and succulent chicken breast.
Why You'll Love This
I make this dish when I want to impress my guests or simply treat myself to a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of the cast iron skillet and the garlic herb butter creates a crispy and golden crust on the chicken, while keeping the meat juicy and tender. My family goes crazy for this because it's a simple yet elegant dish that never fails to impress. Plus, the aromas that fill the kitchen while cooking this dish are simply irresistible!
Ingredients
To make this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional substitutions:
I sometimes use olive oil instead of butter when I'm looking for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to customize the flavors according to your preferences. Feel free to get creative!
Directions
1. Start by preheating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet is heating up, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This is where I usually sneak a taste because it smells so good!
5. While the chicken is resting, spread a generous amount of the garlic herb butter on top of each chicken breast. The residual heat will melt the butter and infuse the chicken with its aromatic flavors.
6. Serve the Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite. Don't worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage - it always does, but it tastes absolutely divine!
Notes
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasonings and herbs according to your taste preferences. Experiment with different herb combinations or add a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend to elevate the flavors even more.
Variations
I've tried a few variations of this recipe over the years, and one that didn't work out so well was using margarine instead of butter. The flavor just wasn't the same, so I always stick to using real butter for that rich and creamy taste.
Equipment
A cast iron skillet is essential for achieving that perfect crispy crust on the chicken. If you don't have one, you can use a heavy-bottomed skillet as an alternative. It may not be exactly the same, but it will still deliver delicious results. Don't let the lack of a specific tool hold you back from trying this recipe!
Storage Information
Though honestly, in my house, this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter never lasts more than a day! However, if you do have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. The combination is simply irresistible. However, feel free to get creative with your sides. A fresh salad or some buttery pasta would also complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully. Make it your own!
Pro Tips
Through trial and error, I've learned a few valuable lessons when it comes to making this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter:
- Don't rush the cooking process. Allow the chicken to cook at a steady medium-high heat to ensure that beautiful golden crust forms.
- Let the chicken rest before adding the garlic herb butter. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken breast.
- If you're unsure about the chicken's doneness, use a meat thermometer. It's better to be safe than sorry!
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Just remember to use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken breast without the garlic herb butter. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the skillet or microwave before adding the garlic herb butter.
For more cooking inspiration and tips, check out my favorite resources:
- [Link to Cooking website]
- [Link to Food Blog]
So there you have it, my friend - the ultimate Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter recipe. Give it a try, and I promise you won't be disappointed. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this irresistible dish. Happy cooking!
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious meal with this flavorful Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast with Garlic Herb Butter. The crispy and golden crust on the chicken paired with the aromatic garlic herb butter creates a dish that is both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
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Start by preheating a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet, then add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Prepare garlic herb butter by combining softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme in a bowl. Mix well.
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Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Spread garlic herb butter on each chicken breast.
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Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite.
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Adjust seasonings and herbs according to taste preferences. Get creative with herb combinations and spice blends.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.