Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breasts

Recipe View Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients to ensure a seamless cooking process. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts on all sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Ensure even coverage for maximum flavor. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Sear the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts, rounded side down, into the hot skillet. Sear undisturbed until a rich, golden-brown crust forms, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes.

Recipe View Herb Butter Baste: Add the unsalted butter, smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprigs to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt completely, about 1 minute. Tilt the skillet towards you to create a pool of herb-infused butter. Using a spoon, continuously baste the chicken breasts with this aromatic butter, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Continue cooking until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F (74°C), approximately 3 to 5 minutes.

Recipe View Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving platter and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Serve immediately, drizzled with the pan drippings and accompanied by lemon wedges, if desired.