When it comes to weeknight dinner solutions, few options are as reliable and delicious as a perfectly cooked piece of chicken in a hot skillet. And when that skillet is seasoned cast iron, the results can be truly outstanding. In this article, we’ll explore 20 different crispy cast iron skillet chicken recipes that are sure to become new favorites for your family.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired flavors, these recipes showcase the versatility and simplicity of cooking with a cast iron skillet. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to hit the spot. So grab your favorite seasonings and let’s get started!
Garlic Butter Cast Iron Skillet Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the versatility of cast iron skillet cooking.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the olive oil and swirl it around to combine with the butter and garlic.
6. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Cast Iron Skillet Chicken
Brighten up your weeknight dinner with this citrusy twist on classic chicken! This recipe combines the rich flavors of herbs and lemon with the perfect sear from a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 4 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a preheated cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Cajun Cast Iron Skillet Chicken
A bold and flavorful twist on classic chicken, this recipe combines the heat of cayenne pepper with the richness of buttery cast iron skillet cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together butter, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with spice mixture.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Mustard Cast Iron Skillet Chicken
Savory and sweet, this Honey Mustard Cast Iron Skillet Chicken recipe combines the best of both worlds. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
6. Brush honey mustard mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
7. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Rosemary and Potatoes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Rosemary and Potatoes: A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned on all sides.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet, then add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to brown.
6. Add the chopped rosemary and cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
Elevate your dinner game with this simple and flavorful recipe that yields crispy-skinned chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side up. Brush the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Mushrooms
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines the richness of chicken with the earthy goodness of mushrooms, all cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
3. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer with the mushrooms for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Bacon and Brussels Sprouts
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and caramelized Brussels sprouts all in one cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the grease behind.
4. Add the chicken, onion, Brussels sprouts, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Quickly cook juicy chicken and crispy vegetables in a single skillet, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into fajita-sized strips
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, avocado, shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook chicken until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chili powder and cumin to skillet; cook for 1 minute.
5. Return chicken to skillet and stir to combine with vegetables and spices.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 5 minutes.
8. Assemble fajitas by placing cooked chicken and vegetable mixture onto tortillas. Serve with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Parmesan: A Twist on the Classic Italian-American Favorite
Elevate your chicken parmesan game with this easy and flavorful recipe that uses a cast iron skillet to achieve crispy, golden-brown results.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg and then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
3. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the preheated skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This recipe combines the richness of chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet with the earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (about 8 minutes).
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the mushroom sauce over it. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Rice
Savor a comforting and satisfying meal with this simple recipe that combines juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and savory aromas.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the mixed veggies, cooked rice, and olive oil. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is golden brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Garlic and White Wine
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is a staple for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add olive oil, then chicken, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until browned on all sides.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Caramelized Onions
This classic comfort food recipe yields a juicy chicken dish smothered in sweet and savory caramelized onions, all cooked to perfection in one cast iron skillet. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add sliced onions to the skillet. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
5. Add chicken broth to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the onion mixture on top.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and the onions are caramelized.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Savor the rich flavors of chicken cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, paired with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp pepper
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
6. In the same skillet, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the glaze over the top.
8. Bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Sausage
A hearty one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch, this recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with savory sausage and crispy vegetables in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 4 Italian sausages (sweet or hot), sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite herbs and spices
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
3. Add the olive oil, followed by the chicken, sausage, bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
A hearty, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines juicy chicken, tender sweet potatoes, and crispy onions in a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sweet potato slices and cook for 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
5. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Piccata
A classic Italian-American dish gets a hearty twist with this Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Piccata recipe. Crispy chicken, tangy capers, and a rich sauce come together in just one skillet.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons capers, chopped
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Add oil to the preheated skillet, then sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet, then add garlic, white wine (if using), and broth. Scrape up any browned bits.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in butter until melted.
7. Add capers and stir to combine.
8. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each breast.
9. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until chicken is coated and sauce has thickened.
10. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Butter
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this simple yet flavorful Cast Iron Skillet Chicken recipe, infused with the brightness of lemon and pungency of garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the softened butter and cook until melted, about 1 minute.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
6. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, skin side up (if they have skin).
7. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Herb Roasted Vegetables
This hearty one-pan dish combines juicy chicken breast with a medley of roasted vegetables, all infused with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large cast iron skillet (10-inch)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In the cast iron skillet, whisk together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add bell peppers and zucchinis to the skillet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
6. Serve chicken with roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these mouthwatering cast iron skillet chicken recipes! With flavors ranging from classic garlic butter to spicy Cajun, there’s something for everyone. Try the Lemon Herb Cast Iron Skillet Chicken for a bright and citrusy twist or go bold with the Spicy Cajun Cast Iron Skillet Chicken. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food like Honey Mustard Cast Iron Skillet Chicken or want to get creative with flavors like Rosemary and Potatoes, these 20 recipes will become your new go-to’s for a quick and delicious dinner.