How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in a Cast Iron Skillet for Perfectly Juicy Results

Home cooks may be afraid to use a cast iron skillet to cook chicken breast. By following the right steps and cooking times, you can always get a tender, juicy chicken breast with crispy skin. I’ll show you everything you need to know to master cooking cast iron chicken breast, from how to prepare it to how done it is.

Why Choose Cast Iron for Chicken Breast?

Cast iron is a fantastic choice for cooking chicken breasts. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Even heating: Cast iron distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can lead to overcooking. This allows the chicken to cook gently and uniformly.

• Searing capability: Cast iron can reach extremely high temperatures, letting you sear chicken breasts for a crispy skin and rich, caramelized flavors.

• Heat retention: Once hot, cast iron retains heat very well. This stability lets you thoroughly cook chicken breasts without temperature fluctuations.

• Natural non-stick: Cast iron that has been used for a while gets a patina that makes it naturally non-stick. Chicken breasts won’t stick, even with very little oil.

• Small amounts of iron from food can get into acidic foods, like chicken breast cooked in cast iron. This can enhance the nutritional value.

With its useful properties, cast iron offers major advantages for juicy, flavorful chicken breast recipes.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cook Chicken Breast in Cast Iron

Follow these simple steps for foolproof cast iron chicken breast every time:

1. Select Your Chicken Breasts

• Opt for boneless, skin-on chicken breasts. The skin helps keep moisture in, while bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.

• Pick uniformly sized breasts so they cook evenly. Or, pound them to an even thickness.

• Pat the skin dry with paper towels. This helps it get crispy when searing.

2. Season the Chicken Liberally

• Season under the skin: Loosen the skin from the meat and rub seasoning directly onto the meat.

• Use salt, pepper, herbs, spices, aromatics, or dry rubs. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, and lemon pepper.

• Don’t be shy with seasoning—the savory crust is key for flavor.

3. Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet

• Heat over medium-high for 5-10 minutes until very hot.

• Use a grill pan or regular cast iron skillet. The ridges on a grill pan add pretty grill marks.

• Check temperature by sprinkling water—it should sizzle and evaporate immediately.

4. Add Oil and Sear the Chicken

• Coat the hot skillet with just 1 tsp oil. Cast iron doesn’t need much.

• Place chicken skin-side down. Press down gently so the entire surface contacts the skillet.

• Don’t move it for 4-5 minutes so the skin gets crispy. Listen for steady sizzling.

• Then flip and sear the second side for another 4 minutes without moving.

5. Finish Cooking the Chicken

• Lower heat to medium and cook for 5-7 more minutes, flipping occasionally.

• Rotate the breasts on their sides to brown evenly all over.

• Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part. Remove from heat at 160°F for carryover cooking.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

6. Make a Pan Sauce (Optional)

• Cook garlic, shallots, herbs in the fat and drippings after removing chicken.

• Deglaze with chicken broth, wine, or lemon juice, scraping up browned bits.

• Simmer until reduced, then swirl in butter.

• Pour the sauce over the rested chicken.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken Breast in Cast Iron?

Cast iron chicken breasts with skin on and no bones take 15 to 20 minutes to cook on the stove. Follow these guidelines for doneness:

• Sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes without moving.

• Sear second side for 4 minutes.

• Finish cooking over medium heat until 160°F internal temperature, 5-7 minutes more.

• Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Thicker, larger chicken breasts may take up to 25 minutes total. Check the internal temperature and adjust cooking time as needed.

For bone-in chicken breasts, extend cooking time to 25-35 minutes. The bones act as insulation, slowing cooking. Monitor temperature and cook until 165°F.

Common Questions About Cooking Chicken in Cast Iron

Should I Use Oil When Cooking Chicken in Cast Iron?

Yes, add just a small amount (1 tsp) of high smoke point oil when searing chicken in cast iron. Oil helps prevent sticking and aids browning. Good options include avocado, grapeseed, sunflower, refined coconut, and light olive oil.

Does Chicken Stick to Cast Iron?

Seasoned cast iron develops a natural non-stick patina. Still, properly oiling the pan prevents sticking. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding chicken so proteins coagulate quickly to form a sear. Avoid moving chicken too early while searing.

How to Tell When Chicken is Done in Cast Iron?

Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness. Chicken breasts should reach 160°F, with carryover cooking bringing them to a safe 165°F after resting. Signs of doneness include golden crispy skin, opaque white meat, and juices running clear when pierced.

Should You Flip Chicken Often When Cooking in Cast Iron?

No, flip chicken only occasionally while cooking in cast iron. Constant flipping interrupts searing and browning. Sear each side undisturbed for 4-5 minutes initially. Then flip only every 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Does Cast Iron Add Iron to Chicken?

Yes, a small amount of dietary iron can leach into acidic foods like chicken breasts cooked in cast iron. This enhances the nutritional value, providing a useful iron boost. Optimize this benefit by cooking tomato- or lemon-based pan sauces.

Tips for the Best Cast Iron Chicken Breasts

• Pat chicken dry before searing for crisper skin.
• Let cast iron fully preheat so chicken sears versus steams.
• Resist the urge to move chicken during initial searing.
• Use a grill pan for beautiful grill marks.
• Baste with butter, herbs, and garlic towards the end.
• Make a quick pan sauce from the flavorful browned bits.
• Allow chicken to rest before slicing for juicier meat.

Satisfying Cast Iron Chicken Breast Recipes

With the right techniques, cast iron allows you to make so many delicious chicken breast recipes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Lemon Pepper Chicken – Bright, fresh flavor
• Cajun Blackened Chicken – Smoky and spicy
• Chicken Caprese – Tomato, mozzarella, basil
• Chicken Parmesan – Crispy breaded cutlets
• Balsamic Chicken – Savory sweet glaze
• Buffalo Chicken – Classic spicy, buttery sauce
• Jerk Chicken – Jamaican barbecue spices

The possibilities are endless for easy yet impressive cast iron chicken breast meals. With the proper timing outlined above, you’ll achieve tender juiciness encased by crave-worthy crispy skin every time. Dazzle your family with your cast iron chicken breast mastery!