Are you tired of the same old boring weeknight meals? Look no further! Crispy chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet is the perfect solution. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering crispy chicken cast iron skillet recipes that are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. From classic comfort food dishes like Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and Thyme, to spicy and savory options like Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a healthy and easy meal option, or a foodie looking to try new flavors and techniques, these recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and start cooking up some delicious crispy chicken cast iron skillet meals!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon and Thyme
This recipe combines the flavors of garlic butter, lemon, and thyme to create a moist and aromatic chicken dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, lemon juice, and thyme.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Savor the bold flavors of this classic Tex-Mex dish, cooked to perfection in a single cast iron skillet. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with juicy chicken, sautéed peppers, and crispy fajita-style veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble fajitas with chicken, peppers, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and spicy glaze that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a sticky honey-mustard sauce with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, and cumin.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, basting occasionally.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Chicken
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Chicken Recipe
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this flavorful recipe that combines the herbal notes of rosemary with the pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
This recipe yields a deliciously aromatic roasted chicken with a crispy skin and juicy interior, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy-to-make Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Parmesan recipe, featuring crispy chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and a tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
5. Spread tomato sauce over each chicken breast and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Crispy Skin
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of lemon and the warmth of pepper with tender chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush both sides with the lemon mixture.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken skin to crisp it up.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and cover with the potatoes.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cajun Blackened Chicken
A classic Cajun dish that’s bold, spicy, and full of flavor. This blackened chicken recipe is a staple of Louisiana cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s)
– 2 tbsp butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the top of each breast.
5. Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken with Bacon and Mushrooms
This hearty skillet dish combines crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a single cast iron pan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 cup of mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
3. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the mushrooms to the same pan and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the pan, season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Caramelized Onions
Sweet and tangy, this recipe combines the rich flavors of balsamic glaze with caramelized onions to create a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, mix balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl.
4. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the balsamic glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Top each chicken breast with a spoonful of caramelized onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Dot the top of each chicken breast with butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Piccata
This recipe brings together the flavors of Italy with the simplicity of a one-pan wonder. Tender chicken breasts are dredged in flour, cooked in a hot skillet, and finished with a tangy lemon-caper sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
Instructions:
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken in flour mixture (flour, garlic, and parsley).
4. Add butter to the skillet and sauté chicken for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6. Add white wine and chicken broth to the skillet; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in lemon juice and capers.
8. Serve sauce over chicken breasts.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic herb-roasted chicken dish, served with a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Serve the roasted chicken with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Offer lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Dumplings
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Cozy up with a warm and comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, cooked to perfection in a trusty cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups biscuit or dumpling mixture (see below)
Biscuit/Dumpling Mixture:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In the cast iron skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
5. Stir in thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour dumpling mixture into the skillet and smooth out.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and cover with a lid or foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and dumplings are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of chicken with the smokiness of paprika, all wrapped up with a medley of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 large Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the spice mixture.
4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss bell pepper, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
6. Roast vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve chicken with roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Alfredo
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Alfredo Recipe
A hearty and comforting skillet dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup cooked fettuccine noodles
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and let melt. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked fettuccine noodles and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until coated with sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
This Caribbean-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with the sweetness of pineapple salsa, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to please. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
For the Jerk Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lime juice
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, bell pepper, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve jerk chicken with pineapple salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken and Rice
A hearty and comforting one-pot dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°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 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the rice mixture.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pesto Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of pesto sauce, tender chicken, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the pesto mixture.
4. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top of each chicken breast.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Cacciatore
This classic Italian dish is elevated with the addition of a cast iron skillet, resulting in a rich and savory meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and cook chicken until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms until tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Maple Dijon Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory combination of maple-glazed chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush with the maple glaze.
4. Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss Brussels sprouts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil on a baking sheet.
6. Roast Brussels sprouts in the same oven as the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with these 20 crispy chicken cast iron skillet recipes! From classic flavors like garlic butter and lemon thyme to bold twists like spicy honey glaze and Cajun blackened, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting comfort food or a quick and easy meal, this collection has got you covered. So why wait? Fire up your cast iron skillet and get cooking with these mouth-watering chicken recipes that are sure to become family favorites.
