Cast Iron Chicken
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistibly crispy and flavorful Cast Iron Chicken recipe! Featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to golden perfection in a sizzling cast iron skillet, this dish combines bold seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and fresh thyme for a savory, herbaceous kick. Finished with butter-basted garlic and a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this recipe is the epitome of simplicity and indulgence. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 25 minutes, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for busy evenings while still delivering restaurant-quality results. Serve it warm with the rich pan drippings over roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes for a dinner that feels as comforting as it is gourmet.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 piece lemon, sliced in half
Directions
Step 1
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet.
Step 3
Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes or until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Avoid moving the chicken during this time to ensure proper browning.
Step 4
Flip the chicken thighs and reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme sprigs to the skillet.
Step 5
Spoon the melted butter and garlic over the tops of the chicken thighs as they cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6
Squeeze the juice of one lemon half over the chicken and toss the remaining lemon half into the skillet for added flavor.
Step 7
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 8
Serve the chicken warm with the pan juices drizzled on top, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (718.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1779.5 |
| Total Fat 143.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 40.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 517mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1092.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.8g | |
| Protein 110.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 126.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1567.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories