Cast Iron Comfort: Seared Chicken Breast with Creamy Pan Sauce

k engels

5 months ago

Golden-seared chicken breasts in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce—crafted in a single skillet with ingredients delivered straight to your door by Farm Fresh Northwest.

Bringing Comfort to the Table

There’s something deeply comforting about a well-seared piece of chicken kissed by the heat of a cast iron skillet. This dish celebrates that golden crust and takes it a step further with a luxurious pan sauce—creamy, savory, and speckled with herbs. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with satisfaction.

With Farm Fresh Northwest‘s home delivery service, high-quality chicken and seasonal produce arrive right at your doorstep, ready to become the next great meal. It’s comfort food with a fresh, regional twist—and it all starts in one skillet.

Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a quick weeknight fix, this dish checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and rich with flavor. Thanks to Farm Fresh Northwest, you’re cooking with ingredients that come from just down the road—fresh, local, and full of love.

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Seared Chicken with Creamy Pan Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional: 1 tbsp butter for basting

For the Pan Sauce:

2 cloves garlic, minced
½ shallot, finely chopped
½ cup chicken broth or white wine
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
Sear to Perfection
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Optional: add butter during the last minute and baste for added richness.
Make the Sauce
Remove chicken and lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add garlic and shallots; sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with broth or wine, scraping up the flavorful bits.
Finish with Cream
Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with herbs.

🍃 Chef’s Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed to get that beautiful crust.
Deglazing is key. It captures all the flavor from the browned bits (fond).
Use a thermometer. Perfect doneness without overcooking.

Variations:

Add fresh tarragon or sage for an herbal twist.
Swap cream for coconut milk + lime juice for a dairy-free option.
Stir in spinach or sautéed mushrooms before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Buttery mashed potatoes or garlic herb rice
Roasted green beans or steamed broccolini
Crusty artisan bread to mop up the sauce
Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir

Ingredient Sourcing

Farm Fresh Northwest makes weeknight meals easier and more inspired by delivering seasonal, high-quality chicken and produce from local farms across the Pacific Northwest. Their delivery boxes are customizable, sustainable, and full of flavor—so you’re never far from a nourishing, home-cooked dish.

Visit Farm Fresh Northwest to get started with your first delivery.

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