That’s a great choice for a romantic dinner. Cast-iron skillet chicken is a simple but delicious dish you can make with just a few ingredients and a hot oven. Let me show you how to make it step by step.
You will need four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe. They are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, and they fit well in a cast-iron skillet. You will also need some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme to season the chicken. You can also add some paprika or cayenne pepper for some extra color and spice.
All right, when we’re ready, we’ll start making it.
Take your chicken thighs out of the fridge and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get crispy and brown. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme on both sides. You can also rub some oil on the skin to help it stick.
Carefully remove your hot skillet from the oven and place it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add some oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
Then, place your chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet, leaving some space between them. You should hear a nice sizzle as soon as they touch the pan.
Sear them for about 10 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp. Don’t move them around too much, or you will lose the crust. Flip them over and sear the other side for another 5 minutes, or until browned.
Now that you have seared the chicken on both sides, you need to finish cooking it in the oven.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use an oven-safe thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. Don’t overcook it, or it will become dry and tough.
Now you just need to add some finishing touches to make it look and taste even better. Take the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
Then, sprinkle some fresh parsley and squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken. This will add some freshness and brightness to the dish. You can also drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
To serve the chicken, you can use a large platter or a cutting board. Place the chicken thighs on the platter or board, and arrange some roasted sweet potatoes around them.
You can roast the sweet potatoes in the oven while the chicken is baking, or you can make them ahead of time. To make them more festive, you can cut them into heart shapes with a cookie cutter. You can also add some salad greens or other vegetables to the platter or board if you like.
To complete your romantic dinner, you can also pour some red wine into two glasses. Red wine goes well with chicken, and it can also set the mood for a special occasion. You can choose any red wine you like, but some good options are Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.
This dish is a great dish for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or birthdays. You can impress your girlfriend with this dish and maybe even get a kiss.
Notes:
● Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture and ensure crispy skin.
● Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. Leave some space between the pieces.
● Use an oven-safe thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
● Be careful when handling the hot skillet, as it can cause burns. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands.
● Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
Origin of dish:
The origin of this dish is not very clear, but some people say that it is a variation of the French dish “poulet à la poêle,” which means chicken in a pan.
What are some good meals to cook for my girlfriend?
Chicken and vegetable stir-fry: This is a quick and healthy dish that you can make with chicken, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, peppers, or snow peas. You can also add some ginger, garlic, and honey to make the sauce more delicious. You can serve this dish with rice or noodles. Your girlfriend will appreciate this dish, especially if she likes Asian cuisine.
Of course, this cast-iron skillet chicken dish is also a must. If you want to add to the mood, you can fry the chicken, fry a heart-shaped egg, and put it inside！
I hope these suggestions help you find a good meal to cook for your girlfriend. I’m sure she will appreciate your effort and enjoy your food.