Cast Iron Baked Chicken

1. Preheat Oven and Mix Spices

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position, place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on the rack, and preheat your oven to 450 degrees. While the oven is heating, mix together the paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and granulated garlic in a small bowl.

2. Prepare Chicken

Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Once dry, season the chicken generously on all sides with the spice mixture you prepared earlier.

3. Heat Skillet and Add Ingredients

When the oven reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove the hot skillet. Add the unsalted butter and the fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet. The butter will melt quickly, and you should hear the thyme sizzle, releasing its fragrant oils.

4. Sear Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the skillet, skin side down, to start that beautiful sear. Put the skillet back in the oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes.

5. Flip and Bake

After 15 minutes, flip the chicken pieces over and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees and the drumsticks and thighs reach 175 degrees.

6. Rest and Serve

Once done, let the chicken rest in the skillet for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Finally, transfer the chicken to a platter and spoon the delicious pan juices over the top before serving.