Cooking with a cast iron skillet is truly a game-changer when it comes to grilling. The cast iron’s ability to distribute heat evenly and retain it for a long time makes it the perfect tool for achieving that perfect sear and flavor. Whether you’re a professional chef or an amateur grilling enthusiast, here are some mouthwatering cast iron skillet grill recipes that you need to try:
Cast Iron Recipes for your Grill or Smoker | Hey Grill, Hey

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds of steak (ribeye, NY strip, or filet mignon)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Season the steak on both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the cast iron skillet directly on the grill grates and preheat for 10 minutes.
- Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to prepare:
Preparing steak in a cast iron skillet on the grill is incredibly easy. The key is to preheat the skillet along with the grill to ensure that it gets nice and hot. This will help you achieve a beautiful sear on the steak, locking in all the delicious juices and flavor.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 400
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Tips:
- Make sure to use a high smoke point oil like olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent it from burning in the high heat of the cast iron skillet on the grill.
- For the best results, let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and flavorful steak.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of steak?
A: Absolutely! You can use this method to grill other cuts of meat like pork chops, chicken breasts, or even seafood like shrimp or scallops. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Do I need to season the cast iron skillet?
A: If your cast iron skillet is properly seasoned, there’s no need to season it before grilling. However, if it needs some re-seasoning, simply coat it with a thin layer of oil and bake it in the oven at 350°F for an hour.
Q: Can I use a cast iron skillet on a gas grill?
A: Yes, you can use a cast iron skillet on both gas and charcoal grills with great results. Just make sure to preheat the skillet along with the grill to ensure even and consistent heat distribution.
How to Grill a Whole Chicken | Cast Iron Skillet Recipe | Cooking Outdoors

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the cast iron skillet on the grill grates and preheat for 10 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet, breast side down.
- Cover the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
How to prepare:
Grilling a whole chicken in a cast iron skillet is a fantastic way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. The skillet helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring that the chicken cooks to perfection both on the inside and outside.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Tips:
- For a smokier flavor, you can use wood chips or chunks on your grill. Simply soak them in water for 30 minutes, then scatter them over the hot coals or place them in a smoker box if you’re using a gas grill.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. This will result in a more moist and flavorful chicken.
FAQs:
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