Pan-Seared Garlic Chicken – Quick, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

This Pan-Seared Garlic Chicken is one of my go-to weeknight dinners! It’s simple, fast, and so versatile — perfect over pasta, tossed into a salad, layered on a sandwich, or served with fresh breadsticks.

All it takes is flattening the chicken for even cooking, seasoning generously, and searing until golden brown. If it’s not quite done in the center, just pop the lid on for a minute to let it finish through. The result: juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Simple ingredients: Just chicken, garlic, oil, and seasonings.
• Versatile: Works with pasta, sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
• Family-approved: Mild garlic flavor makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Pan-Seared Garlic Chicken Recipe

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: ~15 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, flattened to even thickness
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Olive oil
• A few cloves of minced garlic

Instructions

1. Flatten the Chicken
   Place chicken in a zip-top bag and gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until even in thickness.
2. Season
   Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Sear
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.
4. Cook
   Add chicken breasts and sear for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Tip: If the chicken isn’t quite done, cover the pan for a minute or two to finish cooking.
5. Serve
   Slice and enjoy over creamy fettuccine Alfredo, in a fresh salad, on a sandwich, or alongside warm breadsticks.

Tips & Variations

• Add zest: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for brightness.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes.
• Extra garlic: Add a spoonful of garlic butter at the end for richer flavor.
• Meal prep: Cook extra and refrigerate for up to 3 days — perfect for topping quick salads or grain bowls.

Pan-Seared Garlic Chicken – Quick, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

Quick Pan-Seared Garlic Chicken with olive oil and garlic. Juicy, flavorful, and versatile — perfect over pasta, in salads, or on sandwiches

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• Chicken breasts flattened to even thickness
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder to taste
• Olive oil
• A few cloves of minced garlic

Method

 

Flatten the Chicken

1. Place chicken in a zip-top bag and gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until even in thickness.

Season

1. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Sear

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Cook

1. Add chicken breasts and sear for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Tip: If the chicken isn’t quite done, cover the pan for a minute or two to finish cooking.

Serve

1. Slice and enjoy over creamy fettuccine Alfredo, in a fresh salad, on a sandwich, or alongside warm breadsticks.