Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Smoked Paprika
Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection with aromatic garlic and smoky paprika flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs smoked paprika, minced garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped (optional) fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until the underside is golden brown and releases easily.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts, add 3 minced garlic cloves around them, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken registers 165°F internally and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a fresh finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Smoked Paprika?
Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and perfect! The garlic and paprika combo is a game-changer. My husband and I ate it twice this week.
- ★★★★★
The garlic and smoked paprika created such a wonderful flavor! My family asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
The recipe was great, but I think the chicken was a bit too salty. Maybe I added extra salt.
