Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic-Pepper Glaze
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a savory garlic and black pepper glaze that enhances the natural flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, freshly ground black pepper 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan using a wooden spoon. Let the liquid reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and the sauce becomes glossy.
- Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic-pepper glaze over it, and cook for 1 minute to reheat and coat evenly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic-Pepper Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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-Pepper Glaze?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic-Pepper Glaze?
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-Pepper Glaze 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-Pepper Glaze?
American 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.
