Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, topped with a fresh, zesty avocado salsa featuring roasted garlic and lime. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, medium, diced avocado, whole cloves garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Whole30 cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 whole garlic cloves on a small baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: While garlic roasts, season 2 chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove roasted garlic from oven, peel and mash cloves finely. In a bowl, combine mashed roasted garlic, diced 1 medium avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently to create the salsa.
  4. Step 4: Plate the seared chicken breasts and spoon the avocado-garlic salsa evenly over each piece. Serve immediately while warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Avocado Salsa?

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 Roasted Garlic and Avocado Salsa 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Avocado Salsa whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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