Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoked Paprika and Garlic Butter

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with smoked paprika and finished with garlic butter for a rich, flavorful meal. This chicken recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, smoked paprika, salt 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, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts carefully and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter and garlic over the chicken continuously for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the butter is fragrant.
5. Step 5: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.