Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spanish Smoked Paprika
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with garlic and smoky Spanish paprika for a vibrant, flavorful dish. This spanish-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, smoked Spanish paprika 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 12 oz total) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and edges become crispy.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken and immediately add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan, sautéing with the chicken for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from heat, let rest for 3 minutes, then slice and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spanish 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spanish 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spanish 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spanish 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Spanish Smoked Paprika?
Spanish 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.