Welcome to our cooking jorney! Today, we are excited to share with you one of our go-to weeknight dinner recipes: Juicy Garlic Pan-Seared Chicken Breast. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, and the addition of garlic and green onions brings incredible aroma and taste to the dish.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy & Flavorful: Skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein option, and with a light seasoning and minimal oil, this dish is a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for your own personal touches. Whether it’s your favorite seasoning or an extra splash of garlic, you can tweak it to suit your tastes.
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Ingredients:
For this delicious pan-seared garlic chicken, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3-4 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (choose your favorite blend)
- 2 tablespoons sherry (for deglazing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for a pop of color and flavor)
Recommended Side:
- Steamed or sautéed collard greens (or your favorite green veggie!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your vegetables. Clean and chop the green onions, ensuring that you discard any wilted parts. Set them aside.
For the garlic, slice the cloves thinly and set them aside with the onions. The garlic will be sautéed to infuse the olive oil with its flavor, so you want thin slices that will cook quickly but not burn.
2. Preheat the Skillet
Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped green onions and sliced garlic to the pan. Important: Keep the heat at medium or lower, as you don’t want the garlic to overcook and become bitter. Stir frequently.
Cook the garlic and onions until they turn a light golden brown, ensuring that you don’t overcook them. Garlic can burn quickly, and when it does, it turns bitter, so watch carefully and stir often.
Once the garlic reaches a beautiful golden hue, remove it from the pan and set it aside for later.
3. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts
While your garlic and onions are sautéing, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Chicken breasts are often thick, which can make cooking them evenly a challenge. By butterflying the chicken, you ensure quicker, even cooking.
To butterfly the chicken:
- Take each chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut through the middle horizontally.
- Be sure not to cut all the way through—leave a small section intact so the breast opens up like a book, giving it a heart-like shape.
This step helps ensure that the chicken breasts cook evenly and stay tender.
4. Season the Chicken
Now, take the butterflied chicken breasts and rub them down with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, season the chicken with your favorite poultry seasoning. If the seasoning blend contains salt, you can skip adding extra salt. Otherwise, sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the chicken to enhance its flavor.
Feel free to season both sides, and don’t hesitate to use other herbs or spices you love. The garlic and green onions pair wonderfully with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even paprika.
5. Sear the Chicken
With the skillet still hot (add a bit more olive oil if needed), place the chicken breasts into the pan. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in all the juices, but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks through.
Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, flipping them when the first side is golden brown. By cooking them on medium heat, you allow the chicken to develop a flavorful crust while staying juicy on the inside.
6. Deglaze the Pan
Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F), it’s time to add back the garlic and green onions. Return the sautéed veggies to the pan and add 2 tablespoons of sherry to deglaze.
Deglazing helps lift all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and creates a delicious sauce to drizzle over the chicken. Stir the veggies and sherry around the pan, scraping up any browned bits to maximize flavor.
Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.
7. Let the Chicken Rest
After cooking, it’s crucial to let the chicken rest before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite is juicy and tender. Cover the chicken with a lid or foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
8. Serve
Once the chicken has rested, it’s time to plate it up! Serve each chicken breast with a generous helping of the sautéed garlic and green onions on top, along with a drizzle of the delicious pan sauce. Pair it with your favorite sides—steamed collard greens are a perfect match for this dish.
9. Enjoy!
Slice into the chicken breast and enjoy the juicy, flavorful meat paired with those perfectly sautéed veggies. The garlic adds a mellow sweetness, while the green onions bring a fresh bite. This simple yet incredibly flavorful meal is sure to become a weeknight staple in your home.
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Tips for Success:
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so be sure to cook it at a low to medium heat, stirring frequently. It should be golden, not dark brown.
- Sherry Substitute: If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can use white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- Resting the Chicken: Don’t skip the resting period! This step ensures that the chicken stays juicy after slicing.
Variations:
This garlic pan-seared chicken recipe is quite versatile, and there are many ways you can switch it up based on your preferences:
- Herb Lovers: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an earthy flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a slice of mozzarella on top of the chicken just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How do I keep my chicken breast juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it! By butterflying the chicken breast, you create thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly. Searing at medium heat also helps lock in moisture.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but the cooking time will increase. For bone-in chicken breasts, sear them the same way, but finish cooking them in the oven at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I serve with garlic pan-seared chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed collard greens, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad are great options.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Garlic Pan-Seared Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a simple yet impressive dish for guests, this recipe won’t disappoint. The tender chicken, infused with garlic and green onions, creates a flavorful, healthy meal that’s satisfying every time.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as we do. Happy cooking!
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