• Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together and cook up a juicy, flavorful chicken breast. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time!

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

• Use paper towel to gently dry the chicken breasts. This helps to achieve that golden, crispy sear on the outside. Plus, it helps the seasonings stick better!
• Season generously: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and give it a beautiful color.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

• Get your skillet hot: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.Drop olive oil into the pan before warming it to grease the surface. The oil should shimmer—this means it’s ready to go!
• Don’t rush the heating process! A properly heated pan ensures you get a crispy, seared exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Add the chicken to the pan: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if your skillet is small, work in batches.
• Don’t touch it: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes on the first side. You want that gorgeous brown crust to form. Resist the urge to move it around; it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic

• Flip the chicken: After 5 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breasts to cook the other side.
• Add the flavor: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Once the butter starts to melt, toss in the minced garlic. Let the garlic sauté for a minute, infusing the butter with flavor.
• Baste the chicken: Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken while it cooks. This will keep it moist and tender, infusing it with savory goodness. The smell alone is irresistible!

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken

• Cook for another 5-7 minutes: After flipping, continue to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here to ensure perfect doneness.
• Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, so your chicken stays tender and juicy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Slice and serve: Once rested, slice the chicken against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve with your favorite side dishes, or drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce in the pan.