With just 3 simple ingredients and a 10-minute cooking time, this Healthy Pan-Seared Chicken is such a great weeknight dinner option. You can shred it or dice it, and pair the chicken with almost anything else your family likes. You definitely want to bookmark this recipe!
This skillet chicken recipe is quick and easy—and it’s super moist and flavorful. All of that makes it a perfect healthy chicken recipe to make for your family. And it’s a great recipe to try with kids who aren’t huge fans of meat or poultry because it’s very soft and easy to chew.
This chicken recipe is so darn easy to make that it’s really one of my favorite ways to serve up protein to my family during the week.
Slicing the garlic is all the prep work you need to do, in addition to opening the package of chicken, of course! You can serve it diced or shredded to suit a variety of different ages and chewing abilities.
(You may also like my Instant Pot Butter Chicken, Lemon Broccoli Pasta, and Pizza Rolls.)
Why This Recipe Works
The heat from the pan creates a perfectly seared chicken that’s moist, flavorful, and easy for kids to eat diced or shredded. And it’s entirely fuss-free for you!
Table of Contents
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Searing 101
Searing is a cooking technique that means that the surface of the food is cooked at a higher temperature to form a browned crust. This locks in the moisture and adds a pleasant color. It’s a very simple cooking process that requires no special skills!
I like to use chicken tenders in this recipe since they are thin and cook really fast. The texture is also great for kids since they are very moist when cooked in a skillet. You could also do this with chicken thighs or chicken breasts, though you’ll want to increase the cooking time for each.
TIP: A good rule is to cook either of those thicker cuts until they are almost opaque before flipping them over. Then they’ll cook through quickly.
Ingredients You Need
To make this Pan-Seared Chicken recipe you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Chicken tenders: These cook quickly in the recipe and are seriously moist and tender—which makes it very easy for babies and toddlers to chew and enjoy.
- Garlic and salt (optional): Each adds flavor. You can use garlic powder if you prefer. You can omit the salt if sharing with a baby, then salt your own portion.
- Olive oil: I use olive oil as the fat in the pan to sear the chicken. You can also use butter if you prefer the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this 10-Minute Pan-Seared Chicken recipe. You need only chicken tenders, garlic, oil and salt! Scroll down to find the full, detailed recipe.
Step 1. Warm the oil or butter in a large skillet.
Step 2. Add the chicken tenders. Top with the sliced garlic. Sprinkle with salt. Cover and cook.
Step 3. Cover and cook. Flip over and cook until done.
Step 4. Serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer to use a nonstick skillet for this recipe, though you can use a stainless steel one or cast iron if you prefer. (If you have concerns about nonstick pans, this Parents story may help you worry less.)
This chicken is a lean cut and is paired with olive oil and garlic, all of which are healthy ingredients to share with your family.
We like this chicken with simple sides like rice or another grain and sauteed or roasted veggies. It’s also great with cornbread or with toast. It’s very versatile since it’s fairly basic, so you can add many different carbohydrates and produce to your liking!
This chicken is very moist so you can dice it or shred it for your child depending on what works best for them. You could even shred it to use in tacos or sandwiches or pasta!
How to Store
Store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken, once cooled, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use in Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, as a lunch component, or any other way your family enjoys.
Best Tips for Success
- Use chicken tenders for quick and even cooking.
- Cover the pan before you flip the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
- Add sliced garlic on the chicken for flavor. You can remove the garlic before serving if desired.
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or salsa if desired.
- You may also like my Baked Chicken Tenders, Chicken Nuggets, and my Crispy Baked Fish Sticks.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe so please comment below!
Easy Pan-Seared Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 garlic clove (peeled and sliced)
- Salt
Instructions
- Warm the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken tenders and top with the sliced garlic. Sprinkle with salt.
- Cover and cook for 4 minutes. Remove cover.
- Flip over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes uncovered. Cook until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F.
Equipment
Notes
- Store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken, once cooled, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use in Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, as a lunch component, or any other way your family enjoys.
- Use chicken tenders for quick and even cooking.
- Cover the pan before you flip the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
- Add sliced garlic on the chicken for flavor. You can remove the garlic before serving if desired.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or salsa if desired.
- Serve shredded or diced, according to what will work best for your child.
Nutrition
This post was first posted June 2019.
Looks yummy, I will definitely try this recipe .
Can left overs be frozen ? If so, how long ?
Sure, for up to about 6 months.
My kids loved it, and it was so easy to prepare!
If using chicken breast, do you recommend cutting it into smaller strips before cooking or just longer cooking time? Sorry. I’m a vegetarian trying to cook for a carnivore toddler and husband 🙂
Either one—you could easily cut them up with a pair of kitchen scissors into smaller pieces and then the cooking time should be about the same.
Do you have any recommendation for the sauce the use with?
You could add any dip you like such as ketchup, bbq sauce, marinara sauce, etc. We actually usually eat it without sauce since it’s moist and has a lot of flavor.
Hi! Do you think this chicken would freeze well also?
Yes, I would think so, though heat it briefly to serve to avoid overcooking it and making it tough.