Prepare the chicken breasts:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them gently with a meat mallet to even out their thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Season the chicken:

Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.

Heat the pan:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Cook the chicken:

Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a nice golden crust to form. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest the chicken:

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices.

Serve:

Slice the chicken breasts and serve them as a main dish or use them in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.