1-First Step: Prep the chicken Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better instead of steaming in the pan. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly coat each piece with the 1/4 cup of flour. Shake off any extra flour so you get a thin, even coating rather than a heavy breading layer.

2-Second Step: Heat the pan Set a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter or olive oil and let it melt or warm up fully. Once the fat is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. You should hear a gentle sizzle right away. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken may steam, so give each piece a little space if you can.

3-Third Step: Cook the chicken on the first side Let the chicken cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving it too much. This gives it a chance to form a golden crust. Once it releases easily from the pan, flip it over and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is light browning, not a dark crust that tastes bitter.

4-Fourth Step: Add the garlic and build the sauce When the chicken is nearly cooked through, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and stir it around the pan for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, not burned. Next, pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey or maple syrup. Stir everything together so the sauce starts to bubble and coat the chicken.

5-Fifth Step: Let the sauce thicken Keep the chicken in the skillet and spoon sauce over the top as it simmers. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes more, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce should look glossy and slightly thickened. If it seems too thin, give it another minute or two to reduce. If it seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water.

6-Final Step: Rest and serve Move the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices settle so the chicken stays tender when you slice it. Spoon the sauce from the pan over the top before serving. This dish is delicious with rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad.