Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Smoky Paprika and Roasted Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts seasoned with smoky paprika paired with golden roasted potatoes make a comforting meal perfect for weeknights. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs smoked paprika, garlic powder, divided salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 2 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 lb cubed yellow potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Rub evenly with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on one side until golden and edges are crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and reduce heat to medium. Cook an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over both breasts. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Step 6: Serve sliced chicken alongside roasted potatoes garnished with extra rosemary if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Smoky Paprika and Roasted Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Smoky Paprika and Roasted Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Smoky Paprika and Roasted Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Smoky Paprika and Roasted Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Smoky Paprika and Roasted Potatoes?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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